Lemper: Sticky Rice With Chicken

Lemper is a delicious Indonesian snack made from glutinous rice filled with savory meat. Here’s a kid-friendly recipe for making Lemper:

Kid-Friendly Lemper Recipe

Ingredients:

For the Rice:

• 2 cups glutinous rice (sticky rice)
• 1 cup coconut milk
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1 pandan leaf (optional, for aroma)

For the Filling:

• 1 cup cooked chicken or beef, shredded (you can use leftover meat)
• 1/2 cup grated coconut (fresh or desiccated)
• 2 tablespoons sweet soy sauce (kecap manis)
• 1 tablespoon oil
• 1 clove garlic, minced
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon pepper

For Wrapping:

• Banana leaves (or parchment paper if banana leaves are not available)

Instructions:

1. Prepare the Rice:

• Rinse the glutinous rice under cold water until the water runs clear. Soak it in water for about 2-4 hours, then drain.
• In a pot, combine the soaked rice, coconut milk, salt, and pandan leaf (if using). Cook on medium heat, stirring occasionally, until the rice absorbs the coconut milk and becomes sticky. This should take about 15-20 minutes. Remove from heat and let it cool.

1. Make the Filling:

• In a pan, heat the oil over medium heat. Sauté the minced garlic until fragrant.
• Add the shredded chicken or beef, grated coconut, sweet soy sauce, salt, and pepper. Stir well and cook for about 5 minutes until everything is well combined. Remove from heat and let it cool.

1. Assemble the Lemper:

• Cut the banana leaves into rectangles (about 10×15 cm) or use parchment paper.
• Take a portion of the sticky rice (about the size of a small fist) and flatten it on the banana leaf or parchment paper.
• Place a spoonful of the filling in the center of the rice, then fold the sides over the filling and roll it up tightly. Make sure it’s sealed well.
• Repeat the process until all the rice and filling are used.

1. Steam the Lemper:

• Place the wrapped lemper in a steamer and steam for about 20-30 minutes until heated through.
• Remove from the steamer and let them cool slightly before serving.

1. Serve:

• You can serve lemper warm or at room temperature. They make a great snack for kids!

Tips:

• You can customize the filling by adding vegetables or using different proteins.
• If using banana leaves, you can lightly grill them over an open flame to make them more pliable.

Enjoy making and sharing this tasty Indonesian treat with your kids!