Hearty Healthy Nasi Lemak

Dubbed as the national dish, it is no surprise that nasi lemak is the most popular dish in Malaysia. It is a resemblance of national identity, a representation of our vibrant culinary heritage … the dish is unmistakably Malaysian. This dish consists of fragrant coconut rice, boiled egg, sambal on the side, slices of cucumbers, crunchy anchovies and nuts. To elevate your nasi lemak experience, opt for the many side dishes available, such as fried chicken, rendang, fried squid or kangkung belacan for an extra kick of flavour. A simple meal that graces the palate of many Malaysians, the nasi lemak started its humble origins as a farmer’s meal. A long day of toiling in the field meant having a filling dish ready for on-the-go eating was essential. The rice, oils, and fish provided a balanced diet in one packet and is easily prepared too — a recipe of Malay origin, the dish is made of seafront harvests, coconuts and fish, the ideal metaphor of idyllic village life back in those days. Today, there are endless variations of the nasi lemak recipe as chefs and locals adapt and improvise the nasi lemak recipe to suit cultural preferences and present trends. Nasi lemak recipe also varies in different regions throughout the country. As our lifestyle changes, our nasi lemak recipe can be adapted to our current needs. The shift of working patterns from back-breaking farm work to desk jobs meant that we do not require meals saturated with carbohydrates — why not go for a healthier nasi lemak recipe? Firstly, stir fry some shallots, ginger and garlic until fragrant in a pan. Next, add in some rice and stir it for a while, then transfer the rice into a rice cooker and pour in water, milk, MAGGI® CukupRasa™ and pandan leaves. Substituting coconut milk for UHT full cream milk gives you the calcium your body needs, while pandan leaves create a similar fragrance to coconut milk. Lastly, cook it in a rice cooker and serve it with sambal and condiments. Want to explore more quick and healthy side dishes to go with your nasi lemak recipe? Check out MAGGI® recipes for a wide selection of healthy recipes, such as healthy stir-fried spinach, quail eggs sambal and lemongrass chicken.

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