Madura is an island that boasts many unique traditions and a rich culture. Each tradition is typically accompanied by a special dish. One such example is the tradition of cooking Kuah Adhun, which is an essential treat during holidays. This dish is served at Eid al-Fitr and Eid al-Adha celebrations, and it appears only on special occasions such as the Prophet Muhammad SAW birthday or the anniversary of a relative's death. For many Madurese people, Kuah Adhun is a quintessential food to celebrate significant moments in Madura. Many Madurese who migrate outside the island return to their hometowns during Eid al-Fitr just to enjoy this dish with their extended families.
Like most Indonesian dishes, Kuah Adhun is rich in spices. The basic spices are similar to Ayam Opor, but Kuah Adhun includes additional spices, giving it a reddish hue and a slightly oily texture. The ingredients for making adhun sauce typically include free-range chicken, garlic, shallots, large red chilies, candlenuts, turmeric, galangal, coriander, cumin, cloves, kaffir lime leaves, mesoyi, coconut milk from mature coconuts, pepper, coriander, cumin, sugar, and salt.
The cooking method is very simple. The spices are crushed and sauteed together. Then, mix the ground spices with coconut milk, add a little water, wait until it boils, then add the chopped chicken. The deliciousness of this dish mainly comes from a mixture of cumin, cloves, pepper and mesoi. Red chilies also provide additional color to the Kuah Adhun. Kuah Adhun is characterized by its striking red color and slightly oily texture.
Because it is not generally available, Kuah Adhun is considered very exclusive among other typical Madurese dishes. However, consuming Kuah Adhun only during Eid day holds strong cultural value. This tradition applies not only to native Madurese residents but also to those who live outside the island or have migrated. One of the traditions associated with cooking Kuah Adhun is 'Ter Ater', which means delivering food to neighbors and exchanging dishes. Even though they prepare the same dish, togetherness in the family is fostered through this custom
