Berengkes: Balinese Pork Pepes with Irresistible Spices

Berengkes is a traditional Balinese dish that not only tantalizes the taste buds but also holds deep cultural significance. This dish consists of spiced pork wrapped in banana leaves and steamed, creating a rich and aromatic flavor. The fusion of spices and the unique aroma of banana leaves result in a distinctive culinary experience. Berengkes is often served during Balinese cultural ceremonies or major celebrations, such as Galungan and Kuningan, symbolizing the triumph of goodness and strengthening family bonds.

Berengkes in Balinese Tradition

Berengkes is more than just a dish; it is an integral part of Balinese culinary tradition, rich in historical and cultural value. This dish is commonly found in Balinese households and warungs (traditional eateries) that serve Balinese cuisine. Among the Balinese community, Berengkes is often prepared by housewives, particularly during religious or cultural events.

For example, during Galungan, Berengkes becomes a must-have dish. For the Balinese, Galungan is a time to celebrate the victory of dharma (good) over adharma (evil), and Berengkes serves as a symbol of gratitude for all the blessings given by the divine. Moreover, it represents family unity, as the preparation process is often done collectively at home. This makes the dish more than just food—it becomes a medium to strengthen familial bonds and preserve traditions.

Recipe for Berengkes

Ingredients for Making Berengkes (Photo Source: Personal Collection)

Here is a complete recipe for making Berengkes, a traditional Balinese steamed pork dish with a delightful blend of spices.

Ingredients:

• 500 grams of pork (cut into small pieces)
• 3 cloves of garlic, finely ground
• 5 shallots, finely ground
• 3 large red chilies, finely ground
• 5 bird’s eye chilies (optional, for extra spiciness)
• 2 cm ginger, finely ground
• 2 cm turmeric, finely ground
• 2 stalks of lemongrass, bruised
• 3 kaffir lime leaves, torn
• 2 bay leaves
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1 teaspoon finely shaved palm sugar
• 100 ml thick coconut milk
• 1 tablespoon tamarind water
• 6 banana leaves for wrapping
• 1 tablespoon cooking oil

Instructions:

• Prepare the Spice Paste:
  Blend garlic, shallots, red chilies, bird’s eye chilies, ginger, and turmeric into a smooth paste. This fine paste is crucial for ensuring the flavors penetrate deeply into the pork.
• Sauté the Spices:
  Heat the cooking oil in a pan, then sauté the spice paste along with the bruised lemongrass, kaffir lime leaves, and bay leaves. Stir until fragrant and cooked thoroughly, which enhances the aroma and taste of the Berengkes.
• Cook the Pork:
  Add the pork pieces to the pan and stir until evenly coated with the spices. Add salt, shaved palm sugar, tamarind water, and coconut milk. Mix well and cook until the pork is tender and the spices are fully absorbed, approximately 20-30 minutes, depending on the size of the pork pieces.
• Prepare the Banana Leaves:
  While the pork cooks, prepare the banana leaves for wrapping. Clean the leaves and gently heat them over a flame until soft and pliable. This step prevents the leaves from tearing during wrapping.
• Wrap the Berengkes:
  Place 2-3 tablespoons of the cooked pork mixture onto a banana leaf. Wrap the leaf tightly to form a neat package, ensuring the contents are securely enclosed to prevent spillage during steaming. Repeat until all the pork mixture is used.
• Steam the Berengkes:
  Steam the wrapped Berengkes in a steamer for 30-40 minutes until fully cooked. The steaming process allows the spices to seep further into the pork, creating a rich and aromatic flavor. During steaming, the scent of spices and banana leaves will fill the air, tempting anyone nearby.
• Serve the Berengkes:
  Once cooked, remove the Berengkes from the steamer and let them cool slightly. Serve with warm rice for a complete meal. The combination of banana leaf aroma and rich spices offers an unforgettable dining experience.

Berengkes and the Galungan Celebration

Berengkes (Photo Source: Personal Collection)

During Galungan, Berengkes is not just a dish to be enjoyed but also a symbol of unity and gratitude. Galungan is one of the most important Hindu celebrations in Bali, where devotees commemorate the victory of dharma (good) over adharma (evil). On this occasion, families in Bali often prepare Berengkes together as part of their festive meals to welcome guests and extended family.

This dish also embodies peace and harmony within the family. The communal preparation of Berengkes becomes a cherished moment for strengthening family ties and introducing younger generations to the rich culinary heritage of Bali.

In addition to Berengkes, other traditional dishes such as Lawar, Sate Lilit, and Komoh are also staples of Galungan feasts. These dishes not only delight the palate but also carry deep spiritual meaning, reflecting the richness of Balinese culinary traditions.