Manado-style Spiced Meat and Pap

Ingredients

In this adaptation of the original South African dish, the Manado-style Spiced Meat and Pap incorporates the unique flavors and ingredients of Manado cuisine. The original dish typically uses different spices and cooking techniques, while the Manado version infuses the meat with traditional Manado spices such as lemongrass, ginger, turmeric, and chili. Additionally, the pap in the Manado-style dish is made from ground rice and coconut milk, which differs from the original dish's cornmeal-based pap. We alse have the original recipe for Meat and Pap, so you can check it out.

• 500g (1.1 lb) beef or pork, thinly sliced 500g (1.1 lb) beef or pork, thinly sliced
• 2 stalks lemongrass, bruised 2 stalks lemongrass, bruised
• 2 cloves garlic, minced 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 thumb-sized ginger, grated 1 thumb-sized ginger, grated
• 1 teaspoon turmeric powder 1 teaspoon turmeric powder
• 1 teaspoon chili powder 1 teaspoon chili powder
• 1 tablespoon vegetable oil 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
• Salt, to taste Salt, to taste
• For the Pap: For the Pap:
• 1 cup (200g) ground rice 1 cup (200g) ground rice
• 2 cups (470ml) coconut milk 2 cups (470ml) coconut milk
• 2 cups (470ml) water 2 cups (470ml) water
• 1 teaspoon salt 1 teaspoon salt

Nutrition

• Calories (kcal / KJ): 450 kcal / 1884 KJ
• Fat (total, saturated): 25g, 15g
• Carbohydrates (total, sugars): 30g, 2g
• Protein: 30g
• Fiber: 2g
• Salt: 1.5g

Preparation

1. 1.
   In a bowl, combine the sliced meat, lemongrass, minced garlic, grated ginger, turmeric powder, chili powder, vegetable oil, and salt. Mix well to ensure the meat is evenly coated with the spices. Allow the meat to marinate for at least 30 minutes.
2. 2.
   Meanwhile, prepare the pap by combining the ground rice, coconut milk, water, and salt in a saucepan. Stir well to combine and bring the mixture to a boil over medium heat. Reduce the heat to low and simmer, stirring occasionally, for about 20 minutes or until the pap thickens and reaches a creamy consistency.
3. 3.
   Heat a grill or a pan over medium-high heat. Cook the marinated meat for about 3-4 minutes per side or until cooked to your desired level of doneness.
4. 4.
   Serve the spiced meat alongside the creamy pap. Garnish with fresh herbs, such as cilantro or basil, if desired.

Treat your ingredients with care...

• Lemongrass — To bruise the lemongrass, gently crush the stalks with the back of a knife or a rolling pin. This helps release the aromatic oils and flavors.
• Turmeric powder — Be cautious when handling turmeric powder as it can stain surfaces and clothing. Use gloves or wash your hands immediately after handling.

Tips & Tricks

• For an extra kick of heat, add more chili powder or fresh chili peppers to the marinade.
• If you prefer a smoother pap, you can blend the ground rice with water before cooking it with coconut milk.
• Experiment with different cuts of meat, such as sirloin or tenderloin, for varying levels of tenderness and flavor.
• Serve the dish with a side of sambal, a spicy Indonesian chili sauce, for an added burst of flavor.
• Leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in a pan or microwave before serving.

Serving advice

Serve the Manado-style Spiced Meat and Pap hot, allowing the fragrant aromas to entice your senses. Garnish with fresh herbs, such as cilantro or basil, for a pop of color and added freshness.

Presentation advice

Arrange the grilled or pan-fried spiced meat neatly on a plate, alongside a generous portion of creamy pap. Drizzle a little extra marinade or sauce over the meat for an attractive presentation. Consider serving the dish on traditional Indonesian tableware to enhance the cultural experience.