Embark on a culinary journey through the heart of Indonesia with this Nomi recipe, a delicious dessert that's not just simple to make but also rich in tradition. This guide is designed for beginners looking to explore authentic Indonesian cuisine, providing an easy-to-follow recipe for Nomi, a steamed rice flour cake with coconut milk, sweetened and flavored with pandan leaves or palm sugar syrup.
Ingredients for Nomi:
- 1 cup rice flour
- 1 cup tapioca flour
- 1/4 cup sugar
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 can (13.5 oz) coconut milk
- 1 cup water
- 2 pandan leaves or 1/2 teaspoon pandan extract
- 1/2 cup palm sugar, grated or chopped
🍮 Note: Pandan leaves can be replaced with pandan extract for color and flavor.
Steps to Make Nomi:
1. Preparing the Batter:
- In a large mixing bowl, combine rice flour, tapioca flour, sugar, and salt.
- Heat coconut milk and water together in a pan until just warm. Add pandan leaves or extract for flavor.
- Gradually add the warm liquid to the dry ingredients, mixing thoroughly to avoid lumps.
🍳 Note: Ensure the liquid is warm but not hot to avoid cooking the flour before steaming.
2. Making Palm Sugar Syrup:
- In a small saucepan, melt grated palm sugar with 1⁄4 cup of water over low heat until it forms a syrup. Strain if needed to remove impurities.
- Set aside to cool, then pour into the bottom of your steaming containers for an extra layer of sweetness.
3. Steaming the Nomi:
- Grease steaming containers or cups.
- Pour the batter into the steaming containers, filling about 3⁄4 of the way up. Cover with greased plastic wrap or aluminum foil.
- Steam over medium heat for approximately 30 minutes or until firm. A toothpick inserted should come out clean.
4. Cooling and Serving:
- Allow the Nomi to cool before removing from the containers.
- Slice and serve with additional palm sugar syrup or coconut milk for enhanced flavor.
🔄 Note: You can make variations by adding food coloring for a vibrant look or by layering different colored batter.
Having learned the steps to make Nomi, you're now equipped to bring a taste of Indonesia to your kitchen. This dessert isn't just a treat for your palate but also a journey into Indonesian culinary arts. It's a wonderful way to impress guests or to explore new flavors at home. With its simplicity and the rich flavors it offers, Nomi can become your go-to dessert for any occasion.
Can I use regular sugar instead of palm sugar?
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Yes, you can use regular sugar, but palm sugar has a unique flavor that adds to the authenticity of Nomi. You might adjust the amount of regular sugar to taste.
How long does Nomi keep?
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Nomi can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Re-steam or microwave briefly before serving to refresh its texture.
What can I use if I don’t have a steamer?
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If you don’t have a steamer, you can make a makeshift one. Fill a large pot with about an inch of water and place a heatproof dish or bowl upside down in the water. Then, place your steaming container on top of the bowl, ensuring the water doesn’t touch the bottom of the container. Cover the pot with a lid and steam.
Can I freeze Nomi?
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Nomi can be frozen for up to 2 months. Thaw it in the refrigerator overnight, and then reheat using a steamer or microwave before serving.
What are some variations of Nomi?
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Variations include adding different flavors like vanilla or pandan extract, coloring the batter with natural food dyes, or layering different colored batter to create striped effects. You can also serve it with a sauce made from coconut milk and palm sugar for a richer taste.
