Gudeg

Description and History

Gudeg is a traditional Javanese cuisine that traces its roots back to Central Java, Indonesia, particularly the city of Yogyakarta. This delectable dish is made from young jackfruit, stewed for several hours with coconut milk and a blend of key spices. Historically, gudeg dates back to the 16th century during the time of the Mataram Sultanate. It was first made when people started planting jackfruit trees around their homes. Over time, gudeg has become a cultural icon in Indonesian culinary arts, and it's lovingly referred to as the 'green jackfruit sweet stew'. Although it originated in Java, gudeg has gained immense popularity across Indonesia and is a must-try dish for anyone visiting the region.

Ingredients

• Young Jackfruit - 1 kg, chopped
• Coconut Milk - 600 ml
• Palm Sugar - 100 grams, grated
• Shallots - 8 cloves, sliced
• Garlic - 4 cloves, minced
• Coriander seeds - 1 tsp
• Cumin seeds - 1 tsp
• Galangal - 2-inch piece, bruised
• Bay Leaves - 3
• Lemongrass - 2 stalks, smashed
• Salt - to taste
• Water - enough to cover the mixture

Preparation

Step 1: Preparing the Spices

Start by carefully preparing the spices. Slice the shallots and mince the garlic. Gather the coriander seeds and cumin seeds.

Step 2: Prepping the Jackfruit

Chop the jackfruit into small pieces, ensuring the seeds are removed. In a large pot, pre-boil the jackfruit with enough water to soften and remove any sap. Once soft, drain and set aside.

Cooking Process

Step 1: Sauté the Aromatics

In a large pot, heat some oil and add the shallots, garlic, and sauté until fragrant. This should take about 3 minutes. Once fragrant, add the galangal and lemongrass.

Step 2: Stewing the Jackfruit

Add the pre-cooked jackfruit to the pot and stir to combine with the aromatics. Add the palm sugar and stir until dissolved.

Step 3: Simmer

Add the coconut milk and some extra water to cover the jackfruit. Add the bay leaves and add salt to taste. Allow the mixture to simmer gently on low heat for approximately 4 to 6 hours, stirring occasionally. Use a cooking timer to keep track of the time.

Serving and Enjoying Gudeg

Suggestions

Gudeg is traditionally served with fluffy white rice and a side of tempeh, tofu, or chicken (sometimes cooked in a similar fashion with coconut milk). For a complete experience, pair it with sambal, a spicy Indonesian chili paste. Savor the aromatic, sweet, and savory blend of young jackfruit stewed to perfection, and let it transport you to the heart of Java.