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Kolak, the Sweet Special Menu for the Month of Ramadan

Malang, (malangkota.go.id) – Kolak is one of the typical Ramadan culinary delights that is often served as a takjil menu to break the fast. According to the Big Indonesian Dictionary (KBBI), kolak is a food made from bananas, sweet potatoes, and so on that are boiled with sugar and coconut milk. So the sweet taste of this snack is suitable to be used to fill energy after a day of fasting.

Kolak (ist)

Talking about kolak, besides being so identical to the month of Ramadan, it turns out that there is an interesting philosophy and meaning behind it. There are many opinions regarding the origins of kolak that have developed in society. There is an assumption that kolak is associated with the spread of Islam, where kolak was used as one of the media of preaching by previous scholars in Indonesia. The goal is for people to know Islam better. Because the medium of food is one of the relatively easy and simple methods.

Then according to an archaeologist and history lecturer at Malang State University, Dwi Cahyono who quoted the opinion of Kiai Hasbullah from Pondok Pinang, Kebayoran Lama, South Jakarta, the word kolak comes from Arabic, namely kul laka which means eat, for you. Various sources also mention that kolak refers to the word kholiq or khaliq which in Arabic means the Creator.

The elements of kolak are also associated with Islamic teachings. Like banana kepok which is often used as kolak filling, associated with the word kapok which in Javanese means deterrent. In addition, sweet potato which is also often used as kolak filling in Javanese is called telo pendem with the philosophy that humans must bury their mistakes deeply. However, there are also those who associate kolak as a reminder that humans will one day die and then be buried (dipendem).

Then another element in kolak, coconut milk which in Javanese is called santen which refers to the abbreviation of pangapunten where Javanese people use the word as an apology. So kolak is associated as a reminder for humans to apologize for mistakes.

Kolak, a favorite snack for all ages from children to adults, besides having a philosophy and meaning that is full of moral learning and strengthening religious beliefs, also has beneficial content for the body. The fillings in various kolak dishes such as bananas, sweet potatoes, palm fruit, green beans, and so on are considered healthy and can provide benefits for the body. For example, kolak consisting of bananas can contain vitamins B, C, A, potassium, fiber, and protein.

Quoted from the Halodoc page, banana kolak served in a 100 gram portion contains around 163 calories. The calories in a bowl of banana kolak consist of 47% fat, 48% carbohydrates, and 6% protein. The fat content in banana kolak consists mostly of saturated fat, as well as unsaturated fat. One serving of banana kolak also has 2,8 grams of fiber, and 11,95 grams of sugar. However, although the contents of kolak can be beneficial for the body, it should be consumed in moderation or not excessively.

Well, so besides having a taste that is loved by various groups. It turns out that various opinions about the origin of kolak are very interesting to discuss. Hopefully kolak will always be one of the traditional Indonesian snacks or culinary delights that is timeless. (eka/ram)

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