Taste The World

Here’s a curated collection of recipes inspired by Bali, using local flavors, ingredients, and traditions, with a modern twist and dietary considerations for balance and flavor. Each recipe has been crafted to showcase Balinese culture while providing a nutritious and visually appealing meal. 1. Healthy Balinese Vegetable Sauté with Turmeric and Coconut A vibrant, plant-based dish using fresh Balinese greens like kangkung (water spinach) and moringa. Ingredients: 1 cup kangkung (water spinach), washed and chopped 1 cup moringa leaves, washed 1 cup green beans, chopped 1 large carrot, sliced thin 1 tbsp coconut oil 1 tbsp grated fresh turmeric 1 tsp grated fresh ginger 1 clove garlic, minced 1 tbsp shredded coconut (unsweetened) Salt and pepper to taste 1 small red chili, sliced thin (optional for heat) Preparation Steps: Wash all vegetables thoroughly and chop as directed. Soak moringa leaves in water for about 5 minutes to soften. Peel and grate turmeric and ginger, and mince garlic. Cooking Process: Heat coconut oil in a large pan over medium heat. Add grated turmeric, ginger, and garlic, and sauté for 2-3 minutes until fragrant. Add carrots and green beans first, cooking for 3-4 minutes until slightly tender. Add kangkung and moringa, stirring well. Cook for an additional 2 minutes. Season with salt and pepper, then add shredded coconut. Stir to combine. Tips for Flavor and Presentation: For extra flavor, garnish with a squeeze of lime and sliced red chili. Serve in a shallow bowl and sprinkle extra coconut shreds for visual contrast. 2. Balinese-Inspired Coconut and Pandan Rice Pudding (Dessert) A sweet dessert made with coconut milk and fragrant pandan leaves. Ingredients: 1 cup glutinous rice 2 cups coconut milk 1 ½ cups water 1-2 pandan leaves, knotted 1/4 cup palm sugar or brown sugar A pinch of salt Fresh fruit for garnish (like mango or banana) Preparation Steps: Rinse glutinous rice in water until it runs clear, then drain. Place rice, coconut milk, water, pandan leaves, and a pinch of salt in a pot. Stir and bring to a boil over medium heat, then reduce heat to low. Cooking Process: Simmer the rice mixture, stirring occasionally, for 20-25 minutes until thick and creamy. Add sugar, stirring until fully dissolved and incorporated. Remove pandan leaves before serving. Tips for Decoration and Serving: Serve warm or cold in small bowls, topped with fresh mango or banana slices. Garnish with toasted coconut flakes for extra texture. 3. Modern Take on Balinese Ayam Betutu (Spiced Chicken) Traditional Balinese chicken in a simplified, modern form. Ingredients: 1 whole chicken, butterflied 1 tbsp olive oil (modern alternative to traditionally used coconut oil) 1 stalk lemongrass, minced 1-inch ginger, minced 2 cloves garlic, minced 2 red chilies, minced 1 tsp turmeric powder Salt and pepper to taste Banana leaves for serving (optional) Preparation Steps: In a bowl, mix olive oil, lemongrass, ginger, garlic, chilies, and turmeric to form a paste. Rub the chicken with the paste, making sure to coat it evenly. Marinate for at least 30 minutes. Cooking Process: Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Place the chicken on a baking tray and bake for 40-45 minutes until golden and cooked through. Optionally, serve on banana leaves for an authentic presentation. Serving Suggestion: Serve with steamed rice and a side of stir-fried vegetables, garnished with lime wedges. 4. Balinese Low-Calorie Gado-Gado Salad with Light Peanut Sauce A diet-friendly Balinese salad loaded with fresh veggies and a low-calorie dressing. Ingredients: 1 cup bean sprouts, blanched 1 cucumber, sliced 1 cup steamed green beans 1/2 cup cabbage, shredded 1 hard-boiled egg, sliced (optional for protein) 1 tbsp peanuts, crushed (garnish) Peanut Sauce: 1 tbsp peanut butter (low-fat) 1 tbsp soy sauce 1 tbsp lime juice 1/2 tsp honey Water as needed to thin Preparation Steps: Arrange all veggies on a plate. In a small bowl, mix peanut butter, soy sauce, lime juice, honey, and water for a smooth, pourable consistency. Tips for Maintaining Flavor: Add lime juice and crushed peanuts for a zesty garnish. Serve in a large, shallow bowl for a colorful, appealing presentation. 5. 15-Minute Balinese Breakfast Bowl with Tropical Fruit and Granola A quick, nutritious breakfast option packed with tropical flavors. Ingredients: 1 cup fresh papaya, diced 1/2 cup pineapple, diced 1/2 cup coconut yogurt 1/4 cup granola 1 tbsp chia seeds Preparation Steps: In a bowl, layer the coconut yogurt, papaya, and pineapple. Top with granola and chia seeds. Serving Tips: Add a sprinkle of shredded coconut for garnish and color. 6. Balinese Leftover Fried Rice (Nasi Goreng) A classic fried rice made from leftover rice and vegetables, inspired by Bali’s Nasi Goreng. Ingredients: 1 1/2 cups cooked, leftover rice 1/2 cup assorted leftover veggies (carrot, cabbage, green beans) 1 clove garlic, minced 1 tbsp soy sauce 1 tsp sambal oelek (optional) 1 egg (optional for extra protein) Green onions for garnish Preparation Steps: Heat a pan over medium heat with a small amount of oil. Sauté garlic until fragrant, then add leftover veggies. Stir in the rice, soy sauce, and sambal oelek. Make a well in the center of the pan, add the egg, and scramble until cooked. Tips for Flavor: Garnish with green onions and serve with sliced cucumber on the side. 7. Traditional Balinese Lawar with a Modern Twist Lawar is a well-loved Balinese dish; this version is a simplified, vegetarian-friendly interpretation. Ingredients: 1 cup grated coconut 1 cup finely chopped green beans 1 tsp turmeric powder 1 tbsp minced garlic 1 tbsp shallots, finely chopped Salt to taste Tempeh cubes (for a modern protein alternative) Preparation Steps: Sauté coconut, garlic, shallots, and turmeric over medium heat until aromatic. Add green beans and cook until tender. Add tempeh cubes and season with salt. Serving Suggestions: Serve on banana leaves or a shallow bowl for a traditional look with a modern twist.