Balinese Tumpeng

Introduction

Tumpeng is a traditional Indonesian dish, often served during special occasions, celebrations, and ceremonies. It features a towering cone of rice, usually yellow, surrounded by an array of delectable side dishes. This visually stunning and culturally rich dish hails from Java but has been lovingly embraced and modified by the Balinese people.

History of Tumpeng

The origins of tumpeng date back centuries to the island of Java, where it was originally used in ancient rituals. The cone shape symbolizes the mountains and the divine life of their gods in Javanese cosmology. The shape of the rice mound also represents gratitude to nature and the creator. Over time, this practice spread across Indonesia, each region incorporating its local tastes and ingredients.

Ingredients Needed

• Rice
• Coconut Milk
• Turmeric
• Lemongrass
• Bay Leaf
• Chicken
• Tofu
• Tempeh
• Eggs
• Chili
• Shallots
• Garlic
• Ginger
• Palm Sugar
• Salt
• Vegetable Oil
• Shrimp Paste
• Cashews
• Fried Shallots
• Lime

Preparation

Making Yellow Rice

Start by washing the rice thoroughly. In a pot, mix the rice with coconut milk, water, turmeric, crushed lemongrass, and a bay leaf. Add a pinch of salt. Cook the rice until it is tender and has absorbed the colorful flavors. For detailed cooking time of the rice, refer here.

Preparing Side Dishes

Sauté a mixture of shallots, garlic, and ginger in vegetable oil. Add in chunks of chicken, tofu, and tempeh. Add sliced chilies for heat. Flavor with shrimp paste, palm sugar, and salt, and cook until each is fully cooked through.

Boiled Eggs

Boil some eggs and slice them. Set aside.

Garnishing and Serving

• Arrange the rice in a cone shape on a big platter.
• Place cooked chicken, tofu, tempeh around the rice.
• Decoratively arrange eggs, sprinkle with fried shallots and cashews.
• Drizzle with a bit of freshly squeezed lime juice.

How to Enjoy Balinese Tumpeng

To fully appreciate the Balinese tumpeng, gather your friends and family and serve a portion to each guest from the base of the cone upwards, leaving the tip for the host or special guest as a gesture of respect. Enjoy this dish as a communal meal along with traditional Balinese music and dances for an enriched cultural experience.