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### **How to Make Rendang Jengkol**
1. **Prepare the Jengkol**:
– If using fresh jengkol, rinse and slice them into thick pieces.
– If using dried jengkol, soak them in water overnight to soften, then slice.
2. **Blend the Aromatics**:
– In a food processor or mortar and pestle, blend the shallots, garlic, red chili peppers, and ginger into a smooth paste.
3. **Sauté the Spice Paste**:
– Heat vegetable oil in a large pan or wok over medium heat. Add the spice paste and sauté for 3–4 minutes until fragrant.
4. **Cook the Jengkol**:
– Add the sliced jengkol to the pan, stirring well to coat the pieces with the spice paste.
– Fry for 2–3 minutes before adding the coconut milk.
5. **Add the Remaining Ingredients**:
– Pour in the coconut milk and add the lemongrass, cinnamon stick, cloves, and kaffir lime leaves (if using).
– Add the palm sugar and salt to taste.
6. **Simmer the Rendang**:
– Reduce the heat to low and simmer for 45 minutes to 1 hour, stirring occasionally. Add water as needed to maintain a saucy consistency.
– The sauce should reduce and thicken while the flavors meld together.
7. **Serve**:
– Once the jengkol is tender and the sauce has thickened to your liking, remove from heat.
– Serve your Rendang Jengkol with steamed rice for a satisfying meal.
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### **Why You’ll Love Rendang Jengkol**
– **Flavorful**: The combination of coconut milk, spices, and aromatic herbs creates a rich and savory sauce that enhances the earthy flavor of jengkol.
– **Unique**: Jengkol adds an unusual and delightful twist to the classic rendang, offering a nutty, slightly bitter flavor with a satisfying texture.
– **Comforting**: Like all rendang dishes, this one is perfect for a cozy meal. The slow-cooked, tender jengkol pairs beautifully with fluffy rice.
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### **Tips for Perfect Rendang Jengkol**
– **Adjust the Spice**: You can make the dish milder or spicier based on your preference by controlling the number of chili peppers.
– **Tenderize Jengkol**: If you find the jengkol too tough, you can pre-cook it in boiling water for 10–15 minutes before adding it to the sauce.
– **Slow Cook for Best Flavor**: Like traditional rendang, this dish benefits from a long simmer. Be patient, as the flavors develop and the sauce thickens the longer it cooks.
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### **Serving Suggestions**
– Serve Rendang Jengkol over a bowl of steaming white rice or with warm flatbreads to soak up the flavorful sauce.
– Add a side of sautéed greens or pickled vegetables to balance the richness of the dish.
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### **Conclusion**
Rendang Jengkol is a flavorful and unique dish that brings a rich, spicy experience to your palate. With its deep, aromatic sauce and the earthy texture of jengkol, this dish is perfect for adventurous eaters looking to try something new. Whether you’re familiar with Indonesian cuisine or just starting to explore it, Rendang Jengkol is sure to impress with its bold, comforting flavors.
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