Discover the rich flavors of Rijsttafel, a traditional Dutch-Indonesian rice table experience. This diverse feast features an array of delectable dishes served with fragrant rice. Perfect for sharing with family and friends, Rijsttafel combines savory curries, spicy sambals, and aromatic side dishes for a memorable culinary adventure. Learn how to create this vibrant meal with our easy-to-follow recipe guide!

Ingredients:

For the Rice:

- 2 cups jasmine or basmati rice

- 4 cups water

- 1 teaspoon salt

For the Dishes:

Chicken Satay:

- 1 lb chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces

- 1/4 cup soy sauce

- 2 tablespoons peanut butter

- 2 tablespoons brown sugar

- 1 tablespoon vegetable oil

- 2 cloves garlic, minced

- 1 teaspoon ground coriander

- 1/2 teaspoon turmeric powder

Beef Rendang:

- 1 lb beef chuck, cut into cubes

- 1 cup coconut milk

- 1/2 cup beef broth

- 2 tablespoons tamarind paste

- 2 tablespoons brown sugar

- 1 tablespoon ground coriander

- 1 teaspoon turmeric powder

- 1 teaspoon paprika

- 2 cloves garlic, minced

- 2 shallots, minced

- 1 red chili, sliced

Gado-Gado Salad:

- 1 cup cabbage, shredded

- 1 cup bean sprouts

- 1 cup boiled potatoes, diced

- 1/2 cup boiled green beans

- 1/4 cup peanuts, crushed

Sambal:

- 5 red chilies, chopped

- 2 cloves garlic

- 1 tablespoon vegetable oil

- 1 tablespoon brown sugar

- 1 tablespoon lime juice

Fried Tempeh:

- 1 block tempeh, sliced

- 1/4 cup soy sauce

- 1 tablespoon vegetable oil

Pickled Vegetables:

- 1 cup carrots, sliced

- 1 cup cucumbers, sliced

- 1/4 cup vinegar

- 1/4 cup sugar

- 1/4 cup water

Instructions:

Prepare the Rice:

- Rinse the rice under cold water until the water runs clear.

- In a pot, combine the rice, water, and salt. Bring to a boil.

- Reduce heat, cover, and simmer for 15-20 minutes, or until the rice is cooked and water is absorbed. Fluff with a fork and set aside.

Make the Chicken Satay:

- In a bowl, mix soy sauce, peanut butter, brown sugar, vegetable oil, garlic, ground coriander, and turmeric powder.

- Marinate chicken pieces in the mixture for at least 1 hour.

- Thread chicken onto skewers and grill or broil until cooked through, about 5-7 minutes per side.

Prepare the Beef Rendang:

- Heat oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add garlic and shallots, and cook until softened.

- Add beef and brown on all sides.

- Stir in coconut milk, beef broth, tamarind paste, brown sugar, coriander, turmeric, paprika, and chili.

- Simmer for 1.5-2 hours, or until beef is tender and sauce is thickened. Stir occasionally.

Make the Gado-Gado Salad:

- In a large bowl, combine cabbage, bean sprouts, boiled potatoes, and green beans.

- Sprinkle with crushed peanuts before serving.

Prepare the Sambal:

- In a blender, combine chilies, garlic, and a pinch of salt.

- Heat oil in a pan, add the blended mixture, and cook for 5 minutes.

Stir in brown sugar and lime juice. Cook for an additional 5 minutes, then set aside.

Fry the Tempeh:

Heat oil in a pan over medium heat.

Fry tempeh slices until golden brown and crispy. Drain on paper towels.

Drizzle with soy sauce.

Pickle the Vegetables:

In a bowl, combine vinegar, sugar, and water.

Add carrots and cucumbers, and let sit for at least 30 minutes.

Serving:

Arrange all dishes on a large platter or individual plates alongside the rice. Enjoy the variety of flavors and textures for a traditional Rijsttafel experience!

Nutritional Values

2 Cups Jasmine or Basmati Rice

  - Calories: 130

  - Carbohydrates: 28g

  - Protein: 2.5g

Benefits:

  - Energy Source: Rich in carbohydrates, providing sustained energy.

  - Digestive Health: Easily digestible and gluten-free.

4 Cups Water

  - Calories: 0

  - Hydration: Essential for cooking and hydrating the rice.

1 Teaspoon Salt

  - Sodium: 387mg

Benefits:

  - Flavor Enhancer: Adds taste to the rice and balances other flavors.

Chicken Satay:

1 lb Chicken Breasts

  - Calories: 165

  - Protein: 31g

  - Fat: 3.6g

Benefits:

  - High-Quality Protein: Supports muscle growth and repair.

