Coconut & Sambal Book Summary

In 'Coconut & Sambal', Lara Lee invites readers on a vibrant culinary journey through the rich tapestry of Indonesian cuisine. With fragrant spices and bold flavors at the forefront, she shares a collection of authentic recipes that connect food with cultural stories. Each dish unfolds a tale, revealing the history, tradition, and heart of Indonesia. As you flip through the pages, you’ll discover how to recreate these sensory experiences in your own kitchen. Prepare to be inspired and swept away by a symphony of tastes that celebrate the beauty of sharing food and heritage.

By Lara Lee

Published: 2020

"In the heart of every dish lies a story waiting to be savored, a reminder that food is not just sustenance, but a bridge that connects us to our heritage and to one another."

Book Review of Coconut & Sambal

Vibrant and authentic recipes from the bountiful islands of Indonesia Beyond Indonesia's lush rainforests, tropical seas and abundant rice fields lies a country not often seen by visitors. It is one of bustling local markets, lively street food stalls, colourful shops and houses and generous community spirit. From these islands comes one of the most diverse cuisines in the world, weaving flavours of lemongrass, chilli, tamarind and coconut into dishes that are fragrant, colourful and bold. In Coconut & Sambal Australian-born chef Lara Lee takes us on a journey to trace her family's Indonesian roots, and in the kitchens of her grandmother, extended family and welcoming strangers alike, she discovers the secrets to real Indonesian cookery. Now she shares more than 80 authentic, mouth-watering recipes that have been passed down through the generations, so you can recreate dishes such as Nasi goreng, Beef rendang, Chilli prawn satay and Pandan cake. There are also recipes for a variety of sambals: fragrant, spicy relishes – ranging from mild to fiery – that are undoubtedly the heart and soul of every meal. The recipes in Coconut & Sambal use easily accessible ingredients and simple techniques and are interwoven with beguiling tales of life on the islands and vibrant food and travel photography, shining a light on the magnificent but little-known cuisine of Indonesia.

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In the heart of every dish lies a story waiting to be savored, a reminder that food is not just sustenance, but a bridge that connects us to our heritage and to one another.

Coconut & Sambal

By Lara Lee