Saturday, January 16 - Honoring Betoro Bromo

On this date in Indonesia, the fire god Betoro Bromo is honored by Buddhist monks and pilgrims. The faithful gather at Mount Bromo. At the stroke of midnight, offerings of food and flowers are cast into the volcano where Betoro Bromo is believed to live.

This festival is known as the Kasada Festival, and among the main participants are farmers who rely on the fertile ground around the volcano. Participants murmur their prayers and wishes to the god and leave their offerings.

If you live in an area that has an Indonesian population, perhaps you are lucky enough to have a good restaurant nearby. If not, it is still easy enough to put together a tasty meal with foods that will please Betoro Bromo. Even though we cannot journey to Indonesia, and most of us do not live near a volcano, you can still leave an offering in his name, buried in the ground.

The Indonesian rice table, or Rijsttafel is a Dutch adaptation of a traditional Indonesian feast called nasi padang. The meal consists of rice prepared in various ways and served with many (up to 40 or more!) side dishes.

Suggestions:

Pork or chicken satay
Gado-gado (vegetables with peanut sauce)
Eggrolls
Banana fritters
Indonesian yellow rice (nasi kuning)

Nasi Kuning - Yellow Rice

This is rice cooked with coconut milk and turmeric. It is traditionally served in a cone and is supposed to represent a heaping pile of gold. It is eaten on special occasions and is a symbol of prosperity.

Recipe courtesy of www.thingsasian.com

Serves 10 to 12

3 cups rice, rinsed
3 cups coconut milk
2 cups water
1 tablespoon finely chopped fresh lemon grass (I would imagine it is acceptable to omit this if you cannot find it)
4 bay leaves
1 teaspoon turmeric
1 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon pepper
1/4 teaspoon, ground cloves
1/4 teaspoon cinnamon
3 tablespoons butter

Place all ingredients, except butter, in a saucepan, then bring to boil. Simmer for 20 minutes over low heat or until all liquid has been absorbed, stirring a few times. Turn off heat and cover, then allow to stand for 20 minutes. Add butter and fluff, then place on a platter and serve hot.