Pajeri Nanas (Bruneian Pineapple Curry)
In short: Chunks of pineapple simmered in coconut milk with a fragrant chili paste and whole spices into a sweet, sour and spicy curry for festive meals. It takes about 1 h in total and makes 6 servings.
- Prep
- 25 min
- Cook
- 35 min
- Total
- 1 h
- Servings
- 6
- Difficulty
- Easy
- Calories
- 250 kcal
Pajeri nanas is a curry made from pineapple instead of meat, popular at festive meals in Brunei such as Hari Raya, usually served beside rice and rendang. Ripe pineapple holds its shape in a sauce of coconut milk, chilies, shallots and whole spices. The result is sweet, sour, hot and creamy together, and it softens richer dishes on the table.
Instructions
- Blend the shallots, garlic, ginger, drained chilies, coriander, turmeric and cumin into a smooth paste, adding a splash of water if needed.
- Heat the oil in a wide pot over medium heat. Add the cinnamon, star anise, cloves and cardamom and stir for 30 seconds until fragrant.
- Add the spice paste and fry for 8 to 10 minutes, stirring, until it darkens and the oil begins to separate.
- Pour in the coconut milk and water and bring to a gentle simmer. Add the pineapple.
- Simmer uncovered for 15 to 20 minutes, stirring now and then, until the sauce thickens slightly and the pineapple is tender but not mushy.
- Stir in the sugar, tamarind and salt. Taste and adjust: it should be sweet, sour and moderately hot. Serve with rice.
Tips
- Use a ripe but firm pineapple. Canned pineapple chunks in juice work if drained well, and need only 10 minutes of simmering.
- Reduce the heat by using fewer dried chilies or removing their seeds. A teaspoon of toasted grated coconut stirred in at the end adds a nutty flavor.
Questions and answers
What do you serve with pajeri nanas?
Steamed rice, simple vegetables and other festive dishes. It is also eaten with ketupat rice cakes at festive meals.
Can I make pajeri nanas ahead?
Yes. It tastes better the next day and keeps for 3 days in the refrigerator. Reheat gently, as boiling can split the coconut milk.
Is it very sweet?
It is balanced rather than sweet. The tamarind and chilies keep the sweetness in check, and you can reduce the sugar if your pineapple is very ripe.
How long does it take to make Pajeri Nanas (Bruneian Pineapple Curry)?
About 1 h in total: 25 min of preparation and 35 min of cooking.
How many calories are in Pajeri Nanas (Bruneian Pineapple Curry)?
About 250 kcal per serving, with 3 g of protein, 25 g of carbohydrates and 16 g of fat. These values are estimates.
Nutrition per serving
| Calories | 250 kcal |
|---|---|
| Protein | 3 g |
| Carbohydrates | 25 g |
| Fat | 16 g |
| Fiber | 4 g |
| Sugar | 18 g |
| Sodium | 400 mg |
Estimated values, calculated from the ingredients.
