Joyce`s Indonesian Fried Rice

1 1-in chunk tamarind pulp

1/2 c Chopped shallots

1 1/2 tb Chopped garlic

2 Red serrano chiles; chopped

1 ts Shrimp paste (optional)

-=OR=- Anchovy paste 1/2 ts Turmeric

1 ts Salt or to taste

3 tb Vegetable oil

-(or more if needed) 6 oz Med shrimp (41-to-50 per lb)

- shelled and deveined 1/2 c Diced red pepper

1/2 c Green peas

1 c Shredded purple cabbage

6 c Cooked long-grain white rice

- (cold) - 2 tb Ketjap manis

-=OR=- Dark soy sauce 1 tb Light soy sauce

3 Green onions; thinly sliced

1/2 c Diced cooked chicken

1/2 c Chinese barbecued pork

-=OR=- Ham ---------------------------------GARNISHES--------------------------------- Fresh coriander leaves 1/2 English cucumber

- thinly sliced - COVER TAMARIND PULP with 1/2 cup of boiling water. With the back of a fork, mash the fibers and seeds. When dissolved, strain, and reserve 1/3 cup of tamarind water. In a food processor or mortar, process or pound the shallots, garlic, chiles, shrimp paste, turmeric and salt into as smooth a paste as possible. Set a wok or skillet over medium-high heat. When hot, add the oil and spice paste; gently brown. Turn heat to high and add the shrimp; stir-fry until they turn bright orange, about 30 seconds. Remove and set aside. Add bell peppers, peas and cabbage; stir-fry until vegetables are cooked but still crisp, about 1 1/2 minutes. Add rice; stir-fry together, breaking up the lumps of rice. When the rice grains are separated, add tamarind water, ketjap manis, light soy sauce, green onions, chicken, barbecued pork and reserved shrimp; mix together. Check for seasonings. Transfer to a serving plate, garnish with coriander and arrange the cucumbers around the edge.