I like to pride myself on trying new foods, but I have a confession – I’ve never tried Indonesian food. In fact, I feel like Indonesia is overlooked by many in the Western world. Now, with globalization, we have more adventurous palates than ever and chefs from all around the world who are eager to show us the food they grew up with.
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Lara Lee is one of those chefs. She takes us on a journey through Indonesia with her cookbook Coconut & Sambal: Recipes From My Indonesian Kitchen.
If you are like me, then Indonesian food is a bit of a mystery. The country itself is north of Australia and is comprised of seventeen thousand islands! Because of its central location, many cultures and countries have traded and traveled through Indonesia for many centuries. This makes Indonesian cuisine incredibly diverse.
Now we can try our hand at cooking Indonesian food thanks to Lara Lee’s cookbook.
The highlight of Lara Lee’s cookbook Coconut & Sambal: Recipes from my Indonesian Kitchen is the authenticity of the recipes. The cookbook is basically an homage to Lee’s grandmother who cooked these meals at home when she was a child. That includes dishes from family friends and any others who may have stepped into her grandmother’s kitchen.
There are more than 80 mouthwatering recipes to introduce you to this phenomenal cuisine. Not only are there amazing recipes, but tips on how to eat everything like a local. It’s as if Lara Lee was sitting with us giving us a tour of her homeland.
The photography is stunning. It accurately depicts the grandiose landscape of Indonesia along with vibrant local fare. I truly feel like I am being immersed in this beautiful culture that I have yet to adventure to.
I know anytime I’m introduced to something very new, I tend to be really cautious and intimidated, but Lee has done a fantastic job breaking down each recipe. There is a lot of hand holding, which I actually appreciate in this context. Many recipes are easy enough for a weeknight meal even after a busy day. There are more elaborate dishes for when there is time on the weekends, but overall an effortless read.
Lara Lee’s Coconut & Sambal: Recipes from my Indonesian Kitchen is a must have for your bookshelf. It is quickly becoming a household favorite, even though this is her first cookbook! I cannot wait to see what more she comes up with in the future.
~Kaiti