Delicious Jengkol Stew Recipe: A Flavorful Indonesian Delight

Introduction:

Jengkol, also known as dogfruit or stink bean, is a unique and aromatic ingredient commonly used in Indonesian cuisine. Despite its pungent smell when raw, jengkol can be transformed into a mouthwatering stew that's loved by many. In this article, we'll explore how to prepare a delectable jengkol stew that's bursting with flavors and sure to satisfy your taste buds.

Ingredients:

250g fresh jengkol beans

2 shallots, thinly sliced

2 cloves garlic, minced

2 red chilies, sliced (adjust for spice level)

2 bay leaves

1 lemongrass stalk, bruised

3 kaffir lime leaves

400ml coconut milk

1 tablespoon tamarind paste

1 teaspoon palm sugar

Salt to taste

Cooking oil

Instructions:

Prepare the Jengkol Beans:

Start by boiling the jengkol beans in water for about 30-40 minutes. This helps reduce their strong smell and makes them tender. Drain and set aside.

Create the Spice Paste:

In a blender or mortar and pestle, combine the shallots, garlic, and red chilies. Grind or blend them into a smooth paste.

Sauté the Spice Paste:

Heat a few tablespoons of cooking oil in a large pan or wok over medium heat.

Add the spice paste and sauté until it becomes fragrant and slightly browned.

Add Aromatics:

Add the bay leaves, lemongrass stalk, and kaffir lime leaves to the pan. Sauté for a few more minutes to release their flavors.

Incorporate Jengkol Beans:

Add the boiled jengkol beans to the pan. Stir-fry for about 5 minutes to coat them in the aromatic spices.

Coconut Milk and Seasoning:

Pour in the coconut milk and stir well.

Add the tamarind paste, palm sugar, and salt. Adjust the tamarind and sugar to balance the flavors according to your preference.

Simmer and Cook:

Reduce the heat to low and let the stew simmer for 15-20 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together. Stir occasionally.

Serve:

Once the stew has thickened and the jengkol beans are tender, remove it from heat.

Discard the lemongrass, bay leaves, and kaffir lime leaves.

Serve your jengkol stew hot with steamed rice. It pairs wonderfully with fried shallots as a garnish.

Conclusion:

Jengkol stew is a delightful Indonesian dish that showcases the versatility of this unique ingredient. With the right combination of aromatics and seasonings, the pungent smell of jengkol is transformed into a rich and flavorful stew that's a true culinary delight. Give this recipe a try, and you'll discover a new favorite in Indonesian cuisine. 

Enjoy your meal!