Nasi Lemak with Beef Rendang

Tomorrow Malaysia turns 53! To celebrate this big day I cook the most popular food in Malaysia for my family ~ Nasi Lemak.
I love nasi lemak kukus go with sambal ikan bilis. But my son and husband enjoy nasi lemak with beef rendang. Beef rendang pairs well with lemang but i have to admit that it goes well with nasi kukus too. Since this is to celebrate our Merdeka Day i will certainly please everyone with their very own taste. I took the whole morning to prepare this meal. But it worth the efford as we all enjoy it so much.
Now wake up Malaysian! Let us sing the chorus together, the song composed by Melissa Indot; I Am Malaysia

Merdeka!
Let me hear you say
Raise your hands and praise it
Proud Malaysians today
Merdeka!
We'll be strong forever
If we stand together
Keep the faith at home always

Ingredients:

• 5 tablespoons cooking oil
• 2 cloves
• 2 cardamom pods
• 1 lemongrass (cut into 4-inch length and pounded)
• 1 cup thick coconut milk
• 1 cup water
• 6 kaffir lime leaves (very finely sliced)
• 4 tablespoons kerisik (toasted coconut)
• 1 tablespoon sugar or to taste
• 1/2 teaspoon salt

Chili Paste:

• 15 shallots
• 2 inch galangal
• 2 inch ginger
• 2 inch turmeric
• 3 lemongrass (white part only)
• 5 cloves garlic
• 15 dried chilies (soaked in warm water till soft)
• 10 red chilies
• 3tbsp oil

Method:

1. Put all chili paste ingredients and then blend it in a food processor until fine.
2. Heat 2tbsp of oil in a pot, add the blended paste, cloves and cardamom and stir-fry them until aromatic.
3. Add the beef and the pounded lemongrass and stir for 1 minute.
4. Add 1/2 cup of coconut milk and water, simmer on medium heat, stirring frequently until the meat is almost cooked.
5. Add the kaffir lime leaves, stirring to blend well with the meat.
6. Lower the heat, cover the lid and simmer for 1 hour add in the balance of coconut milk and kerisik (toasted coconut), sugar and salt.
7. continue simmering for another 15 minutes or until the meat is really tender and the gravy has dried up.

Note:

1. to cook nasi lemak kukus you can refers here.
2. to prepare kerisik or toasted coconut, just add the grated coconut to a dry wok and stir continuosly until they turn golden brown.