Rebong Masak Lemak (Bamboo Shoots in Spicy Coconut Gravy)

Dave DeWitt Leave a Comment

A Singapore Nonya favorite, this dish is cooked in a wok and can also be served with the Nasi Kunyit recipe found here. Find more recipes and read about Dave DeWitt’s Singapore trip in the article Singapore Fling By Dave De Witt

Ingredients

10 dried red chillis, such as Piquins, stems and seeds removed, soaked in hot water for 30 minutes, then coarsely chopped

2 cups grated coconut (fresh preferred)

5 cups water

5 almonds or cashews

l large piece ginger, peeled

3 stalks lemon grass

1 tablespoon ground turmeric

5 cloves garlic

1 tablespoon shrimp paste

10 shallots, peeled

1 tablespoon white pepper

1 tablespoon coriander

1/2 cup vegetable oil

2 pounds chicken, cut up

10 ounces cooked bamboo shoots, sliced lengthwise

2 tablespoons soy sauce 3 teaspoons sugar

Salt to taste

Instructions

Add 1 cup of water to the grated coconut and squeeze through cloth to make thick coconut milk. Reserve this milk. Add the rest of the water to the grated coconut and squeeze through cloth to make thin coconut milk. Reserve.

In a food processor, puree the next 7 ingredients to make a spice paste. Mix the pepper and coriander with this paste.

Heat the oil in a wok and fry the paste for about five minutes until it is fragrant. Add the chicken, bamboo shoots, and the thin coconut milk. Bring to a boil and then reduce the heat slightly and cook until the chicken is tender, about 20 minutes. Add the thick coconut milk, soy sauce, sugar, and salt and cook for another 10 minutes.

Udang Goreng Chilli Prawns in Chilli-Garlic Sauce

Dave DeWitt Recipes Leave a Comment

This simple dish is for people who like their seafood spicy. Find more recipes and read about Dave DeWitt’s Singapore trip in the article Singapore Fling By Dave De Witt

Ingredients

10 fresh red chillis such as Serranos

1/2 pound large prawns or substitute Gulf shrimp, peeled and deveined

10 cloves garlic

1/4 cup vegetable oil

2 tablespoons soy sauce (Kikkoman preferred)

Instructions

Trim the heads of the prawns by removing the feelers but leave the heads on. Wash the prawns and pat dry.

In a food processor, puree the chillis and garlic together to make a rough paste.

Heat the oil in a wok, and when it smokes, add the chilli-garlic paste and stir fry until fragrant. Add the prawns and stir fry until the shells turn red, about 5 minutes. Add the soy sauce and stir fry until well-mixed, about 1 minute. Serve with hot steamed rice.

Singapore Sling

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This famous drink was invented in 1903 by Raffles Hotel bartender Ngiam Tong Boon. There are many variations on this potent potable, but this one seems to be the most authentic. Find more recipes and read about Dave DeWitt’s Singapore trip in the article Singapore Fling By Dave De Witt

Ingredients

1 jigger sloe gin

1/2 jigger dry gin

1/2 jigger apricot brandy

1/2 jigger cherry brandy

1 teaspoon sugar

Juice of 1/2 lime

1 cherry (garnish)

1 slice pineapple (garnish)

1 slice orange (garnish)

Seltzer water

Instructions

Combine the first six ingredients in a 12-ounce glass and stir well to dissolve the sugar. Add ice cubes and top off with seltzer water. Stir slightly, add the gar-nishes, and serve.

Adzhiga

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This fresh red pepper paste is popular among those Russians who like spicy foods. Use this as a condiment to accompany grilled meats, or stir a tablespoon or two into soups and stews, as a flavor enhancer. You can find other recipes and read about the Russian Far East in the article Siberian Hot Stuff By Sharon Hudgins

 

Ingredients

3 large red jalapeño peppers (about 1/4 pound), coarsely chopped
2 red bell peppers (about 1/2 pound), seeded, deveined, and coarsely chopped
8 large garlic cloves, quartered
1/2 teaspoon salt (or more, to taste)

Instructions

Put all the ingredients into a food processor and use the pulse control to process them into a coarse, thick paste. The mixture should not be pureed or liquified. Transfer the adzhiga to a clean class jar, cover tightly, and refrigerate for 2 to 3 days to let the flavors ripen. Taste and add more salt if desired.

Chicken and Beef Satay with Spicy Peanut Sauce

Dave DeWitt Recipes Leave a Comment

This recipe, by Chef Abdul Wahab of the Equatorial Penang Hotel in Penang, Malaysia, is a classic Malay dish that combines the heat of chillis with the nutty taste of peanuts and the exotic fragrances of the Spice Islands. Note: This recipe requires advance preparation.

Find more recipes and read about Dave DeWitt’s Singapore trip in the article Singapore Fling By Dave De Witt

Ingredients

The Marinade:

4 large pieces of ginger, peeled

5 cloves garlic, peeled

3 shallots, peeled

1 teaspoon cumin seed

1 teaspoon anise seed

1 tablespoon ground turmeric

3 pieces lemon grass

2 teaspoons sugar

1 pound boneless chicken, cut into strips

The Peanut Sauce:

1/2 cup red chilli paste (or red chillis pureed with water)

1/4 cup peanut oil

5 cloves garlic, peeled and minced 3 shallots, peeled and minced

3 pieces lemon grass, minced

3 large pieces ginger, peeled and minced

2 tablespoons poppy seeds

4 tablespoons minced cashews 1/4 cup minced peanuts

1 teaspoon tamarind paste (optional)

2 teaspoons sugar

Diced cucumbers and onions for garnish

Instructions

Combine the first 8 ingredients in a food processor and puree, adding a little water if necessary. Marinate the chicken and beef strips in this mixture for 12 hours.

Heat the peanut oil in a pan and add the chilli paste and the next 6 ingredients. Simmer for about 30 minutes, stirring occasionally. Add the remaining ingredients and simmer for an additional 5 minutes.

To Assemble:
Thread the chicken and beef strips on separate satay sticks which have been soaked in water. Grill the satay sticks over coals until the meats are done, about 10 minutes, tuuming often.

Serve the satays with the sauce on the side and garnished with diced cucumbers and onions.