Savory Chicken-Coconut Sticky Rice Rolls

Title: Lemper Ayam (Chicken Sticky Rice Rolls)

Ingredients:

• 2 kg sticky rice, soaked overnight
• 2 coconuts, grated for coconut milk
• 5 pandan leaves
• Filling:
  • 1 kg boiled chicken, shredded
  • 6 cloves garlic
  • 2 shallots
  • 2 tsp coriander powder
  • 1/2 tsp ground pepper
  • Salt to taste

Instructions:

1. Steam the sticky rice for 15 minutes. Meanwhile, boil coconut milk with pandan leaves until boiling.
2. Once the sticky rice is steamed, transfer it to a pot and pour the coconut milk mixture (only the top layer) until the rice appears moistened.
3. Steam again for 20 minutes.
4. Shape the sticky rice into rolls as desired and fill with the chicken mixture.

Method:

1. Prepare Sticky Rice:

   • Rinse the sticky rice thoroughly and soak it in water overnight.
   • Drain the rice and steam it for 15 minutes until partially cooked.

2. Prepare Coconut Milk Mixture:

   • Grate the coconuts and extract coconut milk. Use enough water to extract thick coconut milk.
   • Boil the coconut milk with pandan leaves until it reaches a rolling boil.

3. Cooking the Sticky Rice:

   • Transfer the partially cooked sticky rice into a large pot. Pour the boiled coconut milk mixture over the rice, ensuring only the top layer is moistened.
   • Steam the rice again for another 20 minutes until it becomes fully cooked and sticky.

4. Prepare the Filling:

   • Shred the boiled chicken into small pieces.
   • Grind garlic and shallots into a paste.
   • Heat a pan and sauté the garlic-shallot paste until fragrant. Add coriander powder, ground pepper, and salt to taste. Stir in the shredded chicken and cook until heated through.

5. Assemble Lemper Ayam:

   • Take a portion of the cooked sticky rice and flatten it on a clean surface.
   • Place a spoonful of the chicken filling in the center of the rice.
   • Fold the rice over the filling and shape it into a cylinder or rectangular roll.
   • Wrap each roll in banana leaves or parchment paper for serving.

Serve:

• Lemper Ayam is traditionally served as a snack or appetizer. It can be enjoyed warm or at room temperature.

Note:

• Lemper Ayam is a delightful Indonesian dish where fragrant sticky rice is filled with savory, spiced chicken filling. The coconut milk adds a creamy richness to the rice, complementing the flavorful chicken inside. Perfect for parties or as a delicious snack any time of day!