Chiapas-style Steamed Rice with Banana Leaves

Ingredients

In this adaptation, we have transformed the Indonesian dish, Nasi Timbel, into a Chiapas-inspired delight. While Nasi Timbel typically includes Indonesian spices and ingredients like turmeric and lemongrass, our Chiapas-style version incorporates Chiapas-specific flavors such as cumin, coriander, and paprika. Additionally, we have replaced the traditional banana leaf wrapping with banana leaves commonly found in Chiapas, giving the dish a unique twist. We alse have the original recipe for Nasi timbel, so you can check it out.

• 2 cups (400g) long-grain rice 2 cups (400g) long-grain rice
• 3 cups (710ml) chicken or vegetable broth 3 cups (710ml) chicken or vegetable broth
• 1 lb (450g) boneless chicken thighs or pork loin, cut into bite-sized pieces 1 lb (450g) boneless chicken thighs or pork loin, cut into bite-sized pieces
• 1 onion, finely chopped 1 onion, finely chopped
• 3 cloves garlic, minced 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon ground cumin 1 teaspoon ground cumin
• 1 teaspoon ground coriander 1 teaspoon ground coriander
• 1 teaspoon paprika 1 teaspoon paprika
• 1 teaspoon salt 1 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
• 4 banana leaves, cut into 8x8 inch squares 4 banana leaves, cut into 8x8 inch squares
• Cooking oil, for sautéing Cooking oil, for sautéing

Nutrition

• Calories (kcal / KJ): 450 kcal / 1884 KJ
• Fat (total, saturated): 8g, 2g
• Carbohydrates (total, sugars): 70g, 2g
• Protein: 25g
• Fiber: 3g
• Salt: 1.5g

Preparation

1. 1.
   Rinse the rice under cold water until the water runs clear. Drain well.
2. 2.
   In a large skillet, heat the cooking oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and minced garlic, and sauté until fragrant and translucent.
3. 3.
   Add the chicken or pork pieces to the skillet and cook until browned on all sides.
4. 4.
   Stir in the ground cumin, ground coriander, paprika, salt, and black pepper. Cook for an additional 2 minutes to allow the spices to release their flavors.
5. 5.
   Add the rinsed rice to the skillet and stir well to coat the grains with the spice mixture.
6. 6.
   Transfer the rice mixture to a rice cooker or a large pot. Add the chicken or vegetable broth and cook according to the manufacturer's instructions or until the rice is tender and fully cooked.
7. 7.
   While the rice is cooking, prepare the banana leaves by briefly blanching them in boiling water to soften.
8. 8.
   Take a square piece of banana leaf and place a portion of the cooked rice and meat mixture in the center. Fold the banana leaf to form a neat parcel, securing the edges with toothpicks or kitchen twine.
9. 9.
   Repeat the process with the remaining rice and meat mixture.
10. 10.
    Steam the rice parcels in a steamer basket or a large pot with a steamer insert for about 20-25 minutes, or until the flavors meld together and the banana leaves become fragrant.
11. 11.
    Carefully remove the toothpicks or twine from the rice parcels before serving.

Treat your ingredients with care...

• Banana leaves — Make sure to blanch the banana leaves briefly in boiling water to soften them before wrapping the rice parcels. This will make them more pliable and easier to fold.

Tips & Tricks

• If you can't find banana leaves, you can use parchment paper as a substitute. However, the aroma and visual appeal of the dish may differ.
• For a spicier kick, add a chopped chili pepper to the spice mixture.
• Serve the Chiapas-style Steamed Rice with Banana Leaves with a squeeze of fresh lime juice for a burst of citrusy flavor.
• Experiment with different meats such as shrimp or beef to create your own variation of this dish.
• Leftover rice parcels can be refrigerated and reheated in a steamer or microwave for a quick and delicious meal.

Serving advice

Serve the Chiapas-style Steamed Rice with Banana Leaves while still warm, allowing the enticing aroma to fill the air. Unwrap the banana leaf parcels at the table to reveal the fragrant rice and tender meat inside. Accompany the dish with a side of fresh salsa or a crisp green salad for a complete meal.

Presentation advice

Arrange the unwrapped rice parcels on a platter, garnishing them with fresh cilantro leaves and a sprinkle of paprika for a pop of color. The vibrant green of the banana leaves against the golden rice will create an eye-catching presentation that reflects the tropical flavors of Chiapas.