Lontong sayur

Indonesian dish made with compressed rice cakes and vegetable curry

A serving of Lontong Sayur

Lontong Sayur is a traditional Indonesian dish that consists of lontong, or compressed rice cakes, served with a variety of vegetables in a curry-like coconut milk soup. It is a popular dish in Indonesia, often enjoyed as a breakfast or brunch meal.

Ingredients

Lontong Sayur typically includes the following ingredients:

• Lontong: Compressed rice cakes made by boiling rice wrapped in banana leaves.
• Vegetables: Commonly used vegetables include chayote, long beans, and cabbage.
• Coconut milk: Provides the creamy base for the soup.
• Spices: A blend of turmeric, galangal, lemongrass, and coriander is used to flavor the dish.
• Proteins: Sometimes, tofu or tempeh is added for additional protein.
• Garnishes: Fried shallots and boiled eggs are often used as garnishes.

Preparation

The preparation of Lontong Sayur involves several steps:

1. Preparing the Lontong: Rice is wrapped in banana leaves and boiled until it becomes a firm, compact cake. Once cooked, it is sliced into bite-sized pieces.

2. Cooking the Vegetables: Vegetables are sautéed with spices such as turmeric, galangal, and lemongrass to enhance their flavor.

3. Making the Coconut Milk Soup: Coconut milk is simmered with the sautéed vegetables and spices to create a rich, flavorful broth.

4. Serving: The sliced lontong is placed in a bowl, and the coconut milk soup with vegetables is ladled over it. The dish is garnished with fried shallots and boiled eggs.

Cultural Significance

Lontong Sayur is not only a staple in Indonesian households but also a popular street food. It is commonly served during Lebaran, the celebration marking the end of Ramadan, where it is enjoyed as part of a festive meal.

Variations

There are several regional variations of Lontong Sayur across Indonesia:

• Lontong Sayur Betawi: Originating from Jakarta, this version includes additional ingredients such as beef or chicken.
• Lontong Sayur Padang: Known for its spicier flavor, this version uses more chili peppers and is popular in West Sumatra.

Related pages

• Indonesian cuisine
• Lontong
• Coconut milk
• Curry