Jukut ares

Jukut ares is a traditional Balinese soup made with "ares", the tender core of the banana stem. It is a part of the banana plant that is often discarded in many cuisines but is highly valued in Balinese and other Southeast Asian cooking for its texture and ability to absorb flavors.

The banana stem core is thinly sliced and cooked in a rich and aromatic broth made from various spices and herbs common in Indonesian cuisine, such as garlic, shallots, galangal, turmeric, lemongrass, and bay leaves. These ingredients are ground into a paste and sautéed to release their flavors before being combined with water or coconut milk to create the soup base.

Meat, typically chicken or duck, is also added to the soup, making it a hearty and filling dish. However, there are variations of the soup that may use other proteins or even a vegetarian version. This dish is enjoyed as part of everyday meals as well as during ceremonial occasions.