A couple weeks ago, I found some spicy mixed salad at the Farmers' Market, which reminded me of this awfully delicious side dish from my home province in Pampanga. I'm talking about Burung Nasi (Fermented Rice). It's pungent, sometimes sour and savory all at the same time. It goes hand in hand with fried or grilled fish like mudfish or tilapia, steamed eggplant, steamed bitter melon, mustard greens and a heap of hot bowl of rice, okay, two cups. I've been wanting to try to make this recipe after the last time we came back from the Philippines. I finally got the chance to do it when I got my hands into really nice spicy mixed greens. At this time in Kansas is hot and humid, I've got the ingredients and enthusiastic taste buds, why not re-create the experience of home at my now very own home in Kansas.
Ingredients:
1 Mason Jar
2 Cups of Freshly Cooked Rice
2-3 teaspoons of Kosher Salt
10 Pieces of Raw & Shelled Shrimp Head
Directions:
Mix all the ingredients in a bowl. Stir for 5 minutes or until mixture is thoroughly incorporated. Transfer it into the Mason Jar. Let it stand for two* to three days in room temperature. This is when the fermentation happens. While your mixture is in the jar, you will notice the color of your shrimp head turning to orange. That is from the warm rice and salt.
*I cooked mine within two days as I prefer it to be less sour.
Ingredients:
1 clove garlic, smashed (add more garlic if preferred)
1 Small Onion, chopped
3 teaspoons Ginger, minced
3 Ripe Roma Tomatoes, chopped
2 Tablespoons Oil
1/4 to 1/2 Cups Water
In a pre-heated skillet, add oil. Sautee ginger first. Garlic comes second. Lastly, add the onions. When onions become translucent add chopped tomatoes. Bring mixture to a simmer, say 15 minutes. Stir in the fermented rice and water. Let it cook for another 15 or 20 minutes.
Spicy Mixed Greens
Ours was served with Salmon Cakes. It's best served with Fried/ Grilled whole fish like mudfish, tilapia or milkfish/bangus.
This was the lunch that awaits us the second time we came to visit family in Pampanga.
Note: This is my first time to make this myself. If your first attempt is not successful do not lose hope :) You can, or You will try it again for sure because you'll will be dying to make your own of this. Have fun!
