Indonesian sweets aren’t exactly big hitters when it comes to South East Asian culinary fame, but there are some delicious unsung heroes of sugary sweetness. You just need to dig a little deeper.
While I was in Sulawesi a little while ago on a street food hunt with the family, I found a great seaside warung, Rumah Makan Heni Putri Kaili, (how’s that for a mouthful of a name) in Palu that served up some delicious treats at the end of our lunchtime feast.
One of the clear winners was the Kue Deto – pale, creamy rice flour custards studded with tiny cubes of young, lemon yellow jackfruit. Subtly sweet, they go down in two bites.
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Inspired by their Kue Deto, here’s my version. It’s actually a super easy recipe to try at home.
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[Image courtesy of the shoot we did for Martha Stewart Living, December 2012 issue}
Don’t be intimidated by the slight ‘art and craft’ factor of making these little Indo versions of custard pots. The fresh pandan leaves can be found at your local Asian wet market or specialty store.
Believe it or not, the easiest way to make the small boxes is with a stapler. The ordinary kind. Or a mini one. Whatever. Just staple the sides closed to make neat and secure little containers for the custard. Easy peasy.
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On the subject of Sulawesi-style sugary goodness, another stand out at Heni Putri Kaili was the klapon, which is always one of my favourites. Little balls of black glutinous rice with a liquid centre of dark, caramel-like palm sugar. Rolled in shredded coconut and a hint of salt to bring out the flavour, they’re the kind of truffle-like dessert you can easily eat a whole pile of.
While their version is delicious, I’d say the klapon we have on the menu at Sarong now are pretty good.
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Have you tried them yet?
WM.
*The lowdown on RM Heni Putri Kaili:
It has a seaside shack kind of feel, with a palapa-covered entrance, views of the blue-grey sea outside and Indonesian ballads playing in the background, all helping to set the scene for the regional Palu fare and seafood they dish up.
The post Recipe Of The Day: Kue Deto appeared first on Street Food Chef.
