Category: Indonesia

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Recipe | Sprouted Sorghum Cake ft. Nusa Tenggara Timur

The first time I brought life into this world?

I was 10 years old.

For children in classrooms across America, it was a rite of passage to sprout a dried lima bean. Each child was provided a plastic ziplock bag, paper towel, lima bean and water. We were taught to “wake up” the bean by re-hydrating it in water, keep it moist with a damp paper towel, and “feed” it with sunlight. Once the foot of a root peeked out, I was a proud momma.

Taking an otherwise forgotten dried bean and coaxing it to life was my first realization that nature’s power was a gift to cherish.

20 years later, I was raising an army of sorghum seeds in the kitchen.

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Feature | Dari mana?

“Dari mana?”

It is the number one question asked in Indonesia, considering it is the second phrase I learned to say after “thank you.”

“From where?”

Balinese asking Australian. Javanese asking Sumatran. Floresian asking Jakartan. Regardless of international or domestic origin, everyone is asked.

It is more than a passing formality in this country; “dari mana” can also be construed as a greeting, like “hello.” Indonesians love engaging with visitors so this question starts all conversations.

Why not apply it to food as well?

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Recipe | Chia Seed Crackers ft. Sumatra & Nusa Tenggara Timur

Disclaimer: Chia seeds are not native to Indonesia.

Just as people migrate, so have plants and their seeds. With Mother Earth’s magic, many of these plants become naturalized—acclimate to their new environment—and transform into new species themselves.

Some of these “new” plants have been in Indonesia for centuries—for as long as traders have sailed in and around the seas of Indonesia.

As we enter into a new year in the 21st century, this migration continues, but this time with more purpose than a stowaway seed.

Continue reading “Recipe | Chia Seed Crackers ft. Sumatra & Nusa Tenggara Timur”