Even though the price of cooking oil is surging, it will not affect Papua Mountain residents. The reason is all residents in this region do not use the frying method for cooking. So they do not need cooking oil.
The people of Papua Mountain have unique cooking traditions. They prepare their meal by roasting, boiling, or grilling the ingredients using hot stones or ash. If you are curious about this unique cooking method, find out more information through this article. Perhaps, their cooking methods can inspire you to prepare your meal.
Why Don’t Papua Mountain Residents Use Cooking Oil?
The residents of Papua Mountain live in an area that is located 1650 – 4000 meters above the sea’s surface. That is, coconut trees cannot grow there. Coconut trees can only grow on lands below 1000 m above sea level.
In the past, Papuan did not know the frying method for cooking. They usually only smoke or grill the meat. Smoking meat has become the traditional preserving method. This way, their food can last longer.
Cooking Techniques Used by Papua Mountain Residents
Instead of deep frying the ingredients using coconut oil, Papua residents use other traditional cooking techniques. They still use traditional cooking processes that can maintain the nutrition of the ingredients.
So, how do they cook? Here are some inspiring cooking techniques that you can try at home.
Smoking and Grilling
Most people in West Papua, Indonesia hunt wild animals. Once they get pigs, fish, or other animals, they will cook this meat by smoking. The purpose of smoking is to reduce the water and fat content in the meat. This way, they can store the meat for a long time.
But, if they want to eat the meat immediately, they grill it on the fireplace. This cooking method makes the food smells and tastes delicious.
Hot Ashes
Unlike other Indonesians, the people of Papua village do not eat rice as the main food. They get their carbohydrate source from cassava, yam, or corn. They use hot ash for cooking this food.
This cooking process is simple. They put the yam or cassava under hot ash. Then, this tuber will be tender and tasty.
Hot Stones
West Papua Indonesia has a unique cooking tradition called Barapen. This method uses hot stones to cook chicken, pork, yam, and vegetables.
What is Barapen Cooking Method?
Papua traditional food is unique. It is not only tasty but also attractive. The cooking method is also interesting as well. Let’s talk more about Barapen.
Barapen is a traditional cooking technique that uses hot stones. Papuans usually hunt and cook their meal together.
- First of all, they will dig the soil.
- Then, they burn the wood and put the stones on it until the stones are hot.
- Then, they place these hot stones in the hole.
- Afterward, they wrap the chicken, fish, or pork using banana leaves and put it above the hot stones. Sometimes, they also add some cassava and sweet potatoes.
- Then, they cover this hole with dried leaves and hot stones.
This cooking process takes quite a long time. They need three to six hours to make all the ingredients well-cooked. The cooking process’s length depends on the ingredients’ type and quantity.
Barapen or burning stone cooking method offers some advantages. First, the meat and fish will be tender and contains less water. Also, this tradition can enhance the relationship between people. It is because they have to work together to cook the meal. Once the food is ready, they will also eat it together.
That’s all several traditional cooking techniques used by Papua Mountain residents. You can try one of these methods at home. This traditional cooking process is not only healthy but also cost-effective. You do not need to purchase cooking oil. Even though the method is simple, the taste of the food will be delicious.
