TIMES JAZIRAH, PROBOLINGGO – Jemblem, is an Indonesian traditional snack made from cassava. Jemblem is known as a deep-fried cassava ball filled with liquid palm sugar. It almost seems like a traditional croquette made of cassava.

This traditional snack has been one of the most favorite traditional snacks in East Java, Indonesia, especially in Probolinggo. Jemblem is an everlasting snack that is always available in many traditional food stalls in Probolinggo. 

Jemblem is also known as Ogal Agil. However, in Probolinggo, this traditional snack is usually found in many food stalls in the small villages. In addition, you may also find Jemblem in some greengrocers or street carts selling fresh fruits and vegetables around the villages.

Cassava Croquette or Jemblem Food Stall

Mrs. Warso (54), is an owner of a street food vendor located in the coastline of Brigaan Beach, Sumberanyar Village in Paiton, Probolinggo. She mainly sells Jemblem, the everlasting, sweet traditional snack in Probolinggo. 

Bu Warso is making Jemblem in her food stall. (PHOTO: Dicko W/TIMES Indonesia)

Mrs. Warso’s food stall is strategically located in the northern coastline of Probolinggo. Most of the visitors are the fishermen coming from Brigaan Beach. Her food stall is one of the most well-known food stalls in the village that sells Jemblem. The food stall is made of woven bamboo, located around the coastline, which makes it perfect for the visitors to enjoy the sweet, scrumptious traditional snack while enjoying the scenery of the blue ocean.

Jemblem or Sweet Cassava Croquette Recipe of Mrs. Warso 

Jemblem does not use any special ingredients, yet it can be a very scrumptious snack over the years for Indonesian people. The main ingredients include cassava, palm sugar, salt, water, and cooking oil for deep-frying. 

Mrs. Warso explained the easy steps to make this traditional croquette. First, mix all ingredients, except the palm sugar, until it forms a dough. Take some of the dough, flatten it and fill it with the palm sugar. Next, shape the filled dough into a ball. 

Heat the cooking oil, then put the cassava balls in. Cook them in medium heat, turn them around occasionally to make sure it is evenly cooked. Make sure you do not put too much palm sugar inside the dough so that the palm sugar filling will not leak out. Deep-fry until it is golden brown and put them in a container or plate to serve. 

Jemblem is not only round-shaped. Some of them are oval. The oval ones are made of the same ingredients. The only difference between the round and the oval ones is that the oval ones are topped with grated coconut.

Food stalls along the coastline of Paiton Beach. (PHOTO: Dicko W/TIMES Indonesia)

Jemblem, the deep-fried cassava, is scrumptious. It is somewhat crunchy on the outside and soft on the inside. This can be a perfect snack during the rainy season in the afternoon. This traditional snack only costs IDR 1,000 / piece. It is perfect to enjoy some Jemblem from Mrs. Warso’s food stall while seeing the sunset around Brigaan Beach. 

Most people in Probolinggo serve Jemblem in family gatherings and any formal events in their village. Sometimes, they also serve Jemblem with any other traditional snacks, such as banana fritters, Nagasari (Rice flour cake stuffed with banana), Lemper (steamed glutinous rice with spiced chicken floss), and Lumpia (Indonesian spring rolls).
 

Jemblem, the deep-fried croquette or cassava balls, are usually available in many food stalls in Probolinggo. (*)