Asam Cekala

Photo Credit here

Kincung or Kecombrang or Honje comes from Etlingera Elatior plant or known as Torch Ginger, a perennial plant, which flowers(flower buds), stem and seeds pod are used as spices in cooking. 

In Batak cuisine, all parts of this plant can be used. The one in the picture above is the seeds pod. As in Indonesian, the word 'asam' means sour, thus, the pods are slightly crushed before cooking in order to make crevices so that the seeds can render its distinct flavor and sour taste to the dish.

It is perfect for fish dishes as it reduces the fishy smell of the fish and enhances the taste.

Andaliman

Andaliman or Zanthoxylum Acanthopodium is a species of flowering plant from the citrus family, Rutaceae. Similar to its cousin, Z.Piperitum or widely known as Sichuan Pepper or Chinese Corriander, the whole peppercorn of Andaliman are used as spices in cooking. Beside the lemon-like flavor and tartness, it also has another distinct characteristics, which is the 'biting' pungency that gives tongue a numbing sensation. This is caused by hydroxy-alpha-sanshool, a bio-active components contained in it.

There are about 250 species of the genus which can be found in the highlands of China, Tibet, Nepal, Bhutan, Thailand and Toba of Sumatra.

As for Andaliman, it's distinctively a native plant we only found int the Toba highlands, thus, widely used in Batak cuisine only. No wonder people from other islands in Indonesia call it 

"Batak Pepper".

Vegetarian Eggplant Potato

Let me share with you this simple but yummy vegetarian eggplant potato from Kerja Dari Rumah. Very sorry that the video is in Malay. But don't worry, you can find the recipe below.  

What you need:

2 medium potatoes, boiled until tender(optional— this is my adjusted version),  cubed

1 medium eggplant, sliced

1 medium tomato, cubed

2-3 green chili, sliced

1 clove of garlic, minced

2 red onion, sliced

1 tsp cumin powder

1/4 tsp turmeric powder

1 Tbs brown sugar

salt

oil to stir fry

10 curry leaves(optional)

Serve with steamed rice. 

BIRTHDAY WISHES

 I celebrated my birthday today. It's just like any other day. No confetti, parties or cakes and candles blowing 

but surely greetings from family and friends are flowing in.  On top of it, lunch with friends I don't get to 

gather with very often. More importantly, God is among us around the table. We had an encouraging chat 

on how we are going to serve Him through His body. 

What a better birthday can it be?

 After so many years of birthday wishes, I finally come to narrower wishes though not necessarily shorter. 

All I want for a year ahead is God's approval in everything I do. To please Him, to obey Him and to grow intimate with Him. To serve and glorify Him through my life, my work and my ministry. To share His passion for peoples, and His vision for the world. To love Him and wait for Him.

To rejoice in Him.