Discover the authentic recipe for Lamprais, a flavorful Dutch-Burgher dish featuring aromatic rice cooked with a blend of spices and curry. Wrapped in banana leaves for a unique taste and presentation, this dish combines rich flavors and cultural heritage in every bite. Perfect for a hearty meal, Lamprais is a must-try for food enthusiasts looking to explore Dutch-Burgher cuisine.

Ingredients:

- For the Rice:

 - 2 cups basmati rice

 - 1 onion, finely chopped

 - 2 cloves garlic, minced

 - 1-inch piece of ginger, minced

 - 2 tablespoons curry powder

 - 1 teaspoon turmeric

 - 1 teaspoon cumin

 - 1 teaspoon coriander

 - 1 cinnamon stick

 - 2 cups chicken or vegetable broth

 - Salt to taste

 - 2 tablespoons vegetable oil

- For the Curry:

 - 500 grams chicken or beef, cut into pieces

 - 2 onions, finely chopped

 - 3 cloves garlic, minced

 - 1-inch piece of ginger, minced

 - 2 tablespoons curry powder

 - 1 teaspoon turmeric

 - 1 teaspoon cumin

 - 1 teaspoon coriander

 - 1 can (400ml) coconut milk

 - 2 tablespoons tomato paste

 - 1 tablespoon soy sauce

 - Salt to taste

 - 2 tablespoons vegetable oil

- Additional:

 - Banana leaves, cut into large squares (or aluminum foil as a substitute)

 - 1 cup cooked lentils

 - 1 cup boiled eggs (optional)

 - 1 cup fried onions for garnish

Instructions:

Prepare the Rice:

  - Rinse the basmati rice under cold water until the water runs clear. Soak the rice for 30 minutes, then drain.

  - Heat vegetable oil in a large pan over medium heat. Add the chopped onion, garlic, and ginger, and sauté until golden brown.

  - Stir in the curry powder, turmeric, cumin, coriander, and cinnamon stick. Cook for 1 minute until fragrant.

  - Add the rice to the pan and stir well to coat the rice with the spices.

  - Pour in the chicken or vegetable broth, add salt to taste, and bring to a boil. Reduce the heat, cover, and simmer for 15-20 minutes, or until the rice is cooked and the liquid is absorbed. Fluff with a fork and set aside.

Prepare the Curry:

  - Heat vegetable oil in a large pan over medium heat. Add the chopped onions, garlic, and ginger, and sauté until golden brown.

  - Stir in the curry powder, turmeric, cumin, and coriander. Cook for 1 minute until fragrant.

  - Add the chicken or beef pieces and cook until browned on all sides.

  - Stir in the tomato paste and cook for 2 minutes. Add the coconut milk and soy sauce, then bring to a simmer.

  - Cover and cook for 30 minutes, or until the meat is tender. Adjust salt to taste.

Assemble the Lamprais:

  - Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).

  - Lay out the banana leaves on a clean surface. If using aluminum foil, lay it out similarly.

  - Place a portion of rice in the center of each banana leaf square.

  - Top the rice with a portion of curry, lentils, and optional boiled eggs.

  - Fold the banana leaf over the rice and curry to form a neat packet. Secure with kitchen twine if necessary. If using aluminum foil, wrap tightly.

  - Arrange the packets on a baking tray and bake for 30 minutes.

Serve:

  - Remove the packets from the oven and let them cool slightly. Carefully unwrap and serve hot, garnished with fried onions if desired.

Enjoy your delicious Lamprais, a unique and flavorful Dutch-Burgher-inspired dish wrapped in banana leaves!

Nutritional values

For the Rice:

Basmati Rice (2 cups)

  - Calories: 680

  - Carbohydrates: 148g

  - Protein: 12g

Benefits: Basmati rice provides a good source of energy through carbohydrates. It has a lower glycemic index compared to other types of rice, which may be beneficial for blood sugar control.

Onion (1, finely chopped)

  - Calories: 45

  - Carbohydrates: 11g

  - Fiber: 1g

Benefits: Onions are rich in antioxidants and vitamins, supporting heart health and boosting the immune system.

Garlic (2 cloves, minced)

  - Calories: 15

Benefits: Garlic has antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties, which promote heart health and support the immune system.

