Yogyakarta’s Signature Dish: Gudeg Recipe

Gudeg is a renowned traditional dish from Yogyakarta, known for its sweet, tender, and aromatic flavors. This dish is made from young jackfruit cooked with palm sugar, coconut milk, and a blend of distinctive spices, creating a tantalizing combination. Here is a recipe and a step-by-step guide on how to prepare Yogyakarta’s iconic gudeg, a delicious treat.

Ingredients:

1. 500 grams of young jackfruit, diced
2. 200 ml of thick coconut milk
3. 100 grams of palm sugar, finely grated
4. 2 bay leaves
5. 2 cm of galangal, bruised
6. 2 lemongrass stalks, bruised
7. Salt to taste
8. Water as needed

Spice Paste:

1. 4 shallots
2. 3 cloves of garlic
3. 5 candlenuts, toasted
4. 1 cm turmeric
5. 1 cm ginger
6. 1 cm galangal
7. Salt to taste

Instructions:

1. Grind all the ingredients for the spice paste with a pinch of salt until it forms a smooth paste.
2. Boil the diced young jackfruit in water until tender. Drain and set aside.
3. Heat vegetable oil in a pan. Sauté the spice paste, bay leaves, galangal, and lemongrass until fragrant.
4. Add the young jackfruit and palm sugar. Stir until the palm sugar dissolves.
5. Pour in the thick coconut milk and cook on low heat until the flavors meld, and the sauce thickens.
6. Adjust the taste with salt to suit your preference.
7. Yogyakarta’s gudeg is ready to be served. Enjoy it with rice, chicken, eggs, and chili paste.

Gudeg can be served as a main dish with rice or as a side dish with other meals. With this simple recipe, you can create a delicious and flavorful Yogyakarta specialty at home. Give it a try!