1/4 Cup Soy Sauce

  - Calories: 53

  - Sodium: 5,493mg

Benefits:

  - Rich in Umami: Enhances flavor depth in dishes.

2 Tablespoons Peanut Butter

  - Calories: 588

  - Protein: 25g

  - Fat: 50g

Benefits:

  - Healthy Fats: Provides monounsaturated fats for heart health.

2 Tablespoons Brown Sugar

  - Calories: 380

  - Carbohydrates: 98g

Benefits:

  - Adds Sweetness: Balances savory flavors in the dish.

1 Tablespoon Vegetable Oil

  - Calories: 884

  - Fat: 100g

Benefits:

  - Cooking Medium: Helps in frying and enhances texture.

2 Cloves Garlic (minced)

  - Calories: 149

  - Carbohydrates: 33g

Benefits:

  - Antibacterial: Boosts immune function and adds flavor.

1 Teaspoon Ground Coriander

  - Calories: 298

  - Carbohydrates: 55g

Benefits:

  - Digestive Aid: Helps in reducing bloating and promotes digestion.

1/2 Teaspoon Turmeric Powder

  - Calories: 354

  - Carbohydrates: 65g

Benefits:

  - Anti-Inflammatory: Known for its powerful anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties.

Beef Rendang:

1 lb Beef Chuck

  - Calories: 250

  - Protein: 26g

  - Fat: 17g

Benefits:

  - Rich in Iron: Supports oxygen transport in the body.

1 Cup Coconut Milk

  - Calories: 230

  - Fat: 24g

Benefits:

  - Healthy Fats: Contains medium-chain triglycerides that provide quick energy.

1/2 Cup Beef Broth

  - Calories: 15

  - Protein: 2g

Benefits:

  - Adds Richness: Enhances the depth of flavor in the dish.

2 Tablespoons Tamarind Paste

  - Calories: 239

  - Carbohydrates: 62g

Benefits:

  - Digestive Aid: Promotes digestion and adds a tangy flavor.

1 Teaspoon Paprika

  - Calories: 282

  - Carbohydrates: 54g

Benefits:

  - Anti-Inflammatory: Rich in antioxidants and adds a mild heat.

2 Shallots (minced)

  - Calories: 72

  - Carbohydrates: 17g

Benefits:

  - Heart Health: Contains flavonoids that support cardiovascular health.

1 Red Chili (sliced)

  - Calories: 40

  - Carbohydrates: 9g

Benefits:

  - Rich in Vitamin C: Boosts immunity and adds heat to the dish.

Gado-Gado Salad:

1 Cup Cabbage (shredded)

  - Calories: 25

  - Carbohydrates: 6g

Benefits:

  - Rich in Fiber: Supports digestive health and provides essential vitamins.

1 Cup Bean Sprouts

  - Calories: 31

  - Carbohydrates: 6g

Benefits:

  - Low-Calorie: Adds crunch and nutrition without adding too many calories.

1 Cup Boiled Potatoes (diced)

  - Calories: 77

  - Carbohydrates: 17g

Benefits:

  - Satiety: Keeps you full longer and provides essential vitamins.

1/2 Cup Boiled Green Beans

  - Calories: 31

  - Carbohydrates: 7g

Benefits:

  - Low in Calories: A great source of fiber and vitamins.

1/4 Cup Peanuts (crushed)

  - Calories: 567

  - Protein: 26g

Benefits:

  - Healthy Fats: Provides heart-healthy fats and protein.

1 Tablespoon Lime Juice

  - Calories: 30

  - Carbohydrates: 11g

Benefits:

  - Vitamin C: Boosts immunity and adds a tangy flavor.

1 Block Tempeh (sliced)

  - Calories: 195

  - Protein: 19g

Benefits:

  - Plant-Based Protein: Rich in protein and probiotics, supporting gut health.

1 Cup Carrots (sliced)

  - Calories: 41

  - Carbohydrates: 10g

Benefits:

  - Rich in Beta-Carotene: Supports vision and skin health.

1 Cup Cucumbers (sliced)

  - Calories: 16

  - Carbohydrates: 4g

Benefits:

  - Hydration: High water content helps keep you hydrated.

1/4 Cup Vinegar

  - Calories: 18

  - Carbohydrates: 0.9g

Benefits:

  - Preservative: Helps preserve the vegetables and adds a tangy flavor.

This combination of ingredients provides a balance of flavors, textures, and nutrients, making the meal both delicious and nourishing.