Kelupis with Spicy Peanut Sauce

Ingredients

• 2 cups (400g) glutinous rice 2 cups (400g) glutinous rice
• 1 cup (240ml) water 1 cup (240ml) water
• 1 teaspoon salt 1 teaspoon salt
• 4 pandan leaves, tied into a knot 4 pandan leaves, tied into a knot
• 1 pound (450g) chicken or beef, minced 1 pound (450g) chicken or beef, minced
• 2 cloves garlic, minced 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 thumb-sized ginger, grated 1 thumb-sized ginger, grated
• 2 stalks lemongrass, finely chopped 2 stalks lemongrass, finely chopped
• 1 tablespoon soy sauce 1 tablespoon soy sauce
• 1 tablespoon oyster sauce 1 tablespoon oyster sauce
• 1 tablespoon vegetable oil 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
• Banana leaves, cut into 6x6 inch squares Banana leaves, cut into 6x6 inch squares
• Toothpicks or kitchen twine, for securing the dumplings Toothpicks or kitchen twine, for securing the dumplings
• For the Spicy Peanut Sauce: For the Spicy Peanut Sauce:
• 1 cup (250g) roasted peanuts 1 cup (250g) roasted peanuts
• 2 cloves garlic 2 cloves garlic
• 2 red chili peppers, deseeded 2 red chili peppers, deseeded
• 1 tablespoon tamarind paste 1 tablespoon tamarind paste
• 1 tablespoon soy sauce 1 tablespoon soy sauce
• 1 tablespoon brown sugar 1 tablespoon brown sugar
• 1/2 cup (120ml) water 1/2 cup (120ml) water

Nutrition

• Calories (kcal / KJ): 350 kcal / 1465 KJ
• Fat (total, saturated): 15g, 3g
• Carbohydrates (total, sugars): 40g, 2g
• Protein: 15g
• Fiber: 2g
• Salt: 1g

Preparation

1. 1.
   Rinse the glutinous rice under cold water until the water runs clear. Soak the rice in water for at least 4 hours or overnight.
2. 2.
   Drain the soaked rice and transfer it to a steamer basket. Add water, salt, and pandan leaves. Steam the rice over medium heat for 20-25 minutes, or until it becomes sticky and fully cooked.
3. 3.
   In a pan, heat vegetable oil over medium heat. Add minced chicken or beef and cook until browned. Add garlic, ginger, lemongrass, soy sauce, and oyster sauce. Stir-fry for 2-3 minutes until the flavors meld together. Remove from heat and set aside.
4. 4.
   Take a piece of banana leaf and briefly pass it over an open flame to soften it. This will make it easier to fold. Place a spoonful of cooked rice in the center of the leaf, followed by a spoonful of the meat filling. Fold the leaf to form a neat square parcel and secure it with toothpicks or kitchen twine. Repeat with the remaining ingredients.
5. 5.
   Steam the wrapped kelupis over high heat for 30-40 minutes, or until the rice is fully cooked and the flavors have melded together.
6. 6.
   While the kelupis are steaming, prepare the spicy peanut sauce. In a blender, combine roasted peanuts, garlic, red chili peppers, tamarind paste, soy sauce, brown sugar, and water. Blend until smooth and creamy.
7. 7.
   Once the kelupis are cooked, remove them from the steamer and let them cool slightly. Serve the kelupis with the spicy peanut sauce for dipping.

Treat your ingredients with care...

• Pandan leaves — If you can't find fresh pandan leaves, you can use pandan extract or essence as a substitute. Use 1 teaspoon of pandan extract for every 4 pandan leaves.
• Banana leaves — Make sure to wash the banana leaves thoroughly and wipe them dry before using. Soften the leaves by briefly passing them over an open flame or by steaming them for a few minutes.

Tips & Tricks

• To enhance the flavor of the kelupis, you can add a pandan leaf to the rice while it is steaming.
• If you prefer a milder peanut sauce, reduce the amount of chili peppers or remove the seeds before blending.
• You can customize the filling by adding vegetables like carrots, mushrooms, or bamboo shoots for added texture and flavor.
• If you don't have access to banana leaves, you can use parchment paper as a substitute. However, the banana leaves add a unique aroma and flavor to the dish.
• Leftover kelupis can be refrigerated and reheated by steaming for a few minutes before serving.

Serving advice

Serve the kelupis warm with the spicy peanut sauce on the side. The dumplings can be enjoyed as a main course or as a snack. Garnish with some chopped cilantro or spring onions for added freshness.

Presentation advice

Arrange the kelupis on a platter, showcasing the vibrant green color of the banana leaves. Drizzle some of the spicy peanut sauce over the dumplings and sprinkle with crushed peanuts for an appealing presentation.