Surinamese cuisine is a unique blend of African, Asian, and European influences, reflecting the country’s diverse cultural heritage. The cuisine is characterized by its use of aromatic spices, fresh herbs, and bold flavours. Popular ingredients in Surinamese cuisine include rice, beans, cassava, plantains, chicken, fish, and various vegetables.
One of the most popular Surinamese dishes is roti, which is a type of flatbread that is traditionally filled with curried vegetables, potatoes, and chicken or goat meat. Other classic dishes in Suriname include pom (a cassava and chicken casserole), saoto soup (a spicy chicken soup), and nasi goreng (a fried rice dish).
Surinamese cuisine also features a range of street foods, including bara (a type of fried dough) and broodje pom (a sandwich made with pom). In addition, Suriname is known for its sweet treats, such as faja lobi (a sweet and spicy peanut brittle) and bojo (a coconut cake).
One classic Surinamese dish that is popular both in Suriname and the Netherlands is nasi goreng, which is a spicy and flavorful fried rice dish. Here’s a recipe for nasi goreng:
Ingredients:
- 4 cups cooked rice, chilled
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
- 1 onion, chopped
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 red bell pepper, chopped
- 1 green bell pepper, chopped
- 1 tablespoon sambal oelek (chili paste)
- 2 tablespoons kecap manis (sweet soy sauce)
- 1 tablespoon soy sauce
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1 teaspoon ground coriander
- 1 teaspoon turmeric
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 2 eggs, beaten
- 1/2 cup cooked chicken or shrimp, chopped (optional)
- 1/4 cup chopped green onions, for garnish
Instructions:
- In a large wok or skillet, heat the vegetable oil over high heat.
- Add the onion and garlic to the wok and stir-fry for 2-3 minutes or until softened.
- Add the red and green bell peppers to the wok and stir-fry for an additional 2-3 minutes.
- Add the sambal oelek, kecap manis, soy sauce, cumin, coriander, turmeric, salt, and black pepper to the wok. Stir well.
- Add the chilled rice to the wok and stir-fry for 5-7 minutes or until heated through and well coated with the sauce.
- Push the rice to the sides of the wok and add the beaten eggs to the center. Scramble the eggs until cooked, then stir into the rice.
- If using chicken or shrimp, add it to the wok and stir-fry until heated through.
- Serve the nasi goreng hot, garnished with chopped green onions.
Enjoy this delicious and spicy Surinamese dish, perfect for a cozy dinner at home!
