Ketupat

Ketupat is a type of rice dumpling from the Southeast Asian region, traditionally associated with the Indonesian, Malaysian, Bruneian, Filipino, and Singaporean cuisines. It is a popular food item during festive occasions such as Eid al-Fitr and Eid al-Adha.

Overview

Ketupat is made from rice that has been wrapped in a woven palm leaf pouch before boiling. As the rice cooks, it expands to fill the pouch and the rice becomes compressed. This method of cooking gives the ketupat its characteristic form and texture of a rice dumpling.

Ketupat is commonly used as an accompaniment to rendang, a spicy meat dish, and satay, a grilled skewered meat. It is also traditionally served as part of the festive meals during Muslim celebrations in Southeast Asia.

Cultural Significance

In many Southeast Asian cultures, ketupat is a symbol of celebration and gratitude. It is often used as a festive dish during celebrations such as Eid al-Fitr, which marks the end of Ramadan, the Islamic holy month of fasting. The diamond shape of ketupat is also said to symbolize a purified heart, which is an important aspect of Eid celebrations.

Varieties

There are several varieties of ketupat, with two of the most common being ketupat nasi and ketupat pulut. Ketupat nasi is made from white rice and is the most common variety. Ketupat pulut, also known as "glutinous rice ketupat", is made from glutinous rice and is often used in desserts.

Preparation

The preparation of ketupat involves the packing of partially cooked rice into a woven pouch made from palm leaves, which is then boiled. The weaving process for the pouch is intricate and requires skill. The rice used can be regular white rice or glutinous rice, depending on the variety of ketupat being made.

See Also

• Lemang
• Lontong
• Rice Cake
• Rice Dumpling