Summary
Kerisik (Jawi: كريسيق) in Bahasa Malaysia , ambu-ambu (in Minangkabau) , kelapa gongseng in Bahasa Indonesia is a condiment or spice made from grinding toasted and grated coconut used in cooking among the Malay and Minangkabau communities of Indonesia, Malaysia and Singapore. It is sometimes referred to as coconut butter. It can be made at home as a byproduct of extracting coconut milk or bought ready made. It is used in famous Malaysian Cuisine such as kerabu salads, Kedahan nasi ulam, Malaysian gulai & curry and especially rendang as a gravy thickener.[1]
 A bowl of homemade kerisik | |
| Alternative names | kerisik (Bahasa Malaysia) ,
ambu-ambu (Minangkabau) , kelapa gongseng (Bahasa Indonesia) |
|---|---|
| Type | Condiment |
| Place of origin | Malaysia |
| Region or state | Sumatra, Singapore and Malay Peninsula |
| Created by | Malay Peninsula |
| Serving temperature | Room temperature |
Kerisik means dry in Bahasa Malaysia, dry something like leaves or grated coconut [2] originally from Malay Peninsula. Fresh kerisik can be easily made from fresh coconut which is grated and sautéed on low heat, then ground in a mortar and pestle. Dried grated coconut can also be used, however, the resulting paste is not as fragrant. Pre-made kerisik can develop an unpleasant smell.
It is not easily found outside Indonesia, Malaysia and Singapore, and will most likely only be found in Asian specialty food shops outside of these countries.
Grading edit
Kerisik is divided into grade 'A', for kerisik that is fragrant and creamy, tastes sweet and has a nutty aftertaste, and grade 'B', which tends to have fewer of the fragrant notes which are the key point in choosing a good kerisik. As for the last grade, grade 'C', manufacturers tend to use coconut leftovers from the production of coconut milk. This leaves the kerisik with only the nutty taste and with a bland and husky aftertaste. This 'C' grade kerisik floods the market, confusing customers.
See also edit
External links edit
- How to toast coconut and make kerisik at pickles-and-spices.com