Thursday, September 11, 2008

Of Petai, tempoyak...

Petai and Tempoyak is one of the best appetizers that have been pass down from one generation to another. It is only the Malay that knows best of the know how to prepare this wonder of an appetizer. This image shows Pickled Petai and Tempoyak [fermented Durian]. The Tempoyak as seen has already been mixed with mashed hot red chilly. Folks it do makes great appetizer at Buka Puasa or Iftar. It goes well indeed with steamy white rice, Ikan Singang [fish stew], Ulam [salad] and fried salted fish. With the Petai and Tempoyak you do not need more dishes to turn your breaking of fast into a great and enjoyable meal. I love this appetizer for its not only just to wet your appetite but it nutritious as well. Have a nice day.

10 comments:

Ms B said...

This is to die for!!! My all time fav Pak Idrus.

When I was a child, my late grandma made sure her pickled petai were fresh. I really enjoy myself those days.

Now, each time I go back, petai dish is prepared on the first day of my arrival.

Oh, thank u for the wish! It was indeed a happy day for me.

Hi&Lo said...

Pak Idrus,

Apa macam? hehehe So proud Malaysians are thriving in foreign land.

You are perfectly right that immigrants in us make us strive harder.

Sorry, din visit your blog for awhile.

Altho, am not a Muslim, I do contemplate on the meaning of puasa.

Wishing you a very blessed Ramadan

JALAN REBUNG said...

salam pak idrus,

For me one of the best food combination. Fresh petai and fragrance sambal tempoyak and I've another 9 hours till berbuka puasa, hehehehe

RIZAL

Pak Idrus said...

Ms.b, thanks for the visit and sharing your experiences on this subject.

Yes, most of us was introduce to this appetizer when we are of the right age and once into it we yearn for it and continue to prepare this combination from time to time.

It is not an everyday affair, thus it became an appetizer for a season or when we yearn for it. That I believe why this combination is so special in our culture.

I am indeed glad that this posting did evoke thoughts of what our forefather left us. Have a nice day and take care.

Pak Idrus said...

hi & lo, thanks for the visit and sharing your thoughts on this subject. Thanks as well for the good words on my posting in this blog.

We are all immigrants in one way of the other and it is because of that special gene in us that we thence to do better in a new environment. I met many Malaysian who have migrate oversea and are doing fine indeed. I saw success beyond my wildest dream.

As for fasting it is not meant only for Muslim. It is good for our species for it do create a change in our eating habit, thus is refreshes our system and does create a healthy body; both the mental and the physical aspect of it.Try it and I am sure you would understand and enjoy the benefit of fasting.

Have a nice day and take care.

Pak Idrus said...

jalan rebung, Rizal thanks for the visit and sharing your thoughts of this special appetizer of ours.

Indeed the Petai and Tempoyak is a great combination. Our forefather created this and it is because of their wisdom that we now get to enjoy it, even in the twenty first century. I believe it would be there in the next thousand years.

Have a nice day.

Anonymous said...

salam puasa, pak idrus!

i've never used petai and sambal tempoyak as appetizer before, if by that you meant eating it as a starter/stimulator course.

the combined tastes, while awesome, would be too overpowering to be savoured on their own. for me lah, that is.

but if you meant it as being an enhancer of a meal, then you are spot on. nothing comes close on this planet. ;D

those who are strictly on a no-tambah-nasi diet better beware. the combo will not only make you tambah, but will make you jilat pinggan.

kan, pak idrus? :D

Pak Zawi said...

Pak Idrus,
Seeing the petai and tempoyak so early in the day means a suffering till we break our fast later. Just like Rizal said, its several hours away. I must go to the pasar to get them now that I am salivating over the picture of petai and tempoyak.
Selamat berpuasa.

Pak Idrus said...

mekyam, thanks for the visit and the puasa greeting, as well as sharing your thoughts on this Malay tradition.

The western concept of an appetizer is different from us in that the appetizer is eaten at the beginning of the main meal and end with a dessert. As for our appetizer it is enjoyed all along the whole meals.

Unlike the Sambal Belacan this Tempoyak is really not a regular appetizer, thus it uniqueness. It is a sure for the tambah nasi ppl and I believe it is alright when you do not do it always.

Its smell is subjective, either you love it or you don't; and I believe you would love it, if you just give it a try. Tak kenal tak cinta.

Have a nice day.

Pak Idrus said...

zawi, thanks for the visit and sharing your thoughts on this wonderful appetizer of ours.

Getting tempted is part of the philosophy of fasting. Like P.Ramlee said in one of his movie 'cubaan'. I believe by the time you read this reply to your posting, you would have enjoyed the Sambal Tempoyak and Petai.

Have a nice day.