Family encompasses those we hold dear, including brothers, sisters, mothers, fathers, and other relatives in our lives. They typically reside close by and maintain a special bond, supporting one another and nurturing connections. These relationships are often lifelong, primarily due to blood ties between parents, especially mothers and fathers. Family members frequently share characteristics such as hobbies, behaviors, and traits.
Special refers to something that stands out as more exclusive than other options. This can be observed in various categories with numerous items, where the distinct one is labeled as special. Events or items classified as special carry greater significance compared to those in other lists.
Dishes are containers, typically round and shallow, designed to hold various items. They can accommodate medium to large quantities of food from diverse categories such as vegetables, grains, meat, fish, and more, thus creating a variety of culinary offerings.
Holidays signify extended breaks that surpass regular time off. These celebrations often tie into the religious practices of different cultures, societies, or nations. Religious holidays play an essential role in shaping food traditions within various ethnic groups, contributing to the cultural tapestry woven through food and festive celebrations.
My family indeed prepares special dishes, particularly during the holiday season and specific occasions throughout the year. They create traditional foods that reflect our cultural heritage, enhancing our holiday celebrations. Typically, the food prepared in large quantities during Eid includes rendang, ketupat, and other related religious dishes.
I recall a time when I assisted in cutting the meat into pieces for cooking a spicy rendang, which incorporates distinctive ingredients like coconut milk. To achieve rendang, the meat is usually simmered over time, allowing it to dry out and absorb the spices fully. When the meat becomes tender, it enhances the enjoyment of the dish.
There are also additional dishes served during other festive occasions, such as lamb soup. The preparation involves cooking lamb after the slaughter of a cow during events like Qurban. The soup generally requires extra seasonings, including salt and various herbs, to elevate the flavor and aroma of the broth. I have not personally assisted with this cooking process; it’s simply my understanding of it, as I usually help with obtaining the meat.
Regarding the preparation of ketupat, I have only observed my parents cooking it using plastic after placing rice in it to form a square shape. Another method involves wrapping the rice in palm leaves, which helps cook the rice effectively through boiling. Although I’m unsure of the specific ingredients used, this is my basic knowledge. Once completed, the dish is known as ketupat, made only during festive or holiday times.
That concludes my insights about the special dishes I’ve encountered and the limited assistance I provided in their preparation during the holidays. The dishes include rendang, lamb soup, and ketupat. While there are many dishes, I may not know their names due to translation challenges. I welcome your thoughts on these dishes in the comments section.
I’m Isnizal Z, a writer and lifelong learner based in somewhere warm, peaceful, and full of stories. Through daily prompts and personal insights, I share honest reflections on productivity, mindset, and the art of showing up. This blog is my digital journal—sometimes messy, always meaningful
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