Lontong Racing is a traditional Indonesian dish often enjoyed as a hearty breakfast or lunch. It consists of compressed rice cakes (lontong) served with a flavorful soup, various vegetables, and protein options like chicken or tofu. This recipe will guide you through making Lontong Racing at home, including ingredients, preparation steps, tips, variations, and nutritional information.
Ingredients
For Lontong (Compressed Rice Cakes)
- 500 grams of rice
- Banana leaves or plastic bags for wrapping
- Water for boiling
For the Soup
- 500 grams of chicken (or tofu for a vegetarian option)
- 2 liters of water
- 2 lemongrass stalks, crushed
- 4 kaffir lime leaves
- 2 bay leaves
- 3 cloves of garlic, minced
- 2 shallots, minced
- 1 teaspoon of turmeric powder
- 1 teaspoon of coriander powder
- 1 teaspoon of salt
- 1 teaspoon of sugar
- 200 ml of coconut milk
- Cooking oil
For the Toppings
- Bean sprouts
- Fried shallots
- Sliced scallions
- Sambal (Indonesian chili sauce)
- Ketupat (optional for an extra side dish)
Preparation
Making Lontong
- Prepare the Banana Leaves/Plastic Bags: If using banana leaves, cut them into squares and soften them by passing them over a flame or dipping them briefly in hot water.
- Wash the Rice: Rinse the rice thoroughly until the water runs clear.
- Wrap the Rice: Place a portion of rice onto the banana leaf or plastic bag and roll it into a cylinder. Secure the ends with toothpicks or string.
- Boil the Lontong: Place the wrapped rice in a large pot, cover with water, and boil for about 2-3 hours, adding water as needed. The rice should become firm and compact.
Preparing the Soup
- Cook the Chicken/Tofu: In a large pot, boil the chicken until tender, then shred the meat. If using tofu, cut it into cubes and fry until golden brown.
- Make the Soup Base: In a separate pot, heat some cooking oil and sauté the garlic, shallots, lemongrass, kaffir lime leaves, and bay leaves until fragrant.
- Add Spices: Add the turmeric powder, coriander powder, salt, and sugar. Stir well.
- Combine Ingredients: Add the shredded chicken or tofu to the pot and mix well.
- Add Water and Coconut Milk: Pour in the water and bring to a boil. Reduce the heat and let it simmer for about 20 minutes. Stir in the coconut milk and cook for another 10 minutes.
Serving Lontong Racing
- Prepare the Bowl: Slice the lontong into bite-sized pieces and place them in a bowl.
- Add the Soup: Pour the hot soup over the long.
- Garnish: Top with bean sprouts, fried shallots, sliced scallions, and sambal.
- Optional Side Dish: Serve with ketupat for an extra traditional touch.
Tips
- Consistency of Lontong: Ensure the rice is wrapped tightly to achieve the right consistency.
- Fresh Ingredients: Use fresh lemongrass and kaffir lime leaves for a more aromatic soup.
- Adjusting Spiciness: Modify the amount of sambal to suit your heat preference.
- Vegetarian Option: Replace chicken with tofu or tempeh.
Variations
- Lontong Cap Go Meh: A similar dish that includes additional ingredients like boiled eggs and various types of meat.
- Lontong Sayur: A simpler version with just vegetables and a lighter coconut milk soup.
- Lontong Balap: A variation from East Java that includes additional toppings like lentho (fried lentil cakes).
Nutritional Information
The nutritional content of Lontong Racing varies based on the ingredients used. Below is an approximate breakdown per serving:
- Calories: 350-450 kcal
- Protein: 15-20 grams
- Carbohydrates: 50-60 grams
- Fat: 10-15 grams
Adjustments in ingredients and portion sizes will affect the total caloric and nutritional content.
Conclusion
Lontong Racing is a delightful and nutritious Indonesian dish perfect for any meal. Its rich flavors and diverse textures make it a satisfying and memorable culinary experience. By following this recipe, you can enjoy an authentic taste of Indonesia in your own home. Experiment with different variations and enjoy the unique flavors of Lontong Racing!
