Ketupat

Ketupat are unique Asian rice cakes, prepared and sold in traditional woven containers made out of palm, coconut, or pandan leaves. Although they appear in numerous shapes and sizes, the most common variety is the cube-shaped ketupat, resembling a tiny woven basket. When the pouch is completed, the rice is securely sealed inside, and the whole packet is usually boiled in water, or occasionally in a mixture of coconut milk and water. After they have been boiled, the cakes need to be chilled, and because of their distinct texture they can easily be cut into slices. Ketupat can be found in many Asian countries, but its origin is usually associated with the Indonesian island of Java. Ketupat is particularly important during the Eid festival in the Muslim community. It also holds a strong religious symbolism, according to which the intricately woven leaves represent the mistakes caused by human nature, and the white rice inside stands for innocence, purity, and the final deliverance of sins. Sliced ketupat is usually served alongside famous Indonesian rendang, different curry varieties, sliced cucumbers, or it can simply be topped with a delectable peanut sauce.