Traditional versus Modern Methods

The Indonesian way of prepping and cooking may not always make sense in a Western context. However, these methods have been passed down through the generations, and they are the way they are. Some examples include the multiple-step process Julia takes to cook glutinous rice for Lemper Ayam and, of course, grinding with a mortar and pestle instead of using a food processor.

I know that Julia suns her shallots before deep-frying them because it’s what her mother did. Do I? Nope. So you see, even I take shortcuts. My dishes don’t always turn out exactly like Julia’s do, but in the end, it’s my choice, and yours, too.