By Nur Iwani
Hari Raya Aidilfitri this year will be celebrated differently amidst the Covid-19 pandemic. Since there will be no more Raya visits from home to home does not mean that people are not allowed to celebrate the annual festival without traditional Raya food. Lemang especially is a must-have traditional Malay dish that goes with Ketupat and Rendang during the celebration of Hari Raya Aidilfitri.
Lemang is traditionally made by using bamboo and banana leaves but in today’s time people have come up with new ways to cook Lemang. One of the most famous ways is by using plastic cups. This new alternative method in cooking Lemang was created when the period of the Movement Control Order was lifted during Ramadan and Aidilfitri month this year. People started to be creative in cooking for them to avoid having contact with anyone outside and to follow the Standard Operating Procedures suggested by the government.
In an interview with a 55-year-old housewife, Kamariah who enjoys cooking said “I tried making the Lemang in a cup since it is hard for me to find Lemang these days due to the MCO and I would say the results are pretty much the same with traditional ones”. Kamariah shared the recipe in making the Lemang which she claimed was easy to get. “You will need a steamer, paper cups, banana leaves, coconut milk, salt, and glutinous rice,” she said.
According to Kamariah’s recipe, the duration for the Lemang to cook will be 45 minutes to an hour, depending on the size of the cup. When it is cooked and ready to serve, people usually will enjoy them with Rendang, Serunding, or curry. It depends on people's creativity; some may enjoy them with condensed milk too.
Anyone who could not find Lemang nearby or wants to make their own Lemang can use this recipe as it is easy and convenient. Although the pandemic prevents us from visiting our relatives during this year's Aidilfitri does not mean that we could not celebrate it. By cooking the traditional Malay dish during Hari Raya will strengthen the bond between family members and the Aidilfitri vibes will continue to live on.
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