Lontong

Transform your meals with the authentic taste of "Lontong," a beloved Indonesian rice dish that’s as versatile as it is delectable. Made by wrapping seasoned long-grain rice in softened banana leaves and boiling it to perfection, lontong creates compact rice cakes with a subtly aromatic flavor and a delightfully firm texture. This traditional recipe involves a unique cooking process that requires patience but rewards you with a nourishing base for countless Southeast Asian dishes, from spicy curries to refreshing vegetable salads like gado-gado. With its earthy banana leaf wrapping and simple ingredients, lontong is the perfect canvas for bold, richly spiced flavors. Slice it into rounds and watch it soak up your favorite sauces, making every bite a satisfying blend of textures and tastes. Whether you’re exploring Indonesian cuisine or adding an exotic flair to your table, lontong is the ultimate addition to elevate your culinary repertoire.

Nutriscore Rating: 72/100

Prep Time:30 mins

Cook Time:180 mins

Total Time:210 mins

Servings: 6

Ingredients

• 500 grams long grain rice
• 6 large sheets banana leaves
• 1 roll kitchen string
• 2500 milliliters water
• 1 teaspoon salt

Directions

Step 1

Rinse the long grain rice under cold water until the water runs clear. This helps to remove excess starch and prevents the rice from becoming too sticky.

Step 2

Soak the rinsed rice in water with 1 teaspoon of salt for about 10 minutes, then drain.

Step 3

Meanwhile, prepare the banana leaves by wiping them clean with a damp cloth. Carefully run them over a flame or place in hot water for a few seconds to soften, which makes folding easier.

Step 4

Cut the banana leaves into rectangular sheets around 25x30 cm each. You will need two sheets for each lontong roll.

Step 5

Place two sheets together and place about 100 grams of soaked rice in the center, spreading it into a log shape.

Step 6

Fold both sides of the banana leaf over the rice. Tightly roll the leaf to compress the rice and fold the ends under. Secure the roll with kitchen string, tying both ends and around the middle.

Step 7

Repeat the process with the remaining rice and banana leaves.

Step 8

Place the lontong rolls upright in a large pot. Fill the pot with water until it just covers the lontong rolls.

Step 9

Bring to a boil over medium-high heat, then lower the heat to a simmer. Cover the pot and cook for about 2.5 to 3 hours, checking occasionally to ensure the lontong is submerged in water, topping up if necessary.

Step 10

Once cooked, remove the lontong from the pot and allow them to cool completely, which will further firm up the rice.

Step 11

Once cooled, unwrap the banana leaves, slice the lontong into 1 cm thick rounds and serve with your chosen dish.

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	(3643.1g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	1777.8

Total Fat 5.6g	0%
Saturated Fat 1.1g	0%
Polyunsaturated Fat 0g
Cholesterol 0mg	0%
Sodium 2436.1mg	0%
Total Carbohydrate 388.9g	0%
Dietary Fiber 11.1g	0%
Total Sugars 0g
Protein 44.4g	0%

Vitamin D 0IU	0%
Calcium 152.2mg	0%
Iron 8.9mg	0%
Potassium 611.1mg	0%

*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.

Source of Calories

Fat: 2.8%

Protein: 10.0%

Carbs: 87.2%