RAN, Panglima Rasa

Summary

This script delves into the culinary traditions of Mareje Timur, Lombok Barat, showcasing the preparations for a grand event known as Begawe. Central to the feast are three dishes: Kla Ares, Kla Nangka, and Kla Raon, all enhanced by a unique spice mixture called Ragi Beleq. The process involves intricate cooking techniques with local herbs and spices, including Kembang Mako, Kayu Putih, and Buah Serui. The event highlights the communal spirit of cooking, where the community comes together to prepare and enjoy these dishes, symbolizing unity and celebration in the Sasak culture.

Takeaways

• 😀 The Dusun Tendaun, Desa Mareje Timur, prepares for a Begawe ceremony with local customs and a community effort.
• 😀 Tuan or Epen Gawe, along with neighbors, organize various tasks including guest invitations, ingredient gathering, and setting up the kitchen.
• 😀 Ragi Beleq, a unique spice blend, plays a central role in the preparation of the main dishes and varies by the cook's specialty.
• 😀 Ragi Beleq consists of over 20 herbs and spices, which are toasted, ground, and then fried with coconut milk, creating a fragrant, rich flavor.
• 😀 The key spices in Ragi Beleq from Mareje include Kembang Mako, Kayu Putih, and Buah Serui, which give it a distinct, savory taste.
• 😀 The main dishes for Begawe include Kla Ares (a vegetable dish with a light coconut broth), Kla Nangka (jackfruit), and Kla Raon (a meat dish).
• 😀 Jembak, baskets filled with rice, are carried by women to the Tuan Gawe, and are later used to bring home part of the dishes.
• 😀 When jackfruit is out of season, papaya is used as a substitute in the vegetable dish, offering a refreshing taste with a soft texture.
• 😀 Ares is a dish made from banana stems and cooked in a light coconut broth with Ragi Beleq seasoning, often paired with offal in large gatherings.
• 😀 Raon is a meat-based dish, slow-cooked in coconut milk and Ragi Beleq, with a unique aromatic broth that resembles a lighter beef stew or gulai.
• 😀 The community in Dusun Tendaun follows agrarian traditions, farming and raising livestock, and participates in Begawe to mark life’s important stages like births, life events, and deaths.

Q & A

What is the meaning of 'Ragi Beleq' in the context of the script?

'Ragi Beleq' refers to a special spice mix used in traditional Sasak cooking. It means 'Bumbu Besar' or 'complete spice', consisting of over twenty herbs and spices, and is used to flavor the main dishes during the Begawe celebration.

How is 'Ragi Beleq' prepared for use in the dishes?

Ragi Beleq is first roasted or 'sangrai', then ground to soften, and later fried with coconut milk and a little oil, similar to the process of making rendang. This enhances the flavor of the spices and creates a fragrant, mouthwatering aroma.

What are the three main dishes served during the Begawe celebration?

The three main dishes served during Begawe are Kla Ares, Kla Nangka (or a replacement like young papaya), and Kla Raon.

What is the role of 'Ran' in the preparation of the dishes?

'Ran' is the head cook, responsible for overseeing the preparation and cooking of the main dishes, particularly ensuring the perfect balance of spices and flavors in the Ragi Beleq for the dishes like Kla Ares, Kla Nangka, and Kla Raon.

What is the significance of 'Begawe' in Sasak culture?

'Begawe' is a traditional community event that marks important life stages, such as birth, life, and death. It involves a communal effort, where people gather to prepare food and celebrate together, symbolizing unity and social cohesion.

How does the community contribute to the Begawe preparation?

The community contributes by working together to prepare the food, especially the main dishes. People help with tasks like inviting guests, gathering ingredients, setting up cooking areas, and carrying ceremonial items such as 'Jembak', baskets filled with rice or food for the hosts.

What is the culinary replacement for Nangka during certain seasons, and why is it used?

When Nangka (jackfruit) is out of season, young papaya is used as a substitute. It has a similar texture and can be cooked in a lighter coconut milk base, offering a refreshing taste and a tender texture when eaten.

What is the connection between 'Ares' and 'Raon' in the feast?

'Ares' and 'Raon' are both essential dishes in the Begawe. Ares is a vegetable dish cooked in a light coconut milk broth with spices, while Raon is a meat dish cooked in a spiced coconut broth. Ares pairs well with Raon, combining crunchy and tender textures in the meal.

What is the cultural meaning behind the act of sharing food in the 'Betulung' and 'Begibung' practices?

Betulung and Begibung are communal practices of sharing food. Betulung involves helping one another in the cooking process, while Begibung is the actual sharing of meals during the celebration, fostering unity and reinforcing social bonds among the participants.

How does the 'Ragi Beleq' impact the flavor profile of the dishes?

Ragi Beleq imparts a distinctive, aromatic flavor to the dishes. It blends the richness of roasted coconut, candlenut, and shrimp paste with other spices, creating a complex and balanced taste profile that enhances the savory, fresh, and slightly spicy elements of dishes like Ares, Nangka, and Raon.