Bligo Purple Yam Fritter Recipe (Timus Ungu Bligo) from Karanganyar

Timus Ungu Bligo is a traditional snack from Karanganyar, Central Java, Indonesia. It is made from purple yam (ube) combined with the unique flavor of bligo, a type of winter melon (Benincasa hispida). The fritters have a sweet, soft texture and are often enjoyed as a snack or dessert. This recipe will guide you through making this delicious, traditional Indonesian treat.

Ingredients:

500 grams of purple yam (ube)

100 grams of bligo (winter melon)

100 grams of granulated sugar

100 grams of glutinous rice flour

50 grams of coconut milk

1/4 teaspoon of salt

1/2 teaspoon of vanilla extract (optional)

Cooking oil for frying

Instructions:

Prepare the Ingredients:

Peel and wash the purple yam and bligo. Cut the purple yam into small cubes and shred the bligo. Ensure all pieces are uniform in size for even cooking.

Steam the Purple Yam:

Steam the purple yam cubes for about 20-25 minutes until they are soft and tender. You can test the readiness by poking the yam with a fork. Once done, mash the yam into a smooth, lump-free paste.

Prepare the Bligo:

After shredding the bligo, squeeze out any excess water. This step is crucial as it prevents the dough from becoming too watery.

Combine Ingredients:

In a large mixing bowl, combine the mashed purple yam, shredded bligo, granulated sugar, glutinous rice flour, coconut milk, salt, and vanilla extract (if using). Mix all the ingredients until you get a smooth, well-combined dough. The dough should be slightly sticky but still easy to shape.

Shape the Fritters:

Take a small amount of the dough and shape it into an oval or cylindrical shape, about the size of a thumb. Repeat until all the dough has been shaped into fritters.

Fry the Fritters:

Heat enough cooking oil in a deep frying pan over medium heat. Once the oil is hot, gently lower the shaped fritters into the oil. Fry them until golden brown on all sides. Be sure to turn them occasionally to ensure even cooking. This process should take about 3-5 minutes per batch.

Drain the Fritters:

Once the fritters are golden brown, remove them from the oil and drain on a plate lined with paper towels to absorb any excess oil.

Serve:

Timus Ungu Bligo is best served warm, but you can also enjoy them at room temperature. The fritters are slightly crispy on the outside, with a soft, sweet, and fragrant filling on the inside. They make a delightful snack with tea or coffee.

Making Timus Ungu Bligo is a wonderful way to experience a unique taste of Karanganyar's culinary tradition. The combination of purple yam and bligo creates a distinctive flavor that is both comforting and exotic. These fritters are easy to make and can be enjoyed by everyone, whether for a family gathering, a snack, or a special occasion. With this recipe, you can bring a taste of Central Java into your home, no matter where you are in the world.