Recipe Jengkol Kalio

Jengkol Kalio is a traditional Indonesian dish known for its distinctive flavor and aroma. This dish features jengkol, also known as dogfruit, cooked in a rich and spicy coconut milk sauce. Despite its strong smell, jengkol is beloved by many for its unique taste. Here's a recipe to make this flavorful dish at home.

Ingredients:

• 300 grams of jengkol (dogfruit), boiled and peeled
• 400 ml coconut milk
• 2 shallots, finely chopped
• 3 cloves of garlic, minced
• 2 red chilies, sliced ​​(adjust according to preference)
• 2 bay leaves
• 2 kaffir lime leaves
• 1 teaspoon tamarind paste, dissolved in 2 tablespoons of water
• 1 teaspoon salt (or to taste)
• 1 teaspoon sugar (optional)
• 2 tablespoons cooking oil

Instructions:

1. Heat the cooking oil in a pan over medium heat.
2. Sauté the chopped shallots and minced garlic until fragrant and golden brown.
3. Add the sliced red chilies, bay leaves, and kaffir lime leaves. Stir well.
4. Pour in the coconut milk and bring it to a gentle simmer.
5. Once the coconut milk starts to simmer, add the boiled and peeled jengkol.
6. Stir in the dissolved tamarind paste, salt, and sugar (if using). Mix well.
7. Let the dish simmer over low heat for about 15-20 minutes, or until the flavors meld together and the sauce thickens slightly.
8. Taste and adjust the seasoning if needed.
9. Once done, remove from heat and transfer to a serving dish.

Serving: Serve the Jengkol Kalio hot with steamed rice. It pairs well with other Indonesian side dishes like sambal (chili paste) and fresh vegetables.

Tips:

• To reduce the strong smell of jengkol, you can soak it in water with a little salt and lime juice before boiling.
• Adjust the level of spiciness by adding or reducing the amount of chili according to your preference.
• For a richer flavor, you can add a stalk of lemongrass while simmering the coconut milk.

Variations:

• Some variations of Jengkol Kalio include adding other ingredients like potatoes, tofu, or tempeh for additional texture and flavor.
• You can also experiment with different herbs and spices such as galangal, turmeric, or coriander to customize the dish to your liking.

Nutritional Information: Calories per serving: Approximately 250-300 (depending on serving size and additional ingredients)

Conclusion: Jengkol Kalio is a delicious Indonesian dish that showcases the unique flavor of jengkol in a rich and spicy coconut milk sauce. Despite its strong aroma, this dish is loved by many for its distinctive taste and can be enjoyed with steamed rice and other side dishes. With this recipe, you can recreate the flavors of Indonesia in your own kitchen and delight your taste buds with this flavorful dish.