Indonesian cuisine

Vegetarian Journal, July-August, 2003 by Nancy Berkoff

DESSERTS:

Fragrant fresh fruit and fruit juices are plentiful in Indonesia and make lovely desserts. However, when Indonesian cooks create a dessert, it's luscious and creamy.

KOLAK PISANG (SWEET
BANANA COMPOTE)
(Serves 4-6)

From West Java, this compote is
an indulgence. It is flavored with
daun pandan, a fragrant, flat leaf
whose closest relative is the pine.

5 ripe, medium-sized bananas, peeled
  and cut into thick (about 2-inch) slices
1 Tablespoon lemon juice
1 cup water
1 cup vegan granulated sweetener
One 4-inch piece of daun pandan or
  1 teaspoon ground cardamom and
  1 teaspoon ground doves
1/2 cup coconut milk
1 Tablespoon cornstarch mixed into
  2 Tablespoons cold water

Toss bananas with lemon juice,
cover, and set aside.

In a medium pot, boil water,
sweetener, and seasonings (daun
pandan or cardamom and cloves)
until they are thick and syrupy,
about 10 minutes. Lower heat
and add coconut milk slowly,
stirring. Add cornstarch and mix
well to combine. Add bananas,
lower heat to a simmer, and allow
to cook until thickened (like a
thin custard), about 15 minutes,
stirring occasionally. Serve hot on
its own or over a lemon sorbet.

Total calories per serving: 335
Carbohydrates: 87 grams
Sodium: 37 milligrams
Fat: <1 gram
Protein: 1 gram
Fiber: 5 grams

COCONUT RICE
(Serves 4)

It's creamy, it's smooth, it's sinful!

2 cans (28 ounces) unsweetened coconut
  milk
1 1/2 caps Jasmine rice
1 teaspoon ground ginger
1 teaspoon ground cardamom
2 teaspoons vegan granulated sweetener

In a medium saucepan, combine
milk and rice. Bring to a boil,
stirring occasionally. Reduce heat
to low, cover, and cook for 10
minutes, stirring occasionally
so rice does not stick.

Uncover and continue to cook
over low heat, stirring. Add ginger,
cardamom, and sweetener.
Stir and cook until rice is creamy
and tender, about 15 minutes.
If more liquid is required, water
can be added (no more than 1/2
cup at a time).

Total calories per serving: 500
Carbohydrates: 30 grams
Sodium: 27 milligrams
Fat: 42 grams
Protein: 6 grams
Fiber: 2 grams

Note: If you'd like to locate some Indonesian ingredients, you can scope out your local Southeast Asian market or do a web search. We've also found the following companies to be helpful:

1) Global Food Market 5699 Kanan Road, Ste. 333, Agoura Hills, CA 91301 (818) 706-6044 <www.globalfoodmarket.com> Minimum $25 order.

2) Vanns Spices, Limited 1238 East Joppa Road, Baltimore, MD 21286 (410) 583-1693 e-mail: vanns@pop.balt.mindspring.com Minimum $25 order.

Nancy Berkoff, RD, EdD, CCE, is VRG's Food Service Advisor and the author of, most recently, Vegan Microwave Cookbook.