Page 10 - EBOOK_81 Homestyle Recipes With The True Taste Of Indonesia

create a sensual ambience for our diners. More than I expected, our travels turned out

to be a revelation for my palate as well. This was my first trip to Asia—the first of
many—and it greatly deepened my love affair with its glorious food. Barbara and I
spent over a month traveling throughout the islands of Java and Bali. While hunting for
treasures, we discovered the vibrant, multi-layered cuisine unique to this part of the
world. From fiery hot sambals to spicy coconut-based curries, crisp banana fritters to
creamy durian ice cream—each provided a symphony of delicious, often surprising

flavors–many of which I later adapted into signature Indigo dishes.

Within these pages, a culinary adventure awaits you. With Chef Dina as your expert
guide, you can explore the planet’s largest archipelago—the fabled Spice Islands—
and its distinctive cuisine in your own kitchen. Dina’s clear, easy-to-follow recipes
capture the spirit of Indonesian cooking—a diverse, little known cuisine she makes
accessible to anyone. Ranging from the familiar, such as Chicken and Beef Satay,

Fresh Spring Rolls (Lumpia Basah), Indonesian Mixed Salad with Creamy Peanut
Dressing (Gado Gado) and Traditional Nasi Goreng, to the more exotic, such as Spicy
Lemongrass Beef (Daging Asam Pedas), Carmelized Pork (Babi Kecap), Grilled
Swordfish with Fragrant Yellow Rice ( Ikan Bakar dengan Nasi Kuning), or
Tamarind Roasted Shrimp (Asem Udang Bakar), this collection of tantalizing recipes
is certain to delight.

Dina not only shares her many years of cooking knowledge but clearly

communicates her love of family and passion for food as well. In our memories, food
is deeply rooted to those places and people we love. The Indonesian Cookbook
celebrates food, its enticing flavors, tastes, and aromas, and the important role it plays
in keeping us connected to friends and family.