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Ketupat is a typical Lebaran food that is often served with chicken opor or rendang . Unfortunately, ketupat can quickly go stale or become slimy if not stored properly. In order for ketupat to remain durable and can be enjoyed longer, there are several storage methods that need to be considered. Let's see the steps!
1. Choose Quality MaterialsThe main ingredients of ketupat greatly affect its durability. Make sure you choose:
- Young coconut leaves are greenish yellow. Leaves that are too old can make ketupat quickly smell bad.
- Good quality rice. Glutinous rice is suitable for a soft texture, while dry rice is more durable because it is drier after cooking.
- Lime water to keep the ketupat chewy and not easily stale.
Boiling ketupat determines its durability. Make sure you:
- Boil the ketupat until completely cooked, at least 4-5 hours, with the ketupat completely submerged in water.
- Use clean and fresh water, preferably boiled water to avoid contamination.
- Do not open the pan frequently to keep the temperature stable during the cooking process.
Tricks for storing ketupat so that it lasts for days and doesn't get slimy
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Once cooked, ketupat must be cooled immediately so that it does not continue to heat up. Here's how:
- Dip in cold water for a few minutes to stop the cooking process.
- Don't soak it for too long, just dip it a few times so that the heat disappears.
- Use cold boiled water or ice water to clean off any remaining dirt.
Ketupat can be stored in several ways:
- For consumption within 1-2 days, store at room temperature by hanging it so that there is good air circulation.
- If you want to store it longer, put it in the refrigerator, not the freezer. Ketupat can last up to 4-7 days in the refrigerator.
- Use an airtight container so that the ketupat does not absorb the smell of other foods in the refrigerator.
Before eating, ketupat should be warmed so that the texture remains delicious:
- Steam for 20-30 minutes to keep it soft and not too dry like when heated in the microwave.
- Do not reheat frequently, it is best to finish it immediately after reheating it once.
- Check the texture and aroma before eating. If the ketupat smells sour or slimy, do not consume it.
1. Can ketupat be stored while it is still hot?
No, the ketupat must be cooled first so that it does not evaporate and become excessively moist, which can make it go stale quickly.
2. How do you know if ketupat is stale?
Stale ketupat is usually slimy, has a strong sour smell, and its texture is excessively soft.
3. Can ketupat be stored in the freezer?
It's better not to. Frozen ketupat can change texture and become less tasty when thawed.
4. Does ketupat last longer if it is re-steamed every day?
Not recommended. Reheating it too often can actually make the ketupat spoil faster.
5. How to store ketupat without a refrigerator?
Ketupat can be hung in a place that has good air circulation and is not humid.
6. How long can ketupat last at room temperature?
If stored properly, ketupat can last 1-2 days at room temperature before starting to go stale.
7. Why does cooked ketupat go stale quickly even though it has been stored in the refrigerator?
This could be because the boiled water is not clean enough, the coconut leaves are not fresh enough, or the ketupat is not completely dry before being stored.
(brl/red)
