Avoid Fatal Mistakes! Here’s How to Make Ketupat That Isn't Too Soft and Smelly

Kapanlagi.com - Ketupat is one of the iconic dishes that always livens up the Lebaran festivities. This dish made from rice has a unique flavor that pairs perfectly with various side dishes such as chicken opor, rendang, or gulai. However, it is not uncommon for people to face challenges when cooking ketupat, ranging from its texture being too soft, spoiling quickly, to having an unpleasant aroma.

These problems often arise due to mistakes in ingredient selection, improper cooking techniques, or unsuitable storage methods. To ensure that the resulting ketupat remains firm, chewy, and long-lasting, specific techniques are required, including rice selection and proper boiling processes.

Based on a summary from KapanLagi.com obtained from various sources on Wednesday (2/4/2025), here are the methods for making ketupat with perfect texture, that does not spoil easily, and is free from unwanted odors.

1. Choosing the Right Ingredients for Ketupat

Before starting to cook, the selection of ingredients greatly affects the final result of the ketupat. Here are some things to consider:

Use Quality Rice

Choose glutinous rice so that the texture of the ketupat is more chewy and not hard. If using non-glutinous rice, soak it first for 30 minutes to make it easier to expand when cooked.

Add Lime Water

To obtain a denser and longer-lasting ketupat, you can add 3-5 tablespoons of lime water to the rice before placing it into the ketupat casing.

Use Pandan Leaves

To give the ketupat a more fragrant aroma and prevent it from smelling bad, add 2-3 pandan leaves to the boiling water.

Choose the Right Coconut Leaf Weaving

Select coconut leaves that are light yellowish-green, as leaves that are too young can cause the ketupat to spoil quickly, while those that are too old can make the ketupat difficult to cook.

2. How to Fill Rice into the Ketupat Pouch

To achieve a perfect ketupat, filling the rice into the pouch must be done carefully so that the texture is neither too soft nor too hard. Here are the steps you can follow:

1. Wash the rice thoroughly until the rinse water is clear, ensuring optimal cleanliness.
2. Soak the rice in clean water for 10-15 minutes and add a little salt to enhance the savory flavor.
3. Drain the rice well before placing it into the ketupat pouch, so that any remaining water is not excessive.
4. Fill the ketupat pouch with rice up to 2/3 full. If overfilled, the rice will expand and make the ketupat hard. Conversely, if too little, the ketupat will be soft and less compact.
5. Ensure there is no air trapped inside the ketupat so that the cooking process is even and perfect.

By following these steps, you will achieve ketupat with an ideal texture and delicious taste. Happy trying!

3. Techniques for Boiling Ketupat to Perfection

The method of boiling ketupat greatly affects the final result. Here are some tricks that can be applied:

Use a Large Pot

Use a large stainless steel pot so that the ketupat can be fully submerged while boiling.

Ensure Sufficient Water

The boiling water must remain at a sufficient level for the ketupat to cook perfectly. If the water starts to decrease, add hot water, not cold water, to keep the temperature stable.

Boil on Medium Heat

Do not use too high a flame so that the ketupat cooks evenly and does not break.

Ideal Boiling Duration

Cook the ketupat for 3-5 hours to achieve the perfect texture. If you want the ketupat to last longer, you can boil it for up to 5 hours.

Dip in Cold Water After Cooking

After cooking, immediately dip the ketupat in cold water for a few minutes, then hang and air dry until completely dry.

4. How to Store Ketupat So It Doesn't Spoil Quickly

Ketupat left at room temperature usually only lasts for 12-24 hours before it starts to become slimy and smell. To keep ketupat fresh longer, here are some storage tips:

Avoid Storing Ketupat in Closed Containers

After cooking, make sure to let the ketupat cool completely before storing. Storing it directly in a closed container can trap steam, causing the ketupat to spoil quickly.

Store in a Dry and Shady Place

Place ketupat in a bamboo container or tray, away from direct sunlight.

Utilize the Refrigerator for Longer Storage

If you want the ketupat to last more than a day, store it in the refrigerator at a temperature of 5-10°C. This way, the ketupat can last up to 3 days in the fridge.

How to Reheat Ketupat

Ketupat stored in the refrigerator can be steamed again for 30 minutes before serving to restore its texture.

Common Mistakes to Avoid When Making Ketupat

Here are some common mistakes that often occur when making ketupat and should be avoided:

- Overfilling the rice can cause the ketupat to burst while boiling.
- Using insufficient boiling water can lead to unevenly cooked ketupat.
- Boiling on too high a heat can make the ketupat soft and not firm.
- Storing ketupat while still hot can accelerate spoilage.

5. Frequently Asked Questions

1. What is the best type of rice for making ketupat?

Use high-quality glutinous rice or non-glutinous rice that has been soaked before use.

2. How long does it take to boil ketupat?

Ketupat is usually boiled for 4-5 hours until cooked.

3. How do you store ketupat so it doesn't spoil quickly?

Store cooled ketupat in the refrigerator in a tightly sealed plastic bag.

4. Is it necessary to add salt when filling rice into ketupat?

Yes, adding a little salt and pandan leaves can enhance the flavor of the ketupat.

(kpl/mni)