Buntil facts for kids
Buntil in yellow turmeric and coconut milk spice
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| Course | Main course |
|---|---|
| Place of origin | Indonesia |
| Region or state | Central Java and East Java |
| Serving temperature | Hot or room temperature |
| Main ingredients | Papaya, taro, or cassava leaves filled with grated coconut and anchovies, boiled in coconut milk |
Buntil is a tasty traditional dish from Indonesia, especially popular among the Javanese people. It's made by mixing grated coconut with small fish called teri (which are anchovies) and various spices. This mix is then carefully wrapped inside large leaves, like those from papaya, cassava, or taro plants. Finally, these wrapped bundles are cooked in a rich sauce made from coconut milk and more spices.
Buntil is a favorite meal across Java. You can find it not only cooked at home but also sold in small food stalls called warungs, restaurants, and street markets. It's especially popular during the month of Ramadhan, often enjoyed before breaking the fast.
Contents
What is Buntil?
Buntil is a unique and flavorful dish from Indonesia. It's known for its special way of preparation, where a delicious filling is wrapped in leaves. This makes Buntil both healthy and full of natural flavors from the plants and spices used.
Key Ingredients
The main parts of Buntil are:
- Leaves: The outer wrapping is usually made from large, edible leaves. The most common ones are papaya leaves, cassava leaves, or taro leaves. These leaves add a slightly bitter or earthy taste that balances the rich filling.
- Filling: The inside of Buntil is a mix of grated coconut meat. This gives the dish a creamy texture and sweet flavor.
- Teri (Anchovies): Small dried fish called teri are mixed with the coconut. These anchovies add a salty, savory taste that makes the dish very satisfying.
- Spices: A blend of Indonesian spices gives Buntil its distinct aroma and flavor. These often include chili, garlic, shallots, and other local herbs.
- Coconut Milk: The bundles are cooked in a thick, creamy sauce made from coconut milk. This makes the dish rich and comforting.
How Buntil is Made
Making Buntil is a bit like making a special package of food.
- First, the coconut meat is grated and mixed with the teri and spices.
- Then, small portions of this mixture are placed onto the chosen leaves.
- The leaves are carefully folded and tied to make neat little bundles.
- These bundles are then gently simmered in a pot with coconut milk and more spices until they are tender and the flavors have blended perfectly.
Where to Find Buntil
Buntil is a common dish in the Indonesian islands of Java. It's especially popular in the regions of Central Java and East Java.
- Homemade: Many families prepare Buntil at home, passing down recipes through generations.
- Warungs and Restaurants: You can often find Buntil sold in small, local eateries called warungs. These are casual places where people eat traditional Indonesian food.
- Street Food Stalls: During special times, like the month of Ramadhan, temporary food stalls pop up. These stalls often sell Buntil as a popular meal for breaking the fast.
Why Buntil is Special
Buntil is more than just a meal; it's a part of Indonesian culture. It shows how people use natural ingredients from their surroundings to create delicious and healthy food. The combination of fresh leaves, savory fish, and creamy coconut milk makes Buntil a unique and beloved dish that has been enjoyed for many years.
