Rendang

Description:

Rendang is a dish which originated from the Minangkabau ethnic group of Indonesia, and is now commonly served across the country. One of the characteristic foods of Minangkabau culture, it is served at ceremonial occasions and to honour guests. Also popular in Malaysia, Singapore, Brunei, the southern Philippines and southern Thailand, rendang is traditionally prepared by the Malay community during festive occasions. Though rendang is sometimes described as being like a curry, and the name is sometimes applied to curried meat dishes in Malaysia, authentic rendang is nothing like a curry.[1] In Malay classical literature, rendang is mentioned in Hikayat Amir Hamzah as early as the 1550s.

In 2011 an online poll by 35,000 people held by CNN International chose Rendang as the number one dish of their 'World’s 50 Most Delicious Foods' list.

Country of origin:

Indonesia

How to make "Rendang" (Recipe):

Ingredients

3/8 pound shallots

3 cloves garlic

15 dried red chile peppers

5 slices fresh ginger root

5 lemon grass, chopped

2 teaspoons coriander seeds

2 teaspoons fennel seeds

2 teaspoons cumin seeds

1 pinch grated nutmeg

1 tablespoon vegetable oil

1 1/4 pounds beef stew meat, cut into 1 inch cubes

1 1/2 tablespoons white sugar

2 cups shredded coconut

5 whole cloves

1 cinnamon stick

1 2/3 cups coconut milk

7/8 cup water

salt to taste

Directions:

Heat the coconut in a dry wok, stirring continuously until golden brown. Set aside to cool.

Using a blender or a food processor, blend the shallots, garlic, chilies, ginger, and lemon grass to a thick paste.

Grind the coriander, fennel, cumin and nutmeg.

Using the wok, fry the shallot paste in a little oil for a few minutes. Add the ground coriander, fennel, cumin and nutmeg; cook for 3 to 4 minutes, stirring continuously. Add beef; cook over a medium heat for a further 3 to 4 minutes, or until meat is browned.

Stir in sugar, coconut, cloves, cinnamon stick, coconut milk , and water. Bring to a boil, lower heat, and simmer until most of the liquid has gone and the meat is tender (about 1 hour). Season with salt to taste.