Rawon

Rawon

Rawon is a traditional Indonesian dish that is popular across the country. It is a type of beef soup that is black in color due to the use of Keluak (Pangium edule), a native Indonesian nut. The soup is rich in flavor and is often served with rice.

Ingredients

The main ingredient in Rawon is beef, which is slow-cooked until tender. The soup also includes a variety of spices and herbs, such as lemongrass, galangal, turmeric, and garlic. The key ingredient that gives Rawon its distinctive black color is the Keluak nut. This nut is poisonous in its raw form and must be properly prepared before it can be used in cooking.

Preparation

To prepare Rawon, the beef is first cut into chunks and then marinated in a mixture of spices. The marinated beef is then slow-cooked in a pot with water and the Keluak nuts until the meat is tender and the soup is black in color. The soup is typically served hot with rice and garnished with green onions and fried shallots.

Variations

There are several regional variations of Rawon across Indonesia. In East Java, for example, Rawon is often served with a side of sambal, a spicy condiment made from chili peppers. In Central Java, Rawon is sometimes made with chicken instead of beef.

Cultural Significance

Rawon is not just a popular dish in Indonesia, but it also holds cultural significance. It is often served at special occasions and celebrations, such as weddings and birthdays. The dish is also commonly served during the Muslim holiday of Eid al-Fitr, marking the end of Ramadan.

See Also

• Indonesian Cuisine
• List of Indonesian Soups
• List of Indonesian Dishes

References

• Indonesian Food: An Introduction
• The Flavors of Indonesia
• Indonesian Cooking: Traditional and Modern Techniques

External Links

• Official Website of Indonesian Tourism
• Indonesian Culinary Association