Ginger (1-inch piece, minced)

  - Calories: ~10

Benefits: Ginger has anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties. It can aid digestion and reduce nausea.

Curry Powder (2 tablespoons)

  - Calories: 40

Benefits: Curry powder contains a blend of spices with potential health benefits, including anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties.

Turmeric (1 teaspoon)

  - Calories: 8

Benefits: Contains curcumin, known for its anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effects.

Cumin (1 teaspoon)

  - Calories: 8

Benefits: Cumin adds flavor and has antioxidant properties, supporting digestive health.

Coriander (1 teaspoon)

  - Calories: 6

Benefits: Coriander contains antioxidants and may aid digestion.

Cinnamon Stick (1)

  - Calories: 6

Benefits: Cinnamon has antioxidant properties and may help regulate blood sugar levels.

Chicken or Vegetable Broth (2 cups)

  - Calories: 20 (chicken); ~15 (vegetable)

Benefits: Adds flavor and nutrients. Chicken broth provides protein, while vegetable broth is lower in calories.

Salt (to taste)

  - Calories: 0

  - Sodium: Depends on the amount used

Benefits: Enhances flavor but should be used in moderation to avoid excessive sodium intake.

Vegetable Oil (2 tablespoons)

  - Calories: 240

  - Fat: 28g

Benefits: Provides healthy fats essential for cooking and flavor.

For the Curry:

Chicken or Beef (500 grams)

  - Calories: 750 (chicken); 1100 (beef)

  - Protein: 90g (chicken); 100g (beef)

Benefits: Provides high-quality protein necessary for muscle repair and growth. Chicken is lower in fat compared to beef.

Onion (2, finely chopped)

  - Calories: 90

  - Carbohydrates: 22g

  - Fiber: 2g

Benefits: Adds flavor and nutrients, including antioxidants.

Garlic (3 cloves, minced)

  - Calories: 22

Benefits: Provides health benefits similar to garlic used in the rice.

Ginger (1-inch piece, minced)

  - Calories: ~10

Benefits: Provides health benefits similar to ginger used in the rice.

Curry Powder (2 tablespoons)

  - Calories: 40

Benefits: Adds flavor and health benefits through its blend of spices.

Turmeric (1 teaspoon)

  - Calories: 8

Benefits: Provides curcumin, which has anti-inflammatory properties.

Cumin (1 teaspoon)

  - Calories: 8

Benefits: Adds flavor and antioxidant benefits.

Coriander (1 teaspoon)

  - Calories: 6

Benefits: Provides antioxidants and supports digestion.

Coconut Milk (1 can, 400ml)

  - Calories: 445

  - Fat: 48g

  - Carbohydrates: 6g

Benefits: Adds creaminess and provides healthy fats.

Tomato Paste (2 tablespoons)

  - Calories: 30

Benefits: Adds flavor and contributes vitamins and antioxidants.

Soy Sauce (1 tablespoon)

  - Calories: 10

  - Sodium: 1000mg

Benefits: Adds umami flavor but should be used in moderation due to high sodium content.

Vegetable Oil (2 tablespoons)

  - Calories: 240

  - Fat: 28g

Benefits: Provides healthy fats and flavor.

Additional:

Banana Leaves (or Aluminum Foil)

Benefits: Used for wrapping and cooking, adding a subtle flavor but not contributing significant nutrition.

Cooked Lentils (1 cup)

  - Calories: 230

  - Protein: 18g

  - Carbohydrates: 40g

  - Fiber: 16g

Benefits: Provides protein and fiber, similar to red lentils used in other recipes.

Boiled Eggs (1 cup, optional)

  - Calories: 155

  - Protein: 13g

  - Fat: 11g

Benefits: Adds protein and healthy fats.

Fried Onions (1 cup)

  - Calories: 150

  - Fat: 10g

  - Carbohydrates: 15g

Benefits: Adds flavor but also increases calorie and fat content.

This recipe combines a variety of ingredients that contribute to a flavorful and nutritious meal. Basmati rice and lentils provide carbohydrates and protein, while the spices and herbs offer antioxidants and enhance flavor. Coconut milk adds creaminess and healthy fats, and the choice of meat adds protein and richness. Using banana leaves or foil for wrapping enhances cooking without adding significant calories.