Side Dishes That Pair Well with Ketupat to Serve During Eid, from Vegetable Lodeh to Spicy Beef Jerky

Kapanlagi.com - Ketupat is a traditional dish that is inseparable from the Idulfitri celebration. This dish made from rice steamed in woven coconut leaves has a soft texture and savory taste, making it suitable to pair with various Eid specialties. It is no wonder that ketupat is always present on the dining table when the day of victory arrives.

However, ketupat itself does not have a strong flavor, so it requires side dishes that are rich in spices and taste. Various saucy dishes like chicken opor and thickly spiced dishes like rendang are favorite options that are always present in every home during Eid.

Among the many traditional Eid dishes, some are considered the most suitable to accompany ketupat. Here is a list of complementary dishes for ketupat that can enhance your Eid celebration.

1. Chicken Opor and Rendang: A Combination of Savory and Strong Spices

Chicken opor is a traditional dish that is almost always present during Eid. The thick, savory coconut milk sauce combined with spices like turmeric, coriander, and galangal enhances the flavor of the chicken. Pieces of rice cake drenched in opor sauce and sprinkled with fried shallots create a perfect combination that whets the appetite. Chicken opor has indeed become a must-have dish during Eid, its creamy and savory taste always leaves you craving more.

On the other hand, rendang is one of the side dishes that is never absent during the Idulfitri celebration. This traditional Minangkabau dish has a strong spice flavor with tender beef. The long cooking process gives rendang a dry texture while remaining rich in flavor. The more neutral rice cake pairs perfectly with the spice-laden rendang.

3. Stewed Meat and Fried Liver Sambal: A Blend of Sweet and Spicy Flavors

For those who enjoy sweet-flavored dishes, semur can be a perfect choice to be enjoyed with ketupat. Semur is made from meat, eggs, or tofu cooked with sweet soy sauce, spices, and onions that seep in perfectly. Its thick broth with a distinctive aroma makes ketupat even more delicious when served.

As a side dish, sambal goreng ati offers a spicy and savory sensation that is equally appetizing. This dish is made from fried chicken liver cooked with chili seasoning, tomatoes, shallots, and garlic. Its slightly spicy flavor provides a variation that makes ketupat even tastier.

4. Sayur Lodeh and Gulai: Coconut Milk Broth that Tempts the Appetite

Sayur lodeh is a traditional dish commonly found during Eid. The savory coconut milk broth with ingredients like long beans, chayote, tofu, and tempeh makes it rich in flavor. Lodeh, which is rich in spices, is a perfect choice for those wanting a vegetable dish to accompany ketupat.

Meanwhile, gulai serves as another alternative for coconut milk dish lovers. Whether it's meat gulai, egg gulai, or vegetables like cassava leaves, all offer a distinctive flavor that pairs well with ketupat. Gulai with its yellow broth rich in spices provides a different taste sensation from sayur lodeh, yet remains delicious.

5. Satay and Soto: Delicious Choices That Are Inseparable from Ketupat

Satay is a dish that is often paired with ketupat. Whether it’s chicken satay, goat satay, or beef satay, all are suitable to be served with ketupat cut into small pieces. The thick and savory peanut sauce blends with the ketupat, creating a rich flavor that delights the palate.

As an alternative, soto also serves as a delicious soup dish to enjoy with ketupat. Chicken soto with shredded chicken, glass noodles, bean sprouts, and savory broth offers a refreshing sensation when eaten. Especially when added with a squeeze of lime and chili sauce, the taste becomes even more tempting.

6. Dendeng Balado and Spicy Eggs: Tempting Spicy Sensation

Dendeng balado is a traditional dish made from dried beef combined with red chili sambal. The spicy and slightly sweet flavor of the balado seasoning makes it very suitable to be enjoyed with ketupat. The crispy and savory texture of the meat enhances the enjoyment when eaten alongside other Eid dishes.

In addition to dendeng balado, spicy eggs also become a favorite choice that is equally delicious. Boiled eggs that are then fried and cooked with balado sambal provide a combination of spicy and savory flavors that stimulate the appetite. The neutral taste of ketupat makes it a perfect complement to this dish.

(kpl/frr)