Discover the authentic taste of Malaysia with our Nasi Kerabu recipe. This vibrant blue-colored rice dish, naturally dyed with butterfly pea flowers, is served with a flavorful fish, spicy sambal, and an array of traditional side dishes. Perfect for those looking to explore Southeast Asian cuisine, this recipe offers a delightful blend of flavors and colors that will impress any food lover.

Ingredients:

For the Blue Rice:

 - 2 cups jasmine rice

 - 1 cup butterfly pea flowers (dried or fresh)

 - 3 cups water

 - 1 pandan leaf (optional)

 - Salt to taste

For the Fish:

 - 2 medium-sized mackerel or any white fish

 - 1 tbsp turmeric powder

 - Salt to taste

 - 2 tbsp cooking oil

For the Sambal:

 - 10 dried chilies (soaked and blended)

 - 5 fresh red chilies (blended)

 - 3 cloves garlic (minced)

 - 2 shallots (minced)

 - 1 tbsp tamarind paste

 - 1 tbsp sugar

 - Salt to taste

 - 2 tbsp cooking oil

Side Dishes:

 - 1 cucumber (sliced)

 - 1/2 cup bean sprouts

 - 1/4 cup shredded coconut (toasted)

 - 1 boiled egg (halved)

 - Fresh herbs (such as mint, basil, or daun kesum)

 - Fried crispy anchovies

Instructions:

Prepare the Blue Rice:

  - Boil 3 cups of water and add butterfly pea flowers. Let it steep for 10-15 minutes until the water turns blue. Strain the water to remove the flowers.

  - Rinse the jasmine rice and add it to a rice cooker. Pour in the blue water, pandan leaf (if using), and a pinch of salt. Cook until the rice is fluffy and blue.

Cook the Fish:

  - Clean and marinate the fish with turmeric powder and salt. Heat cooking oil in a pan and fry the fish until golden brown on both sides. Set aside.

Prepare the Sambal:

  - Heat oil in a pan and sauté minced garlic, shallots, and blended chilies until fragrant.

  - Add tamarind paste, sugar, and salt. Cook until the sambal thickens and the oil separates from the paste. Adjust seasoning as needed.

Assemble the Dish:

  - Serve a portion of the blue rice on a plate. Add the fried fish on the side.

  - Arrange the cucumber slices, bean sprouts, toasted coconut, boiled egg, and fresh herbs around the rice.

  - Add a generous spoonful of sambal on the side and top with fried crispy anchovies.

Enjoy:

  - Mix everything together before eating to fully enjoy the blend of flavors and textures.

Notes:

- Butterfly pea flowers give the rice its distinctive blue color. You can adjust the intensity of the color by steeping more or fewer flowers in water.

- Feel free to add or substitute side dishes based on your preference.

Nutritional Values

Jasmine Rice

 - Calories: 205

 - Carbohydrates: 45 g

 - Protein: 4 g

 - Fat: 0.4 g

 - Fiber: 0.6 g

Benefits:

 - Provides energy and is a good source of carbohydrates.

 - Low in fat and cholesterol.

Butterfly Pea Flowers

 - Calories: 50

 - Carbohydrates: 12 g

 - Protein: 2 g

 - Fat: 0.5 g

Benefits:

 - Rich in antioxidants and may help reduce stress and anxiety.

 - Supports eye health due to its high content of anthocyanins.

Mackerel (Fish)

 - Calories: 305

 - Protein: 25 g

 - Carbohydrates: 0 g

 - Fat: 22 g

 - Omega-3 Fatty Acids: 4 g

Benefits:

 - High in protein and healthy fats, including omega-3 fatty acids.

 - Supports heart health and brain function.

Dried Chilies

 - Calories: 282

 - Carbohydrates: 56 g

 - Protein: 12 g

 - Fat: 6 g

Benefits:

 - Rich in vitamins A and C.

 - Contains capsaicin, which may boost metabolism and reduce pain.

Fresh Red Chilies

 - Calories: 40

 - Carbohydrates: 9 g

 - Protein: 2 g

 - Fat: 0.2 g

Benefits:

 - High in vitamins A, C, and E.

 - May help improve digestion and reduce inflammation.

Garlic

 - Calories: 149

 - Carbohydrates: 33 g

 - Protein: 6 g

 - Fat: 0.5 g

Benefits:

 - Contains allicin, which may boost the immune system and reduce blood pressure.

 - Supports heart health and has antimicrobial properties.

Shallots

 - Calories: 72

 - Carbohydrates: 16 g

 - Protein: 2 g

 - Fat: 0.1 g

Benefits:

 - High in antioxidants and vitamins A, C, and B6.

 - May help with digestion and reduce inflammation.

Tamarind Paste

 - Calories: 239

 - Carbohydrates: 63 g

 - Protein: 2 g

 - Fat: 0.6 g

Benefits:

 - Rich in vitamins C and B complex.

 - May aid digestion and provide a laxative effect.

Sugar

 - Calories: 387

 - Carbohydrates: 100 g

 - Protein: 0 g

 - Fat: 0 g

Benefits:

 - Provides quick energy but should be consumed in moderation due to its high calorie content.

Cucumber

 - Calories: 16

 - Carbohydrates: 4 g

 - Protein: 0.7 g

 - Fat: 0.1 g

Benefits:

 - High water content helps with hydration.

 - Contains vitamins and minerals like vitamin K and potassium.

Bean Sprouts

 - Calories: 30

 - Carbohydrates: 6 g

 - Protein: 3 g

 - Fat: 0.2 g

Benefits:

 - Rich in vitamins C and K.

 - Supports digestive health and may boost the immune system.

Toasted Coconut

 - Calories: 658

 - Carbohydrates: 23 g

 - Protein: 7 g

 - Fat: 65 g

Benefits:

 - High in healthy fats and fiber.

 - Provides energy and supports heart health.

Boiled Egg

 - Calories: 70

 - Carbohydrates: 0.6 g

 - Protein: 6 g

 - Fat: 5 g

Benefits:

 - Excellent source of high-quality protein.

 - Contains essential vitamins and minerals, including vitamin B12 and selenium.

Fresh Herbs (Mint, Basil, Daun Kesum)

 - Calories: 23-43

 - Carbohydrates: 3-7 g

 - Protein: 2-3 g

 - Fat: 0.5-1 g

Benefits:

 - Rich in vitamins A and C.

 - May aid in digestion and have anti-inflammatory properties.

Fried Crispy Anchovies

 - Calories: 221

 - Carbohydrates: 0 g

 - Protein: 30 g

 - Fat: 10 g

Benefits:

 - High in protein and omega-3 fatty acids.

 - Supports bone health and cardiovascular health.

These ingredients not only enhance the flavor and appearance of Nasi Kerabu but also provide various health benefits, making this dish a nutritious and delicious option.