KOMPAS.com – Empal gentong is one of Cirebon’s legendary culinary delights which has a long history dating back to the 15th century.
This dish is famous for its use of clay barrels as cooking vessels, which gives the yellow spiced coconut milk sauce its distinctive taste.
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Another interesting fact is that empal gentong used to use buffalo meat as an alternative to beef, in line with the beliefs of the Cirebon Hindu community at that time.
This culinary delight is a symbol of the combination of Arab, Indian, Chinese and local Javanese culture which creates unique flavors that are popular to this day, as reported on the page Kompas.com.
1. History and Origins
Empal gentong is a traditional Cirebon dish whose existence has existed since the 15th century.
When it first appeared, this dish used buffalo meat because beef was considered sacred by Hindu society at that time.
The name empal gentong itself refers to a cooking technique that uses a clay barrel as the main container.
2. Distinctive Characteristics of the Dish
This dish is known for its yellow coconut milk sauce, the result of a combination of spices such as turmeric, galangal and lemongrass.
Empal gentong also contains pieces of beef and offal such as tripe or intestines, which are cooked until tender.
Its distinctive fragrance is an attraction, making it one of Cirebon’s culinary mainstays.
illustration of ketupat empal or empal gentong.3. Traditional Cooking Techniques
One of the unique things about empal gentong lies in the way it is cooked.
Clay barrels are used as containers, providing an authentic taste that is different from the use of modern cooking utensils.
This process also involves burning wood of a certain type to produce a distinctive aroma that cannot be imitated with a gas stove.
4. Cultural Fusion
Empal gentong reflects the results of the meeting of various cultures that developed in Cirebon.
The curry-like sauce shows the influence of Arab and Indian culture, while the use of offal in this dish reflects the influence of Chinese culinary traditions.
