Gudeg Jogja

Here’s a kid-friendly recipe for Gudeg Jogja, a traditional Yogyakarta stew made with young jackfruit. This recipe simplifies the process, making it easier for kids to enjoy helping out in the kitchen.

Ingredients:

• 1 can of young jackfruit in brine or water (about 14 oz), drained and rinsed
• 1 small onion, finely chopped
• 2 cloves of garlic, minced
• 1 tablespoon of brown sugar (adjust to taste)
• 1 tablespoon of soy sauce (or more, to taste)
• 1 teaspoon of salt
• 1 cup of coconut milk
• 2-3 fresh bay leaves (if available, or substitute with dried)
• 1 stick of cinnamon
• 1 cup of water
• Optional: boiled eggs (to serve on the side)

Instructions:

1. Prepare the Jackfruit: If using canned jackfruit, chop it into smaller pieces (about 1-2 inches) so that it can absorb the flavors better.
2. Sauté Aromatics: In a large pot, heat a little oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and minced garlic. Sauté until the onion becomes translucent and fragrant.
3. Add Jackfruit: Add the chopped jackfruit to the pot and stir to mix with the onions and garlic.
4. Season: Add brown sugar, soy sauce, salt, bay leaves, and the cinnamon stick to the pot. Stir everything together.
5. Add Coconut Milk and Water: Pour in the coconut milk and water. Mix well, making sure the jackfruit is coated in the mixture.
6. Simmer: Bring the mixture to a gentle boil, then reduce the heat to low. Cover the pot and let it simmer for about 30-40 minutes, stirring occasionally. This allows the flavors to blend and the jackfruit to become tender.
7. Taste and Adjust: After simmering, taste the stew and adjust the sweetness or saltiness if needed. You can add more soy sauce or sugar according to your preference.
8. Serve: Remove the bay leaves and cinnamon stick. Serve the Gudeg with boiled eggs (if using) and steamed rice or rice cakes.

Tips:

• This dish is slightly sweet and savory, making it appealing to kids.
• Encourage kids to help with simple tasks like stirring or adding ingredients.
• You can also serve it with some fresh vegetables or a side salad to add more color and nutrition.

Enjoy cooking together!