A Tryst With Exotica: The Barbecue in Southeast Asia
Tracing its beginnings perhaps to Early Man himself, the barbecue exists in various forms all across the globe. It may vary in the equipment and ingredients used, but the basic technique is still recognizable all over the world. The most exotic variety, however, at least by way of spice and taste, is the Southeast Asian, particularly the Indonesian variety of the barbecue.
In the Southeast Asian countries of Malaysia, Singapore, Indonesia, and the Philippines, the style of grilled meat is known as the satay. Usually a dish consisting of diced or sliced chicken, goat, mutton, beef, pork, and fish, or even tofu, satay was traditionally prepared using skewers from the midrib of the coconut leaf. Bamboo skewers are also used. In some parts of Indonesia, even sugarcane or lemon grass sticks are used. The satay is grilled over a wood or charcoal fire and then served with spicy seasonings.
Satay is an extremely popular food in Indonesia and Malaysia, and in Indonesia, the satay can be had from a traveling satay vendor, or from a street side satay, at a sophisticated restaurant, or at home during festivals. The Indonesians regard it as their national dish. In Malaysia too, the satay is popular throughout the country, especially during traditional feasts.
What really sets this style of barbecue apart from the others is not the preparation itself, (for that has a lot in common the Japanese, Chinese, and Turkish preparations) but the spices, sauces, and accompaniments that bring out this uniquely flavored dish.
Turmeric is an essential element in this barbecue, providing the yellow color to the dish. The satay is sometimes served with a peanut sauce dip, or even peanut gravy, slivers of onion and cucumbers, and interestingly, rice cakes. Pork satay is known to be served with a pineapple-based satay sauce or a cucumber relish. Variations of the satay across Indonesia use ingredients as diverse as cumin powder, fresh sliced chilli and shallots, coconuts, and even flower buds. Some varieties of the satay are even served without sauce.
The meats used for the satay also range from the predictable to the bizarre. Migrating sea birds, softshell turtles, cobras and pythons, lizards, immature chicken eggs, and even eels are used with abandon in Indonesia.
When you arrange your movie theater area, plan to have enough space to spread out blankets so no one feels cramped. When guests arrive, help them to position blankets and chairs towards the screen area. Your screen could be a conventional projector screen, a white sheet, or even a white wall of your house or garage. Surround sound systems are usually inexpensive and easy to obtain. However, it is best to set up and test the equipment a day in advance so there are no last minute glitches. You’ll also be able to check that you have all the cables and drop cords you need. Do have a back up plan in case of unexpected rain showers. And very importantly, if the movie is noisy, warn your neighbors in advance.
Ready to take a bite? So for a taste of the exotic Orient, try the satay this season, give the unusual a chance and you may come back changed!
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