Savory entrees for celebrating Idul Fitri

JAKARTA (JP): Idul Fitri is a time to be spent with the family after the long fasting month of Ramadhan. It is an occasion to savor relationships, and good food. Apart from all the sweet treats which are served up as people visit the homes of friends and relatives, it is a good idea to provide main meals which are in themselves reason to celebrate. The two featured below are substantial fare, but will not take a big bite out of your time in preparation.

Chicken Curry

* 1 l coconut milk * 5 cm cinnamon stick, broken * 3 cloves * 2 stalks lemon grass * 2 cm greater galangale, bruised * 8 chicken pieces * 1/2 tsp nutmeg powder * salt and sugar * frying oil

To be finely ground: * 5 cloves of garlic * 10 shallots * 5 candlenuts * 3 tbsp thinly sliced red chili * 3 cm turmeric * 3 tsp whole coriander * 1/2 tsp cumin

Makes 8 servings

1. Stir fry finely ground ingredients for 15 seconds, add in greater galangal, lemon grass, cloves, nutmeg, cinnamon stick, stir until fragrant.

2. Add in chicken pieces, salt, sugar and coconut milk, stir well and let boil until chicken is tender and coconut milk thickens. Serve hot.

Sambal Goreng Hati (Sauteed Liver in Chili)

* 500 g liver, diced, sprinkled with 3 tsp of lemon juice, fried * 200 g potato, diced, fried * 1 cm greater galangal, bruised * 2 salam leaves * 500 ml coconut milk * 5 red chilis, thinly sliced * frying oil

Finely ground * 4 cloves of garlic * 8 shallots * 1/2 tsp tamarind * salt * 1 tbsp brown sugar

Makes 8 servings

1. Stir fry finely ground ingredients until fragrant. Add in greater galangal, salam leaves, coconut milk, cook for three minutes.

2. Add in fried potato and liver, combine well, cook for 10 minutes. Put the liver mixture in a large serving bowl, sprinkle with sliced chili. Serve hot. (lup)