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Nasi Goreng: Indonesian Fried Rice, Vegan-Style

Nasi Goreng Rice BowlThis Indonesian twist on fried rice is high on taste and is a great cold weather dish as well as a favorite way to use leftover rice.  It’s also a real budget stretcher as it is very inexpensive to put together.

Traditionally, the recipe is topped with fried egg omelet so the added seitan or tofu is a vegan-friendly substitution.  The chile pepper gives a nice kick too.

We like it so much that we’ve even made rice a day ahead to be sure we’d be ready.

Nasi Goreng VeggiesIngredients:

 4 Small shallots, peeled or ½ small onion

3 Cloves garlic, peeled

3 Tbsp. whole raw almonds

1 Small chile pepper, seeded

2 Tbsp. peanut or other high heat oil (organic)

2 Cups finely chopped or shredded vegetables, (pepper, carrot, cabbage, broccoli, peas, etc.)

1-2 Cups minced seitan or barbecued tofu(optional)

2 Tbsp. soy sauce

Nasi Goreng Seitan Pieces2 Tbsp. kecap manis, (obtain at Asian srore or the Internet or substitute 1 tbsp. molasses and 1 Tbsp. reduced sodium soy sauce)

4 Cups cooked and cooled rice, best leftover (brown preferable)

2 Scallions, thinly sliced

1 Medium tomato, sliced

½ Small cucumber, sliced

3-4 Sprigs Cilantro, chopped

Lime Wedges

 Nasi Goreng Close Up PanHow to Make it:

Make the Almond-Chile Paste:  Place shallots (or onion), garlic, almonds and chiles in a food processor and process to a thick paste. Heat 1 tablespoon oil over medium-high heat. Add the paste and cook until fragrant, about 2 minutes. Transfer to a small bowl.

Cook the Veggies:  Heat remaining oil over medium-high heat. Add vegetables and cook, stirring, until just cooked, about 2 minutes. Add the seitan if using and stir until lightly browned, about 2 minutes. 

Fry the Rice:  Add almond-chile paste to the veggies and seitan or tofu along with soy sauce, kecap manis (or molasses mixture) and rice and stir until combined and heated through, about 2-4 minutes more.

Nasi Goreng Pan Close UpArrange for Eating:  Transfer the Nasi Goreng to a platter. Top with the cilantro and scallions. Arrange tomato and cucumber slices around the edges.  Serve with lime wedges.

Nasi Goreng BowlEnjoy!  Serves 4-6.

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