Effective Tricks for Boiling Jengkol to Avoid Odor and Enhance Taste

Kapanlagi.com - Jengkol is a flavorful food ingredient that is loved by many. Unfortunately, its strong aroma often becomes a barrier for some people to enjoy it. But don't worry! There are various effective tricks you can try to keep jengkol delicious without disturbing your sense of smell.

One interesting method comes from TikTok user @hasanudinhas4, who shared a unique way to boil jengkol by adding several kitchen ingredients that effectively eliminate its characteristic smell. Curious about the steps to make your jengkol free from the pungent aroma and more tender? Check out the following summary, which was compiled on Tuesday (29/10/2024).

1. Wash and Select Supporting Ingredients

Before starting the culinary adventure with jengkol, the first step that must not be missed is to wash it thoroughly, removing all dirt that clings to its skin. Once the jengkol is clean and ready to be processed, it's time to select additional ingredients that will enhance the flavor, such as bay leaves, kaffir lime leaves, and lemongrass.

According to @hasanudinhas4, this trio of leaves is the secret to eliminating the distinctive smell of jengkol when boiled. Kaffir lime leaves and lemongrass not only neutralize the aroma but also provide a fresh touch that makes jengkol even more enticing.

2. Fill the Pot with Jengkol and Add Water

After the jengkol is washed clean, it's time to put it into the pot, ensuring all the jengkol is submerged in water for even cooking. Pour enough water until the jengkol is fully submerged, then turn on the stove to start boiling.

To make the jengkol even more appetizing, add a little sugar and salt. It is said that this combination not only makes jengkol more savory but also helps reduce its bitterness, making it more delicious to enjoy.

3. Add Kitchen Spices

It's time to process jengkol with a special touch. Add five leaves of salam, two stalks of lemongrass that have been crushed, and several leaves of lime to your dish. This combination of spices is not only effective in neutralizing the pungent smell of jengkol but also enriches its flavor.

As @hasanudinhas4 stated, "These ingredients are really effective in eliminating the smell of jengkol without reducing its authentic taste." Feel free to add other ingredients to your liking to make the aroma of jengkol even more appetizing.

4. Boil Using Layered Method

Once all the ingredients are ready, boil the jengkol over high heat for about 10 minutes. Then, turn off the heat and let the jengkol soak in the boiling water for 15 minutes to allow the spices to infuse perfectly. After that, turn the stove back on and boil the jengkol in a covered pot for another 10 minutes.

This method ensures that the jengkol becomes tender and its distinctive aroma is reduced. "With this double boiling technique, the jengkol becomes soft and odorless," he stated.

5. Rinse and Drain Jengkol

After going through the perfect boiling stage, it's time to drain the jengkol and rinse it with clean water to ensure its cleanliness. This process is very important so that jengkol is ready to be processed into various appetizing dishes, ranging from flavorful stews to tempting rendang.

Once rinsed, the jengkol is ready to be served with a soft texture and without any disturbing odors. This method is a must-try for all jengkol lovers who want to enjoy dishes without the pungent aroma.

6. Questions and Answers About Jengkol

7. Are lime leaves effective in eliminating jengkol odor?

Lime leaves, with their enticing fresh aroma, have a special ability to neutralize the distinctive jengkol smell when boiled.

8. What are the benefits of adding lemongrass when boiling jengkol?

Lemongrass is not just a spice, but also a savior of the taste of jengkol. With its fresh aroma, lemongrass can drive away unpleasant odors that often disturb, making jengkol more appetizing and delicious to enjoy.

9. How long should jengkol be boiled to avoid odor?

To achieve perfect results, boil the ingredients for 10 minutes, let them sit for 15 minutes to allow the flavors to infuse, then boil again for 10 minutes.

10. Does jengkol need to be washed before boiling?

Before processing jengkol, the first step that must not be overlooked is to wash it thoroughly. This activity is very important to remove any dirt that may be attached.

11. Does jengkol still have an aroma after this process?

With the use of the right methods and ingredients, the distinctive aroma of jengkol can be minimized, making it more delicious and pleasant to enjoy.

(kpl/mhs)