Indonesian Tumpeng: A Celebration of Flavors and Colors

Ingredients

• 3 cups (600g) jasmine rice 3 cups (600g) jasmine rice
• 1 teaspoon turmeric powder 1 teaspoon turmeric powder
• 2 pandan leaves 2 pandan leaves
• 1 whole chicken, cut into pieces 1 whole chicken, cut into pieces
• 1 pound (450g) beef, cut into cubes 1 pound (450g) beef, cut into cubes
• 2 cups (400ml) coconut milk 2 cups (400ml) coconut milk
• 2 cups (400ml) chicken broth 2 cups (400ml) chicken broth
• 4 cloves garlic, minced 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 onion, finely chopped 1 onion, finely chopped
• 2 tablespoons vegetable oil 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
• 2 tablespoons tamarind paste 2 tablespoons tamarind paste
• 2 tablespoons palm sugar 2 tablespoons palm sugar
• 1 cup (150g) green beans, cut into 1-inch pieces 1 cup (150g) green beans, cut into 1-inch pieces
• 1 cup (150g) carrots, julienned 1 cup (150g) carrots, julienned
• 1 cup (150g) cabbage, shredded 1 cup (150g) cabbage, shredded
• 4 hard-boiled eggs 4 hard-boiled eggs
• Salt to taste Salt to taste

Nutrition

• Calories (kcal / KJ): 550 kcal / 2300 KJ
• Fat (total, saturated): 25g, 15g
• Carbohydrates (total, sugars): 60g, 5g
• Protein: 25g
• Fiber: 5g
• Salt: 2g

Preparation

1. 1.
   Rinse the jasmine rice until the water runs clear. Drain well.
2. 2.
   In a large pot, combine the rice, turmeric powder, pandan leaves, and 4 cups (800ml) of water. Cook the rice according to the package instructions until it is fluffy and fully cooked.
3. 3.
   In a separate pot, heat the vegetable oil over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and chopped onion, and sauté until fragrant.
4. 4.
   Add the chicken pieces and beef cubes to the pot, and cook until they are browned on all sides.
5. 5.
   Pour in the coconut milk and chicken broth, and bring the mixture to a simmer.
6. 6.
   Add the tamarind paste, palm sugar, and salt to the pot. Stir well to combine.
7. 7.
   Cover the pot and let the meat simmer for about 1 hour, or until it is tender and the flavors have melded together.
8. 8.
   While the meat is simmering, blanch the green beans, carrots, and cabbage in boiling water for a few minutes until they are slightly tender. Drain and set aside.
9. 9.
   Once the rice and meat are cooked, remove the pandan leaves from the rice and discard them.
10. 10.
    To assemble the Tumpeng, place a cone-shaped mold on a large serving platter. Fill the mold with the cooked rice, pressing it down gently to create a compact shape.
11. 11.
    Carefully remove the mold, leaving the rice cone intact.
12. 12.
    Arrange the cooked meats, blanched vegetables, and hard-boiled eggs around the rice cone, creating an attractive display.
13. 13.
    Serve the Tumpeng with additional side dishes such as sambal and fried shallots.

Treat your ingredients with care...

• Chicken — Make sure to remove the skin from the chicken pieces before cooking to reduce the fat content.
• Beef — Choose a tender cut of beef, such as sirloin or tenderloin, for the best results.
• Coconut milk — Use full-fat coconut milk for a rich and creamy flavor.
• Tamarind paste — If you can't find tamarind paste, you can substitute it with lime juice for a tangy flavor.
• Pandan leaves — If pandan leaves are not available, you can omit them or use pandan essence for a similar aroma.

Tips & Tricks

• To achieve a vibrant yellow color for the rice, use fresh turmeric root instead of turmeric powder.
• For a spicier kick, add chopped chili peppers to the meat mixture while simmering.
• Garnish the Tumpeng with fresh herbs, such as cilantro or basil, for added freshness and aroma.
• Serve the Tumpeng with a variety of sambal sauces to cater to different spice preferences.
• Leftover Tumpeng can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and reheated before serving.

Serving advice

To serve Tumpeng, start by slicing the rice cone into individual portions. Each person can then choose their desired combination of side dishes to enjoy with the rice. Encourage guests to mix and match flavors to create their own unique culinary experience.

Presentation advice

When presenting Tumpeng, place it at the center of the table as the focal point of the meal. Surround it with colorful fresh flowers, banana leaves, or other decorative elements to enhance its visual appeal. The vibrant colors and intricate arrangement will surely impress your guests.