Lontong
A popular Malaysian dish featuring compressed rice cakes (lontong) served in a rich and flavorful vegetable curry (sayur lodeh). This dish is often enjoyed during festive occasions like Hari Raya.
🧂 Ingredients
- 300 g Short-grain rice (or sushi rice)(Rinsed thoroughly until water runs clear.)
- 6-8 large pieces Banana leaves(Wiped clean and lightly wilted over a flame or hot water to make them pliable for wrapping.)
- For boiling the rice cakes Water(Enough to generously cover the wrapped rice packages.)
- 1 liter Vegetable curry (Sayur Lodeh)(Can be homemade or store-bought. Ensure it's a rich and flavorful broth.)
- to taste Sambal(For serving, such as sambal tumis or sambal belacan.)
- 6 Hard-boiled eggs(Peeled and halved.)
- for garnish Fried shallots(Optional, for added crunch and flavor.)
- for garnish Fresh cilantro or Vietnamese mint (daun kesum)(Optional, for freshness.)
👨🍳 Instructions
- 1
Prepare the rice cakes: Divide the rinsed rice evenly among the prepared banana leaf pieces. Fold the banana leaves to create tight, rectangular parcels, securing them with toothpicks or kitchen twine. The goal is to create firm, compact packages.
⏱️ 15 minutes - 2
Cook the rice cakes: Place the wrapped rice parcels in a large pot and cover them generously with water. Bring to a rolling boil over medium-high heat. Reduce heat to medium-low, cover the pot, and simmer for at least 2 hours, or until the rice is very firm and compressed. Check the water level periodically and add more hot water if needed to keep the parcels submerged.
⏱️ 2 hours 15 minutes - 3
Prepare the vegetable curry (Sayur Lodeh) while the rice cakes are cooking. If using a pre-made curry, gently reheat it. If making from scratch, follow your preferred recipe, ensuring it has a rich coconut milk base and is well-spiced.
⏱️ 30 minutes - 4
Assemble the lontong: Once the rice cakes are cooked and firm, carefully remove them from the pot and let them cool slightly. Unwrap the banana leaves. Slice the compressed rice cakes into bite-sized cubes, approximately 2-3 cm (1 inch) in size.
⏱️ 10 minutes - 5
Serve: Ladle the warm vegetable curry into individual serving bowls. Arrange several cubes of the compressed rice cake (lontong) in each bowl. Top with a halved hard-boiled egg, a dollop of sambal, and optional garnishes like fried shallots and fresh herbs. Serve immediately.
⏱️ 5 minutes
💡 Pro Tips
- ✓For a firmer texture, ensure the banana leaf parcels are wrapped very tightly.
- ✓The longer the rice cakes are boiled, the firmer they will become.
- ✓Sayur Lodeh is the traditional accompaniment, but other spicy curries or rendang can also be used.
- ✓This dish is a staple during Hari Raya Aidilfitri celebrations in Malaysia and Singapore.
✨ Twist Ideas
Inspiration for your own version of this recipe
- Serve with beef rendang for a richer meal.
- Add different vegetables to the Sayur Lodeh, such as long beans, cabbage, or tofu puffs.
- Incorporate a spicy prawn sambal for an extra kick.