The Philosophy of Getuk

Thousands of different traditional snack varieties can be found throughout Indonesia's varied regions. These snacks, which range from salty to sweet, each have a distinct flavor that enhances the diversity of Indonesian cuisine.

Getuk is a typical snack found on the island of Java, particularly in its eastern and central regions. This processed cassava cake has a delicate texture that pleases the palate and a taste that is both savory and sweet. Additionally, those who enjoy traditional treats will find great appeal in the vibrant appearance of getuk.

History of Getuk.

A food called getuk comes from Magelang in Central Java. Since the period of Japanese colonization, the residents of Magelang have been making and drinking getuk. Rice, the people's basic diet at the time, was extremely expensive and rare. as addition, the Magelang people substituted cassava for rice as their major diet.

The first person to invent getuk was Mbah Ali Mohtar. The reason Mbah Ali called his invention getuk is that grinding cassava produces a "tuk-tuk" sound.

The Philosophy of Getuk

The primary ingredient in getuk, cassava, represents the concept of simplicity. Although cassava may grow anywhere, it keeps its lowly status by not bearing fruit.

Grated coconut, on the other hand, represents usefulness and goes well with getuk. The coconut tree has uses for every aspect of the human body. Upon reflection, it seems that people should live to benefit both other people and their environment.

Given the combination of cassava and coconut, getuk is a traditional dish that symbolizes the utility and basic purpose of life. Furthermore, the substitution of cassava for rice as a staple grain can be seen as an example of how humans have always innovated from the many little things in their environment.

Getuk also educates people to make the most of what they have by making it more enjoyable, intriguing, and useful. The Javanese people's rimo ing pandum, or philosophy of life, is consistent with the getuk school of thought. A lesson from life that encourages people to do new things in order to improve themselves while also learning to be thankful and submit to God.

Interesting Facts About Getuk.

Getuk is one of Indonesia's traditional foods made from cassava. Here are some types of getuk, the ingredients used, and how to make them:

1. Getuk Lindri

Ingredients:

• 1 kg cassava
• 200 grams of granulated sugar
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• Food coloring (optional)
• Steamed grated coconut (for sprinkling)

How to make:

1. Peel the cassava, cut into pieces, and steam until cooked.
2. Puree the steamed cassava by pounding or mashing it using a mashing tool.
3. Mix the smooth cassava with granulated sugar and salt. Stir until well blended.
4. Divide the dough into several parts if you want to add food coloring. Mix food coloring in each part according to taste.
5. Shape the dough into small cylinders using a getuk lindri mold or using your hands.
6. Serve getuk lindri with grated coconut sprinkled on top.

2. Simple Cassava Getuk

Ingredients:

• 1 kg cassava
• 200 grams of brown sugar, grated
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• Steamed grated coconut (for sprinkling)

How to make:

1. Peel the cassava, cut into pieces, and steam until cooked.
2. Puree the steamed cassava by pounding or mashing it using a mashing tool.
3. Mix the smooth cassava with grated brown sugar and salt. Stir until well blended.
4. Shape the dough according to taste, you can use a mold or shape it into balls.
5. Serve getuk with grated coconut sprinkled on top.

3. Banana Getuk

Ingredients:

• 1 kg cassava
• 300 grams ripe bananas, mashed
• 200 grams of granulated sugar
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• Food coloring (optional)
• Steamed grated coconut (for sprinkling)

How to make:

1. Peel the cassava, cut into pieces, and steam until cooked.
2. Puree the steamed cassava.
3. Mix the smooth cassava with the smooth banana, granulated sugar, and salt. Stir until well blended.
4. Divide the dough into several parts if you want to add food coloring. Mix food coloring in each part according to taste.
5. Shape the dough according to taste.
6. Serve banana getuk sprinkled with grated coconut.

4. Getuk Trio

Ingredients:

• 1 kg cassava
• 200 grams of granulated sugar
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• Food coloring (red, green, yellow)
• Steamed grated coconut (for sprinkling)

How to make:

1. Peel the cassava, cut into pieces, and steam until cooked.
2. Puree the steamed cassava.
3. Mix the smooth cassava with granulated sugar and salt. Stir until well blended.
4. Divide the dough into three parts. Mix each part with red, green, and yellow food coloring.
5. Print the dough of each color in the mold, layer by layer to form an interesting color.
6. Serve getuk trio with grated coconut sprinkled on top.

Getuk is a food that is easy to make and has many variations, making it suitable as a snack at home.

Furthermore, the celebration of Magelang City's anniversary is marked by the "Grebeg Getuk" custom in Magelang. Getuk is formed into two mountains during the celebration, which is then paraded throughout the city. The locals will battle over the getuk in the mountains after the parade is over.

The rise of contemporary snacks has caused the appeal of getuk to diminish over time. Still, traditional markets still have a large number of getuk merchants.