Every village has its own traditional foods, each with a unique story behind it. In my village, there is a traditional snack that is quite special to me. Its name is Sarteng.
Sarteng is a snack made from cassava. Its name is not an abbreviation; it is a traditional name passed down through generations.
I first became familiar with Sarteng through my mother. She has always enjoyed making different kinds of homemade snacks. Among all the snacks she makes, Sarteng is one of my favorites.
How Sarteng Is Made
Making Sarteng takes quite a bit of time and several steps.
First, cassava is peeled and prepared as the main ingredient.
Then, the cassava is ground until it becomes a smooth dough. The dough is left overnight so that it develops a firmer, more workable texture.
Next, the dough is divided into two portions. One portion is colored green, while the other is left in its natural cassava color.
Both portions are flattened using a fork to create several thin sheets. Then, one green sheet is placed on top of one natural-colored sheet. The layers are arranged this way and rolled together.
The roll is then steamed until fully cooked. After draining, it is placed in the freezer compartment overnight, but not in the section used for making ice.
The next day, the roll is taken out and sliced into thin pieces.
These slices are then arranged on a bamboo tray and dried under the sun until completely dry.
Finally, the dried slices are fried until crispy. They are then seasoned according to personal taste, either spicy and savory or simply savory.
A Simple Snack That Is Becoming Rare
In my village, Sarteng can be enjoyed at any time. It can be eaten as an alternative to crackers during meals or simply as a companion while relaxing and watching something.
Unfortunately, Sarteng is becoming harder to find nowadays. Perhaps this is because making it takes quite a long time, and cassava is not always readily available.
For me, Sarteng is about more than just its taste. It reminds me of my mother, who used to spend time making homemade snacks. Simple moments like these can leave lasting memories.
Sometimes, traditional food carries more than just a recipe. It also holds stories about family, habits, and everyday life in a village.
And if someone asks me about my favorite traditional snack, my answer will still be Sarteng.