In this article, we will delve deeper into each of the 10 essential Balinese cooking tools and learn how to use them effectively.
Balinese cooking tools are at the heart of this island’s enchanting cuisine. From seasoned chefs to casual cooks, everyone can benefit from using these unique tools to create authentic and delectable dishes.
Lesung & Ulekan (Balinese Mortar & Pestle)
The Lesung is a large wooden mortar crafted from durable woods such as teak or ironwood, while the Ulekan is its matching pestle made from a sturdy tree branch or even stone.
Together, they make grinding spices and herbs easy and efficient for incredible flavors in dishes such as sambal matah or base genep – a popular Balinese spice mix.
Parutan Kelapa (Coconut Grater)
This tool mainly consists of a low stool with a serrated metal blade attached to one end for grating fresh coconut flesh into fine shreds with ease. Some versions even feature an attached container underneath to catch grated coconut neatly without creating any mess!
Pengayak Tepung (Flour Sifter)
This simple sieve-like tool consists of a round basket with tiny holes in its base that allows flour particles through while sieving out lumps and impurities. Traditionally made from bamboo or rattan, modern versions may utilize stainless steel mesh for improved durability.
Cetakan Batagor (Fish Cake Mold)
These molds typically consist of two parts – a flat surface on which you place your fish paste mixture evenly and another part featuring indentations that can be pressed onto your fish paste mixture to shape it perfectly!
It helps you enhance presentation and consistency across multiple servings.
Rice Steamer Basket
Made primarily from bamboo, these baskets usually have a conical shape that allows steam to circulate through the rice properly, cooking it evenly and thoroughly. It fits over a pot of boiling water or can be placed in a steamer.
Just make sure to line your basket with banana leaves to avoid rice sticking.
Saringan Minyak (Oil Strainer)
The oil strainer features a long handle and fine mesh design for easy handling during frying sessions or when filtering oil for reuse. These tools come in various sizes—pick one suitable for your kitchen based on the amount of oil you usually use.
Kuali (Wok)
The Kuali is perfect for Balinese cuisine, as its wide diameter and high sides allow excellent heat distribution, preventing food from burning too quickly while retaining moisture. Woks made from cast iron or carbon steel provide optimum heat control.
Pisau Sajam (Sharp Knife)
A good sharp knife can make prepping your ingredients infinitely more manageable—look for high-quality stainless steel blades with comfortable handles that feel secure in your grip when cutting through tough ingredients like meat or hard vegetables.
Tepak Saji (Serving Dish)
These intricately designed serving dishes hail from Bali’s rich culture, featuring wood carvings, traditional patterns, and even silver or gold plating!
They come in various shapes and sizes, perfect for elegantly displaying everything from appetizers to main courses at gatherings or during family meals.
Alat Canang Sari (Offering Tray Making Tool)
For crafting the canang sari—a critical aspect of Balinese daily life—you’ll need an assortment of colorful petals, small treats like rice cakes, incense sticks, small candles called damar kurung, and tiny trays made from palm leaves folded into stunning patterns using thin wooden sticks!
Conclusion
With these 10 amazing Balinese cooking tools at hand—covering everything from preparation to presentation—you can now bring an authentic taste of Bali to your home!
Experiment with traditional flavors by using fresh herbs, spices, and locally-inspired ingredients while enjoying the unique experience of cooking with this island’s remarkable tools. Selamat memasak – happy cooking!
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