Recipe Lontong Vegetables

Lontong vegetables, also known as Sayur Lodeh, is a popular Indonesian dish consisting of mixed vegetables cooked in coconut milk broth, served with compressed rice cakes known as lontong. This dish is not only nutritious but also bursting with flavors. Here's how you can prepare this delectable dish in your own kitchen.

Ingredients:

1. 400ml coconut milk
2. 2 cups of mixed vegetables (such as green beans, cabbage, carrots, and tofu)
3. 2 pieces of tempeh, sliced
4. 2 pieces of tofu, sliced
5. 2 cloves garlic, minced
6. 2 shallots, finely chopped
7. 2 red chilies, sliced
8. 2 bay leaves
9. 1 teaspoon turmeric powder
10. 1 teaspoon salt
11. 1 tablespoon cooking oil
12. 4 pieces of lontong (compressed rice cakes), sliced

Instructions:

1. Heat the cooking oil in a pan over medium heat. Add minced garlic, chopped shallots, sliced red chilies, and bay leaves. Sauté until fragrant.
2. Add sliced tempeh and tofu to the pan. Stir-fry until they turn golden brown.
3. Pour in the coconut milk and bring it to a gentle boil.
4. Add turmeric powder and salt, then stir well.
5. Toss in the mixed vegetables and cook until they are tender but still crisp.
6. Once the vegetables are cooked, remove the bay leaves from the broth.

Serving:

1. Place a few slices of lontong in a serving bowl.
2. Ladle the vegetable coconut milk broth over the lontong.
3. Serve hot and enjoy the aromatic flavors of this Indonesian delicacy.

Tips:

• Customize the vegetables according to your preference and seasonal availability.
• For a richer flavor, you can add a few slices of lemongrass and a handful of fresh basil leaves.
• Adjust the spiciness by adding or reducing the amount of chili according to your taste.

Variations:

• Sayur Lodeh with Prawns: Add peeled and deveined prawns to the dish for a seafood twist.
• Sayur Lodeh with Chicken: Include bite-sized pieces of chicken for a protein-packed version of the dish.
• Sayur Lodeh with Jackfruit: Substitute mixed vegetables with young jackfruit for a unique flavor and texture.

Nutritional Information:

The calorie content of lontong vegetables can vary based on the specific ingredients and portion sizes used. However, it is generally a nutritious dish rich in vitamins, minerals, and healthy fats from coconut milk.

Conclusion:

Lontong vegetables or Sayur Lodeh is a delightful Indonesian dish that showcases the vibrant flavors of mixed vegetables cooked in creamy coconut milk broth. Whether enjoyed as a standalone meal or served with steamed rice, it's sure to satisfy your taste buds. With simple ingredients and easy preparation, you can recreate this authentic Indonesian favorite in your kitchen and indulge in its comforting goodness.