Jukut Klentang: Authentic Balinese Culinary Heritage of Moringa Fruit
Bali, known not only for its natural beauty but also for its diverse and tantalizing traditional cuisine, offers a variety of unique dishes. One such dish is jukut klentang, a Balinese specialty that features moringa fruit, locally known in Bali as klentang. Jukut klentang is a soupy vegetable dish with a distinct Balinese flavor, combining sweet, savory, and tangy tastes that delight the palate. This dish perfectly exemplifies the use of simple local ingredients that result in rich and flavorful culinary experiences.
Jukut klentang is made from young, unripe moringa fruit. Why use young moringa fruit? At this stage, the fruit still has a tender texture and a sweeter taste compared to mature moringa fruit, which tends to be tougher and less enjoyable when cooked. Moringa is well known for its numerous health benefits, especially its leaves, which are rich in vitamins and minerals. However, the fruit is equally delicious and can be transformed into a signature Balinese dish.
Jukut Klentang (Source: Personal Collection)
Each region in Bali may have slightly different recipes for jukut klentang, but the main ingredients are almost always the same. The key spices used to cook jukut klentang include: Shallots, Garlic, Lesser galangal, Galangal, Candlenuts, Chili, Ginger, Shrimp paste. These spices are sautéed until fragrant, creating a robust flavor base for the vegetable broth.
Additionally, there are complementary ingredients that distinguish each jukut klentang recipe, such as: Tamarind water: adds a distinct fresh sourness that balances the sweetness of the moringa fruit. Crushed roasted coconut: provides a savory touch and a slight smoky aroma that enhances the dish’s flavor. To further enrich the aroma and depth of flavor, bruised lemongrass and bay leaves are typically added. These complementary ingredients significantly influence the final taste of jukut klentang. Using tamarind water results in a fresher broth with a tangy taste that balances the moringa fruit’s sweetness. On the other hand, with crushed roasted coconut, the broth becomes richer and more savory, infused with the distinctive aroma of roasted coconut.
Jukut Klentang (Source: Personal Collection)
Jukut klentang, regardless of the recipe, is always best enjoyed with warm rice. The dish becomes even more satisfying when paired with side dishes such as fried eggs or pindang with tomato sambal, adding layers of flavor to the meal. This dish exemplifies the uniqueness of Balinese cuisine, blending the natural flavors of local ingredients with rich spices. Jukut klentang not only offers a delightful taste but also represents a part of Balinese culinary tradition passed down through generations.
Jukut Klentang (Source: Personal Collection)
Jukut klentang is a dish that encapsulates the rich flavors and culture of Bali in a single bowl of vegetables. With distinctive spices and the use of local ingredients, jukut klentang offers an authentic Balinese taste that is hard to find elsewhere. If you have the chance to visit Bali, don’t miss the opportunity to savor this delicious dish as part of an unforgettable Balinese culinary experience.
