A spoonful of sambal oelek introduces a spicy kick.
How could she not eat ricethe staple food of her childhoodat every meal?
Everyones favorite, chicken satay, is served with compressed rice cakes (ketupat or lontong).
Photo:Ali Redmond
I discovered that, with a few tweaks, our traditional Indonesian diet fits well with adiabetes meal plan.
We already consume an abundance of plant-based products.
Instead of animal protein, we look to other sources.
Ali Redmond
When I was recently diagnosed with prediabetes, I was not surprised at all.
That said, my reaction wasnt quite as melodramatic as Mas.
Having lived in the U.S. for over 20 years, I have grown accustomed to eating a diverse diet.
Ali Redmond
In other words, I wont die if I dont eat white rice.
I dont enjoy the chewy texture of Asian-style brown rice noodles.
Plus, their nuttiness doesnt play well with aromatics like lemongrass, galangal and lime leaves.
Ali Redmond
This is especially true of one of my favorite noodle dishes, laksa.
Many variations of laksa are found throughout Indonesia, Singapore and Malaysia.
Toppings include chicken, shrimp or fish.
Ali Redmond
The first thing to go was the rice noodles, and I definitely was not adding rice cakes.
I thought to use mung bean threads (or glass/cellophane noodles) instead.
However, the transparent noodles belie their carb load.
Just like rice vermicelli, they are almost 100% carbohydrates!
Indonesian spice pastes often contain candlenuts (kemiri) to add body and creaminess.
The resulting laksa ayam with shirataki noodles is a close-enough facsimile.
Cook, stirring, until fragrant, 3 to 4 minutes.
Stir in 4 cups broth; bring to a boil over high heat.
Reduce heat and simmer for 20 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.
Add 18 teaspoon salt.
Meanwhile, cut and cook 2 packages noodles according to package directions.
Remove and discard the lemongrass; divide the broth among the bowls, about 114 cups each.
U.S. Department of Agriculture.
