Serian
Serian town, located about 40 miles (65km) from Kuching is an important pepper producing district. It is also famous for its durians which are widely touted to be the best in Sarawak. This prompted the Serian District Council to erect a giant monument to this 'King of Fruit' right in the middle of the market square. The town is well connected to the rich hinterland by road and by water. Thus, one can find and sample a wide variety of jungle produce in the native market which is a must place to visit. There are also many waterfalls in Serian, the most popular being the Ranchan Waterfall, located about 5 km from Serian town and is easily accessible by road. The dominant ethnic group living here is the Bidayuhs otherwise known as the Land Dayaks.
SERIAN PEPPER RICE
It is an exotic fragrant dish cooked with spices and herbs. The rice can be eaten with light curry. Serves 8
Ingredients
4 cups long grain rice
2 tablespoons cooking oil
A 3 cm cinnamon stick
5 cardamons
4 cloves
1 star anise
B 3 teaspoons ripe peppercorns
2 cm ginger, cut into thin strips
2 shallots, pounded
5 cloves garlic, pounded
C 5 cups water
1 cup fresh milk
1 pandan leaf
1 stalk lemon grass, crushed D 30gm green peas
30gm carrot cubes
15gm fried cashew nuts
10gm raisins
Method
1. Wash rice until water is clear. Drain and set aside.
2. Heat cooking oil in a pot. Put in ingredients A and stir for two minutes.
3. Add in ingredients B, stir until fragrant and then pour in ingredients C.
4. When the liquid starts to boil, add the rice and ingredients D. Cover and simmer on low heat until the liquid has evaporated and rice is cooked.
5. Serve hot.
