Know The History And Philosophy Behind The DeliciousNess Of Sumatran Rendang

Illustration of rendang (asab974/Pexels)

JAKARTA - Rendang is one of the popular Indonesian specialties. Cuisine made from beef seasoned with spices is indeed famous to all corners of the archipelago. One of the causes is because of the ease of finding Padang restaurants in various regions of Indonesia.

The name rendang is not only famous in the country, but also abroad. Foreigners also understand very well that rendang is An Indonesian food. Did you know? In 2011, rendang was included in CNN International's World's 50 Most Delicious Foods list and ranked first. As an Indonesian, it is fitting that you feel proud of one of the typical cuisines of the Archipelago can be liked by many people around the world.

Rendang himself comes from Minangkabau, West Sumatra. In Minang language, rendang is called randang and comes from the word merandang, meaning to cook coconut milk slowly until dry.

Generally rendang uses the main ingredients of beef and is given spices such as chili, coconut milk, lemongrass, galangal, turmeric, ginger, shallots, garlic, and various spices called cookers.

In addition to its savory taste and dominant spicy, rendang is identical to the cooking process that takes a long time. Rendang takes about four hours to cook. The goal, so that the seasoning can be completely absorbed and make the rendang last for months if stored correctly. Although cooked or warmed continuously, the taste of rendang will still be safe and delicious. Because it is durable, it should not be surprised that this rendang is often a food supply when people travel or travel outside the city or abroad.

Let's not misunderstand, rendang itself should be solid black and dry. If it's still wet and it's still light brown, it's called kalio. Now, according to Andalas University Historian Prof. Gusti Asnan, rendang is thought to be a popular dish since minang people began to travel to Malacca to trade in the early 16th century. Because it has to go through a long journey, rendang is the right choice for food for supplies.

Besides delicious, rendang also has a deep philosophy. Minang people believe that rendang has three meanings about attitude, namely patience, wisdom, and perseverance.