My mother in law used to do something with the thickened bumbu after the chicken was removed from it. If I remember correctly, she used to mix shredded coconut with it (now I'm doubting myself) and then fry it.. It used to come out like a crumbly golden thing that you'd crumble over your rice.. Or was that from empal?? Now I'm confused.. Actually I think it was empal, which is essentially made on the same premise, first you boil or simmer beef in bumbu (spices) til tender, then fry it - I love tender empal..
BUT, my favourite indonesian dish, which I haven't had for years is Belado Sapi.. I know you can het Ikan belado, telur belado everywhere, but I LOVE beef belado.. My mother in law, who like many indonesians, can eat chillis like french fries, used to make it in perth and it was the hottest thing I've ever eaten. It seriously used to make me ill in that when I ate it, after about 10 minutes, it felt like my stomach had boiling water in it. But I could never resist, it was one of the best things I've ever eaten.. But my god, I used to suffer for it.. With no further ellaboration required.. Everywhere I go, I still ask for that dish, but they never have it.. A tante in vancouver from an indo restaurant made it for me once and it was good - but the meat was too crispy - I still like the meat to have a flesh like texture, rather than a krupuk texture..
Mmm, hungry now.. Ever since I got back from vancouver I've been eating with my mates at a place called HW.. Great nasi goreng jawa.. Be back there today, for the 3rd consecutive day.. I think my waist is expanding..
Ct