Alternative to Fried Rice

If you were to ask my husband (aka your Daddy) what he wants for breakfast/lunch/dinner, chances are you'll hear him reply with enthusiasm fit an old person with a stinky diaper attached to his bottom - nasi goreng (fried rice).

Today I decided not to. Not a very tempting idea to a newbie cook like me.

So I woke up with dishes in the sink, books and papers written of alien sign langauge (his thesis and formulas), and the laptop minimized to numerous documents. Poor thing. Switched on the air-condition, opened the freezer and decided to make something quick and fast before he gets up. Hence, the lamb pilaf! An alternative to nasi goreng.

We've some frozen roast leg of lamb leftovers from the fam's visit so I start defrosting them. I've a pilaf recipe from a mag ages ago only this time I tweaked it to my taste.

Lamb Pilaf
Any leftover cut meat - chicken, beef, lamb (cut into bite sizes) - maybe about 300g
1 tbsp butter - I usually use olive oil
1 tbsp pounded chillies - Sambal Oelek/Cili Boh
1 onion - sliced
2 tsp cummin seeds
1/4 tsp powdered cinnamon
2 cloves garlic -minced
2 cups rice
3 cups water
salt n pepper

1 tomato
Handful of fresh parsley
Cut red chillies for garnish or if you prefer a spicier dish

Saute your chillies with butter/olive oil and onions.
Add spices and garlic til fragrant. Add rice and fry til translucent.
It probably won't get very translucent due to the amount of oil/butter. As long they're well-coated, is fine.
Put everything in your rice cooker, add your meat, 3 cups water, salt and pepper to taste and cook.
You may stir halfway through the cooking process and add some mixed veges into the rice cooker.
Once cooked, add chopped tomatoes and parsley. Stir.
Cover for a little while then serve.

*Note - if using cooked meat, you probably want to add those MSG filled cubed stock.
Otherwise, add your meat into the rice cooker (and you'll have your own stock).
If you're a bit wary of the idea, you may parboil your meat with water to make the stock.
Meat cut in bite sized pieces will cook evenly in the rice cooker. Stir while it's cooking if you want.
If using chicken, try those drumettes or wings. Chicken meat on the bone has a sweeter taste. Hence, juicier stock!

I started this recipe as a student living on my own. It's simple, quick and easy. Everything's in the pantry and less utensils to wash. Hehe!