Ame Hnat

Ame Hnat Recipe: Delicious Burmese Dish with Onions, Garlic, and Turmeric

Region / culture: Burma | Preparation time: 20 minutes | Cooking time: 2 hours | Servings: 4

Introduction

Ame Hnat, a traditional dish hailing from the heart of Myanmar, is a testament to the rich culinary heritage of the region. This savory stew, characterized by its tender beef and aromatic blend of spices, offers a unique taste that captivates the palate. The dish's name, which translates to "tender beef," perfectly encapsulates the essence of this beloved recipe. Ideal for special occasions or a hearty family meal, Ame Hnat promises an unforgettable dining experience.

History

The origins of Ame Hnat can be traced back to ancient Myanmar, where it was prepared for royalty and esteemed guests. Over the centuries, the recipe has been passed down through generations, evolving with each iteration while retaining its core flavors and ingredients. This dish reflects the diverse influences and rich history of Myanmar's culinary traditions, blending local spices and cooking techniques to create a dish that is both comforting and exotic.

Ingredients

750 g of stewing steak
2 large onions
5 large cloves of garlic
2 tsp of chopped ginger
1 tsp of ground turmeric
1 tsp of chili powder
6 tbsp of light sesame oil
0.25 tsp of ground black pepper
2 tender stalks of lemon grass
1 cup of hot water
1.5 tsp of salt
2 large onions, finely sliced and fried until they are crisp and brown

How to prepare

Cut the beef into 2-inch squares. Place the onion, garlic, ginger, turmeric, and chili powder in a food processor. Process until a paste is formed. Heat oil in a wok or deep-sided frying pan. Add the paste and stir into the oil. Cook over low heat for 10 minutes, adding a little water if the mixture starts to burn. The paste should turn golden brown and have oil around the edges when cooked. Add the beef, pepper, and lemongrass. Fry slowly over moderately low heat until all the juices from the beef have evaporated and the meat turns brown. Add hot water and salt to taste. Cover and simmer over low heat until the meat is tender. Remove the cover and increase the heat. Cook until the meat is dry and coated with the gravy. Just before serving, garnish with fried onions.

Variations

For a twist on the traditional recipe, try substituting beef with chicken or lamb. Vegetarians can use hearty vegetables like eggplant or mushrooms as an alternative. Adding potatoes or carrots to the stew is another variation that adds texture and flavor.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

To ensure the beef in your Ame Hnat is perfectly tender, it's crucial to select the right cut of meat. Stewing steak is ideal for this recipe, as its fat content adds flavor and helps the meat become tender during the slow cooking process. Additionally, be patient when cooking the spice paste; allowing it to brown properly will give your Ame Hnat a deep, rich flavor. Lastly, using fresh lemongrass will enhance the dish's aroma and taste, making it truly authentic.

Serving Suggestions

Ame Hnat is best served with a side of steamed jasmine rice or flatbreads to soak up the delicious gravy. A fresh salad or steamed vegetables can be added to the meal for a refreshing contrast to the rich flavors of the beef.

Cooking Techniques

The key to a successful Ame Hnat lies in the slow cooking of the beef, allowing it to become tender and absorb the flavors of the spices. Browning the spice paste before adding the meat is a crucial step that enhances the dish's depth of flavor.

Ingredient Substitutions

If light sesame oil is not available, it can be substituted with any neutral-flavored oil. For those who prefer a less spicy dish, the amount of chili powder can be adjusted according to taste.

Make Ahead Tips

Ame Hnat can be prepared in advance and stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. In fact, allowing the dish to sit overnight can enhance its flavors, as the beef continues to absorb the spices.

Presentation Ideas

Serve Ame Hnat in a deep, decorative bowl, garnished with the crispy fried onions and fresh cilantro leaves. A side of lime wedges can be provided for guests to adjust the acidity to their liking.

Pairing Recommendations

A light, crisp beer or a glass of robust red wine pairs beautifully with Ame Hnat, complementing its rich flavors and spices. For a non-alcoholic option, a chilled glass of tamarind juice offers a refreshing balance.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator. To reheat, gently warm the Ame Hnat on the stove over low heat, adding a little water if necessary to prevent it from drying out.

