In today's generation, social media has become a useful tool in showcasing discoveries, especially when it comes to places and food. We often come across food that we have not seen nor taste our entire lives. This is what keeps us interested and ignites our desire to explore more.
In Asia, there are tons of foods that the world is unfamiliar with. Although it is already known to some, others are still puzzled over rice being their staple food. Another on-going trend currently also involves rice but of a different and more interesting kind.
You most likely encountered a photo of blue rice. Yes! Rice that is blue in color. Contrary to what many believe, blue rice is not dyed with any artificial food coloring. Interestingly, this is rice cooked with butterfly pea flower that gives it the beautiful hint of blue.
What is Blue Rice?
According to Wise Geek, blue rice is a traditional Malaysian rice dish referred to as Nasi kerabu locally. This dish consists of blue-colored nasi or rice and is typically eaten with dried fish or fried chicken, crackers, pickles, and other salads.
Aside from rice, the Nasi kerabu also contains fish, which is the base of the kerabu, or vegetable mixture. Other additional elements of this dish are the coconut-based sweet and salty sauce and the garnish.
The Nasi kerabu dish originated from the east coast of Kelantan and can also be found in southern parts of Thailand. Its natural blue color comes from the butterfly pea flower, which is used in Asia as a natural food dye. These flowers are also used to dye rice in other Malaysian dishes like pulut tai tai and nonya chang.
Read also: From Emojis To Real Life Creations: How a 20-year Old Chef Dominated TikTok
In addition, it is also favored in Asian dishes because of its health benefits. According to Health Writeups, the butterfly pea flower or Clitoria ternatea contains antioxidants that can help protect a person from illnesses and boost their immune systems. In Ayurvedic medicine, it is also regarded as a memory enhancer, nootropic, and antidepressant.
How to Prepare Blue Rice?
Ingredients:
1 cup of Jasmine rice
2 cups of water
4 to 5 pieces of dried butterfly pea flower
1 stick of lemongrass
2 pieces of kaffir lime leaves
1 tablespoon of coconut oil
Pinch of salt
Procedure:
1. Boil a cup of water and steep your dried butterfly pea flower pieces for a few minutes.
2. Roughly chop the stick of lemongrass.
3. Put all of your dry ingredients, including the Jasmine rice, in a saucepan suitable for cooking rice.
4. Pour the boiled water with butterfly pea flower into the saucepan and add one more cup of water.
5. Let the rice cook accordingly. Stir it occasionally to ensure that the rice is consistently dyed blue.
Perfect Pairing for Blue Rice
Traditionally, in Nasi kerabu, blue rice is paired with mackerel. This is typically grilled and flaked before being fried together with grated coconut and blended ginger and shallots. However, blue rice can also be paired with Asian-style curries. It goes well with Thai curry or stir-fried chicken, or vegetable curries.
Related article: AirAsia Will be Testing Its Wings in Food Delivery Services in Singapore
