Lontong

Method

1. Rinse 100 g of rice in several changes of cold water, rubbing the grains lightly, until the water runs almost clear. Cover with fresh cold water and leave to soak for 30 minutes, then drain thoroughly in a sieve and toss with 0.5 tsp of fine salt.
2. Wipe 2 pieces of banana leaf clean and pass each one briefly over a low gas flame or through a pan of boiling water, 5 to 10 seconds a side, until the green darkens and turns glossy and the leaf is pliable enough to roll without splitting.
3. Roll each leaf, shiny side inwards and with the grain of the veins running along the length, into a cylinder about 4 cm across and 15 cm long, overlapping the edge by 2 cm. Fold up one end and pin the seam and the folded end shut with 4 of the cocktail sticks.