Sarawakian Jagacida

Ingredients

Sarawakian Jagacida differs from the original Portuguese dish by incorporating Sarawakian flavors and ingredients. The original dish typically uses Portuguese sausage and vegetables like tomatoes and peas. In the Sarawakian version, the sausage is replaced with spiced chicken, and the vegetables are adapted to include Sarawakian favorites such as carrots, bell peppers, and green beans. The spices used in the Sarawakian version also reflect the unique flavors of Sarawakian cuisine, adding a distinct twist to the dish. We alse have the original recipe for Jagacida, so you can check it out.

• 2 cups (400g) jasmine rice 2 cups (400g) jasmine rice
• 4 cups (950ml) chicken broth 4 cups (950ml) chicken broth
• 1 lemongrass stalk, bruised 1 lemongrass stalk, bruised
• 1 thumb-sized ginger, sliced 1 thumb-sized ginger, sliced
• 1 teaspoon turmeric powder 1 teaspoon turmeric powder
• 1 teaspoon salt 1 teaspoon salt
• 2 tablespoons vegetable oil 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
• 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
• 1 carrot, julienned 1 carrot, julienned
• 1 bell pepper, thinly sliced 1 bell pepper, thinly sliced
• 1 cup (150g) green beans, trimmed and cut into 1-inch pieces 1 cup (150g) green beans, trimmed and cut into 1-inch pieces
• 2 tablespoons soy sauce 2 tablespoons soy sauce
• 1 tablespoon oyster sauce 1 tablespoon oyster sauce
• 1 tablespoon fish sauce 1 tablespoon fish sauce
• Fresh cilantro, for garnish Fresh cilantro, for garnish

Nutrition

• Calories (kcal / KJ): 380 kcal / 1590 KJ
• Fat (total, saturated): 8g, 1g
• Carbohydrates (total, sugars): 55g, 3g
• Protein: 22g
• Fiber: 4g
• Salt: 2g

Preparation

1. 1.
   Rinse the jasmine rice under cold water until the water runs clear. Drain well.
2. 2.
   In a large pot, combine the chicken broth, lemongrass, ginger, turmeric powder, and salt. Bring to a boil.
3. 3.
   Add the rinsed rice to the pot and stir well. Reduce the heat to low, cover, and simmer for 15-20 minutes, or until the rice is cooked and the liquid is absorbed.
4. 4.
   While the rice is cooking, heat the vegetable oil in a separate pan over medium heat. Add the chicken pieces and cook until browned and cooked through.
5. 5.
   Add the carrot, bell pepper, and green beans to the pan with the chicken. Stir-fry for 2-3 minutes, until the vegetables are slightly tender.
6. 6.
   In a small bowl, mix together the soy sauce, oyster sauce, and fish sauce. Pour the sauce over the chicken and vegetables, stirring well to coat.
7. 7.
   Once the rice is cooked, remove the lemongrass stalk and ginger slices. Fluff the rice with a fork.
8. 8.
   Serve the fragrant rice on a platter, topped with the spiced chicken and vegetables. Garnish with fresh cilantro.

Treat your ingredients with care...

• Lemongrass — Bruise the lemongrass stalk by lightly pounding it with a rolling pin or the back of a knife. This helps release its aromatic oils during cooking.
• Turmeric powder — Use caution when handling turmeric powder as it can stain surfaces and clothing. Wash hands immediately after use.
• Fish sauce — If you prefer a milder flavor, you can reduce the amount of fish sauce or substitute it with light soy sauce.

Tips & Tricks

• For added flavor, marinate the chicken in a mixture of soy sauce, ginger, and garlic for 30 minutes before cooking.
• Feel free to customize the vegetables according to your preference. You can add mushrooms, snow peas, or even pineapple for a tropical twist.
• To make the dish spicier, add a chopped chili pepper or a dash of chili flakes.
• Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in a pan or microwave before serving.
• Serve the Sarawakian Jagacida with a side of sambal belacan for an extra kick of flavor.

Serving advice

Serve the Sarawakian Jagacida as a main course, accompanied by a fresh salad or pickled vegetables. It can also be enjoyed on its own as a satisfying one-pot meal.

Presentation advice

To enhance the presentation, garnish the dish with a sprinkle of toasted sesame seeds and a squeeze of lime juice. Serve it in a colorful ceramic bowl or on a banana leaf for an authentic touch.