Enjoy the Deliciousness of Lebaran Ketupat with Various Accompaniments, From Vegetable Lodeh to Spicy Dendeng

Kapanlagi.com - Ketupat, an iconic dish that always adorns the Idulfitri celebration, is a symbol of togetherness and timeless tradition. Made from rice steamed in woven coconut leaves, ketupat has a soft texture and a savory flavor that tempts the palate.

It's no wonder that this dish always takes center stage on the dining table when the day of victory arrives! Although ketupat itself has a mild flavor, its presence becomes even more perfect when paired with accompaniments rich in spices and flavors.

Various soupy dishes like savory chicken opor, to thickly spiced dishes like rendang that whet the appetite, are always favorites in every home during Lebaran. Among the many special dishes for Lebaran, there are some that are considered the most suitable to be served alongside ketupat.

Let's take a look at the list of complementary dishes for ketupat that will enhance your Lebaran experience!

1. Chicken Opor and Rendang

Chicken opor, an iconic dish that always graces the table during Eid, presents a thick, savory coconut milk sauce, combined with spices such as turmeric, coriander, and galangal that make the chicken flavor even more enticing.

Imagine pieces of ketupat drenched in opor sauce, sprinkled with fried shallots, creating the perfect combination that tantalizes the taste buds and leaves you craving more!

On the other hand, there is rendang, an inseparable side dish from the Eid celebration, with a strong spice flavor and tender beef cooked slowly until its texture is dry yet rich in taste.

The neutral ketupat harmoniously blends with the spice-laden rendang, making the Eid moment even more special.

2. Semur and Fried Liver Sambal

For lovers of sweet flavors, semur is the perfect choice to accompany ketupat on the dining table.

With main ingredients of meat, eggs, or tofu cooked in sweet soy sauce and spices that seep deep, semur offers a thick, fragrant sauce that tempts the palate.

When paired with ketupat, its deliciousness becomes even more abundant. Not to be missed, fried liver sambal serves as a companion that provides a spicy and savory sensation, made from fried chicken liver cooked with chili, tomato, and onion spices that stimulate the appetite.

The combination of sweet and spicy flavors makes this dish even more tempting and unforgettable.

3. Vegetable Lodeh and Gulai

Vegetable lodeh, a special dish that always livens up the Lebaran atmosphere, tantalizes the taste buds with its savory coconut milk broth and a variety of fillings such as long beans, chayote, tofu, and tempeh that are rich in flavor.

As a companion to ketupat, this spiced lodeh is the perfect choice for vegetable lovers.

However, for fans of coconut milk dishes, gulai is equally tempting. Whether it's meat gulai, egg, or vegetables like cassava leaves, each offers a unique flavor that pairs perfectly with ketupat.

With its yellow broth rich in spices, gulai provides a different taste sensation that still delights the palate, making both lodeh and gulai a harmonious duet on the dining table during Lebaran.

4. Satay and Soto

Who can resist the alluring charm of satay, especially when paired with soft ketupat?

Whether it's chicken, goat, or beef satay, everything becomes more special when served with small pieces of ketupat that soak up the thick and savory peanut sauce, creating a harmonious flavor that delights the palate.

However, if you're looking for an alternative, soto also offers a delicious broth that is equally appetizing.

Chicken soto, rich with shredded meat, glass noodles, and bean sprouts, served in a savory broth, provides a perfect fresh sensation, especially when enhanced with a squeeze of lime and spicy sambal.

This combination truly makes every bite an unforgettable pleasure!

5. Spicy Dried Beef and Spicy Egg

Spicy dried beef, an iconic dish that tempts the taste buds, is made from dried beef combined with spicy red chili sambal that is slightly sweet.

Each bite offers a perfect blend of flavors, especially when enjoyed with soft ketupat. The crispy and savory texture of the beef further enriches the culinary experience, making it the ideal companion for other Lebaran dishes.

Not only that, boiled and fried spicy eggs, then cooked in spicy sambal, also become an equally tempting choice; their spicy and savory flavors harmoniously blend, making the neutral ketupat a perfect complement.

6. Frequently Asked Questions about Ketupat Accompaniments

Ketupat, with its soft and bland texture, is the perfect partner for rich and spiced coconut dishes, such as chicken opor and rendang, which are so popular during Lebaran.

However, creativity in serving ketupat is not limited to tradition; many dare to combine it with modern dishes like curry or roasted meat.

To keep ketupat fresh and delicious, store it in a dry and cool place, or place it in the refrigerator and steam it again before serving to enjoy its best flavor.

(kpl/rao)