Nutrition Information

Calories per serving

Each serving of Ame Hnat contains approximately 350 calories. The calories are well-balanced between proteins, fats, and carbohydrates, making this dish a hearty and nutritious option.

Carbohydrates

A single serving of Ame Hnat contains approximately 10 grams of carbohydrates. The majority of these carbs come from the onions and garlic used in the recipe. While this dish is not high in carbohydrates, it provides a good source of energy.

Fats

Ame Hnat is moderately high in fats, with a single serving containing about 20 grams of fat. The fats primarily come from the sesame oil and the natural fat within the beef. These fats contribute to the dish's rich flavor and satisfying texture.

Proteins

This dish is an excellent source of protein, with each serving providing roughly 35 grams of protein. The high protein content comes from the stewing steak, making Ame Hnat a great option for those looking to maintain or increase muscle mass.

Vitamins and minerals

Ame Hnat is rich in various vitamins and minerals, including Vitamin B12 from the beef, which is essential for brain health, and iron, which is crucial for blood production. The garlic and onions offer Vitamin C and potassium, contributing to overall well-being.

Alergens

The primary allergen present in Ame Hnat is sesame oil. Those with allergies to sesame should substitute it with another cooking oil, such as vegetable oil or coconut oil, to avoid any adverse reactions.

Summary

Ame Hnat is a balanced dish that offers a good mix of proteins, fats, and carbohydrates, along with essential vitamins and minerals. It's a hearty meal that supports overall health while providing a rich and satisfying dining experience.

Summary

Ame Hnat is a flavorful and nutritious dish that showcases the rich culinary heritage of Myanmar. With its tender beef, aromatic spices, and versatile serving options, it's a delightful meal that brings warmth and comfort to any table. Whether you're exploring new cuisines or simply looking for a hearty dish to share with loved ones, Ame Hnat is sure to impress.

How did I get this recipe?

The first time I saw this recipe, I was immediately drawn to it. It was a delicate dish called Ame Hnat, a traditional Burmese dessert that I had never heard of before. The recipe was handed down to me by a dear friend who had learned it from her own grandmother, and I was eager to give it a try.

As I read through the ingredients and instructions, I couldn't help but feel a sense of nostalgia wash over me. The recipe called for simple ingredients like coconut milk, sugar, and agar agar powder, but the method of preparation was intricate and required patience and precision. I knew that this dessert would be a labor of love, but I was determined to master it.

I decided to make Ame Hnat for a family gathering that weekend. As I gathered the ingredients and began to prepare the dessert, memories of my own grandmother flooded back to me. She was the one who had first taught me how to cook, instilling in me a love for food and a desire to create delicious meals for my loved ones.

As the coconut milk simmered on the stove, I carefully measured out the agar agar powder and sugar, following the recipe's instructions to the letter. The aroma of the coconut milk filled the kitchen, and I knew that I was on the right track.

After the mixture had thickened to the perfect consistency, I poured it into a square dish and set it aside to cool. The recipe instructed me to refrigerate the dessert for several hours until it had set completely, so I left it to chill overnight.

The next day, as I sliced the Ame Hnat into squares and served it to my family, I couldn't help but feel a sense of pride. The dessert was a hit, with its creamy texture and subtle sweetness delighting everyone at the table. My grandmother would have been proud to see me carrying on her legacy of creating delicious dishes to bring joy to others.

Since then, Ame Hnat has become a staple in my repertoire of recipes. I have made it countless times for family gatherings, potlucks, and special occasions, each time with the same care and attention to detail as the first. It has become a symbol of the love and tradition that I hold dear, a reminder of the connections that food can create between generations.

As I continue to cook and explore new recipes, I am grateful for the lessons that my grandmother taught me and the memories that we shared in the kitchen. Ame Hnat may be just a dessert, but to me, it is so much more than that. It is a link to my past, a celebration of my heritage, and a way to honor the loved ones who have shaped me into the cook that I am today.