Gulai Kering Kentang Buncis (Potatoes and Green Beans Dried Curry)

Creamy, spicy, slightly sweet with aromatic pungent from lemon grass and lime leaves. Who doesn't like that? Need I mention that it is also packed with carbohydrate or simply fried potatoes? What a comfort! 

This dish is a lovely combination of root vegetable (potatoes are root "vegetables" right?), green beans, coconut milk and spices. It was created years ago when I was a university student at the time, feeling homesick and longing for flavours from home. So I gathered whatever ingredients I could find in the kitchen and it was a success. The dish was frequently requested in potluck parties to showcase Indonesian cookery. Though I am no longer a student, it is still served in our everyday meal right at home. Pair it with sambal telur and you will have a complete Indonesian meal!

Skill Level: Easy

Serves: 6 - 8

INGREDIENTS:

• 1 onion, sliced
• 1 lb green beans, cut into 1" length 
• 3 potatoes
• 5 lime leaves
• 1 lemon grass
• 8 Thai hot peppers, sliced thinly
• 2 tsp turmeric powder
• 3/4 tsp salt
• 1/2 tbsp sugar
• 3 tbsp oil plus enough oil for frying potatoes
• 1 cup (250 mL) coconut milk 
• 1/4 cup (60 mL) water
• juice from 1 lime

METHOD: 

1. Peel potatoes and cut into cubes. Season with a pinch of salt
2. Meanwhile, in a pan, heat enough oil to fry the potatoes. Once hot enough, fry the potatoes till golden brown. Drain the excess oil with paper towel
3. Slice off the very bottom of the lemon grass stalk, and peel off any dried-out layers. Mince the soft inner part of the lemon grass to help release the aromatic oil 
4. In a separate pan, heat up 3 tbsp of cooking oil and saute sliced onions till soft, around 3 to 4 minutes 
5. Add in lemon grass, Thai hot peppers and tear the lime leaves with your hand to release the citrus flavour. Saute for another 3 minutes 
6. Add in green beans, turmeric powder, salt, sugar and water. Cover the pan with a lid and cook for 5 minutes 
7. Stir in coconut milk and let it boil for 5 minutes then add the fried potatoes 
8. Cook for additional 5 minutes and finally, stir in the lime juice 

Like any other Asian dishes, this dish shall be enjoyed with a plate of warm steamed rice or naan bread.