Mariana Islands Rijsttafel

Ingredients

In this Mariana Islands adaptation of the rijsttafel, we incorporate local ingredients such as taro and breadfruit, which are commonly used in Mariana Islander cuisine. The traditional Indonesian dishes are modified to include flavors and spices that are popular in the Mariana Islands. The overall presentation and arrangement of the rijsttafel also reflect the Mariana Islander culinary traditions. We alse have the original recipe for Rijsttafel, so you can check it out.

• 1 lb (450g) taro, peeled and diced 1 lb (450g) taro, peeled and diced
• 1 lb (450g) breadfruit, peeled and diced 1 lb (450g) breadfruit, peeled and diced
• 1 lb (450g) mixed seafood (shrimp, fish, squid), cleaned and deveined 1 lb (450g) mixed seafood (shrimp, fish, squid), cleaned and deveined
• 2 cups (400g) jasmine rice 2 cups (400g) jasmine rice
• 1 cup (240ml) coconut milk 1 cup (240ml) coconut milk
• 1 onion, finely chopped 1 onion, finely chopped
• 4 cloves garlic, minced 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 red chilies, sliced 2 red chilies, sliced
• 1 tablespoon soy sauce 1 tablespoon soy sauce
• 1 tablespoon fish sauce 1 tablespoon fish sauce
• 1 tablespoon lime juice 1 tablespoon lime juice
• 1 tablespoon brown sugar 1 tablespoon brown sugar
• 1 teaspoon turmeric powder 1 teaspoon turmeric powder
• 1 teaspoon paprika 1 teaspoon paprika
• Salt, to taste Salt, to taste
• Cooking oil Cooking oil

Nutrition

• Calories (kcal / KJ): 450 kcal / 1884 KJ
• Fat (total, saturated): 12g, 8g
• Carbohydrates (total, sugars): 70g, 5g
• Protein: 20g
• Fiber: 8g
• Salt: 2g

Preparation

1. 1.
   In a large pot, cook the jasmine rice according to package instructions, substituting half of the water with coconut milk for added flavor.
2. 2.
   In a separate pan, heat some cooking oil and sauté the onion, garlic, and red chilies until fragrant.
3. 3.
   Add the taro and breadfruit to the pan and cook until they are tender.
4. 4.
   In another pan, heat some cooking oil and grill the seafood until cooked through. Set aside.
5. 5.
   In a small bowl, mix together soy sauce, fish sauce, lime juice, brown sugar, turmeric powder, paprika, and salt to make a marinade.
6. 6.
   Pour the marinade over the grilled seafood and let it sit for a few minutes.
7. 7.
   Arrange the cooked rice, taro, breadfruit, and grilled seafood on a large platter, creating an attractive display of colors and textures.
8. 8.
   Serve the Mariana Islands Rijsttafel with additional condiments such as sambal, pickles, and fried shallots.

Treat your ingredients with care...

• Taro — Make sure to peel the taro thoroughly as the skin can be tough and fibrous. Boil or steam the diced taro until it is soft and easily pierced with a fork.
• Breadfruit — Choose ripe breadfruit that is slightly soft to the touch. Peel the breadfruit and remove the core before dicing it for the recipe.
• Seafood — Ensure that the seafood is fresh and properly cleaned before grilling. Adjust the grilling time based on the thickness of the seafood to avoid overcooking.

Tips & Tricks

• If taro and breadfruit are not available, you can substitute them with sweet potatoes and plantains respectively.
• Adjust the spiciness of the dish by adding more or fewer red chilies.
• For a smoky flavor, grill the seafood over charcoal or use smoked paprika in the marinade.
• Serve the rijsttafel with a variety of sambal sauces to add extra heat and flavor.
• Experiment with different types of seafood, such as crab or clams, to personalize the dish.

Serving advice

To enjoy the Mariana Islands Rijsttafel, start by sampling small portions of each dish on the platter. Mix and match the flavors to create unique combinations. Don't forget to savor the fragrant coconut rice as a base for the other dishes. Serve the rijsttafel family-style, allowing everyone to try a bit of everything.

Presentation advice

Arrange the dishes on a large platter, placing the colorful taro, breadfruit, and grilled seafood in an eye-catching pattern. Garnish with fresh herbs and lime wedges for an added touch of freshness. Consider using traditional Mariana Islander serving bowls and utensils to enhance the presentation.