Rice and Noodles – The Gorengs

I know I've talked about these recipes previously but I think it's time for a refresher particularly in that they are most adaptable for leftovers – perfect in these times of frugality – desperate times call for desperate measures!

To recap, Nasi Goreng is Indonesian and began life as a breakfast dish using up leftover rice from the previous evening but has evolved into a popular street food choice, right up to being served in posh restaurants. It can be spicy, mild, vegetarian, vegan – you name it, the world is your lobster!

There's Mie Goreng too using noodles instead of rice.

Here's the original recipe :

Nasi Goreng

Serves 4-6

3 eggs

1 tbsp water

1 tbsp oil

4 tbsp vegetable oil

2 onions, finely chopped

2 garlic cloves, crushed or garlic paste

half tsp chilli powder

8oz (225g) cooked rice

6oz (175g) cooked chicken or turkey meat, diced

6oz (175g) peeled prawns, defrosted if frozen

2 tbsp dark soy sauce

1 tsp soft light brown sugar

1 tbsp lemon juice

6oz (175g) cooked wafer ham, thinly sliced

black pepper

Beat the egg lightly with the 1 tbsp water. Heat 1 tbsp oil in a wok or frying pan. Pour in the egg and cook until set underneath, flip it and repeat. Slide the omelette out of the pan on to a board, roll up into a cigar shape and slice into strips – set aside.

Add the vegetable oil to the wok and heat gently. Add the onions, garlic and chilli powder and fry until lightly browned. Add the rice and cook for a few seconds then stir in the chicken and prawns. Cook for 2/3 minutes.

Mix the soy sauce, sugar and lemon juice together, then stir thoroughly into the rice mixture. Fold in the ham then season to taste with pepper. You can place the wok in the middle of the table and “dive in” or spoon into serving bowls and garnish with the omelette strips.

This is an excellent recipe for leftover chicken and veggies from the Sunday roast – it's quick, easy and tasty. If this dish doesn't fit the “dive in” category then I don't know what does. It's an all time favourite in our house. A definite crowd pleaser and lip smackingly good to boot.

Then there's Mie Goreng, using noodles in case you're not fond of rice!