“JAGUNG TITI”

By : Regina Rambu Padu Djabu

Jagung  titi is a typical food of the people of East Nusa Tenggara (NTT), especially citizens in eastern parts of Flores Island, Larantuka, Adonara, Solor, Lembata and Alor. Jagung titi or "Wata Kenaen" in Lamaholot (local language) is an alternative meal for rice for people in East Flores.

Jagung titi is flatten corn kernels. Soon after the corn kernels are fried on a clay pot, they are taken out one by one to be hit on the stone so they become flat. Corn is not only roasted until half-baked, but also it needs instinct to make sure the corn is right "flat" or not. Sometimes, the corns can be joined to big one. White corn is the best corn to make delicious jagung titi. So, to make jagung titi, a Lamaholot woman need much time. They do it in their spare time after cooking or cleaning their house.

When you come to Lamaholot, jagung titi will be served with tua bura (local sweet alcohol) or you can eat jagung titi with tea or coffee. To make jagung titi crispier, you can oven it and add sugar and salt according to your taste.

I think, jagung titi is good gift for your family when you come back from your vocation in Lamaholot. You can keep jagung titi for a year without chemical preservative.