How to Make Lontong: Indonesian Rice Cake from Scratch

TIMESINDONESIA, JAKARTA – Lontong is a beloved Indonesian dish that holds cultural significance and is enjoyed in various traditional meals. Often served during special occasions, lontong is a versatile dish that pairs well with rich and flavorful side dishes.

Its unique preparation method, which involves cooking rice in banana leaves, gives it a distinct texture and aroma that makes it a favorite across the archipelago.

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Lontong, a traditional Indonesian rice cake, is a staple dish commonly served with satay, gado-gado, or soto. Unlike regular rice, lontong is cooked in banana leaves, giving it a unique aroma and a firm texture. Here’s how you can make lontong from scratch at home.

Ingredients:

• 2 cups of uncooked rice (preferably jasmine or medium-grain rice)

• Banana leaves (for wrapping)

• Kitchen string or toothpicks (for securing the wraps)

• Water (for boiling)

• A large pot

Step-by-Step Instructions:

Step 1: Preparing the Banana Leaves

1. Cut banana leaves into rectangular pieces (about 20 cm x 30 cm).

2. Soften the leaves by briefly passing them over an open flame or dipping them in hot water. This makes them more flexible and easier to fold.

3. Wipe the leaves dry with a clean cloth.

Step 2: Preparing the Rice

1. Rinse the rice thoroughly until the water runs clear. This removes excess starch and prevents the rice from becoming too sticky.

2. Drain the rice well before proceeding.

Step 3: Wrapping the Rice

1. Lay a banana leaf flat and scoop about ⅓ cup of rice onto the center.

2. Roll the leaf tightly into a cylinder, ensuring the rice is packed firmly but with enough space for expansion.

3. Fold the edges of the banana leaf inward and secure them with kitchen string or toothpicks.

Step 4: Boiling the Lontong

1. Arrange the wrapped rice packets vertically in a large pot.

2. Fill the pot with water until the lontong is fully submerged.

3. Bring the water to a boil and let it simmer for about 3–4 hours. Keep adding water as needed to ensure the lontong remains submerged.

Step 5: Cooling and Serving

1. Once cooked, remove the lontong from the water and allow it to cool completely.

2. Once firm, cut the lontong into bite-sized pieces.

3. Serve it with your favorite Indonesian dishes like rendang, curry, or peanut sauce.

Tips for Best Results:

• Use young banana leaves for a more pleasant aroma and easier wrapping.

• If banana leaves are unavailable, you can use food-grade plastic wraps, but they won't add the same fragrance.

• To save time, a pressure cooker can be used, reducing the cooking time to about 1–1.5 hours.

Making lontong from scratch is a rewarding process that brings authentic Indonesian flavors to your table. Try this traditional recipe and enjoy it with your favorite Indonesian delicacies!

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