Creamy Indonesian Chicken Soup: Coconut Milk Soto

Coconut Milk Chicken Soto (Soto Ayam Kuah Santan)

Ingredients:

• 1 free-range chicken, cleaned
• 2 liters water
• 400 ml coconut milk (from about ½ large coconut, adjust if needed)
• 3 stalks lemongrass, bruised
• 5 kaffir lime leaves
• 4 bay leaves
• 2 inches galangal, bruised
• Chicken broth powder, to taste (optional)
• Salt and sugar, to taste

Spice Paste:

• 7 cloves garlic
• 10 shallots
• 1 tsp coriander seeds
• 5 candlenuts
• Turmeric and ginger, to taste
• Ground pepper, to taste

Optional Garnishes:

• Sambal (chili paste)
• Lime wedges
• Cooked vermicelli noodles
• Thinly sliced fried potatoes (optional)
• Boiled eggs (optional)
• Bean sprouts, blanched
• Soy sauce
• Fried shallots, for topping

Instructions:

1. Prepare the Chicken: In a large pot, bring 2 liters of water to a boil. Add the cleaned chicken and simmer over low heat.

2. Prepare the Spice Paste: Meanwhile, grind garlic, shallots, coriander seeds, candlenuts, turmeric, ginger, and pepper into a smooth paste.

3. Cook the Aromatics: In a separate pan, sauté the spice paste until fragrant. Add kaffir lime leaves, galangal, bay leaves, and lemongrass. Continue cooking until aromatic.

4. Combine Ingredients: Transfer the sautéed spice paste mixture into the pot with the boiling chicken. Stir in salt, sugar, and chicken broth powder (if using). Simmer until the chicken is tender and the flavors are well absorbed.

5. Add Coconut Milk: Pour in the coconut milk, stirring gently to prevent it from curdling. If the soup seems thin, add more coconut milk or coconut cream for a thicker consistency.

6. Serve: Remove the chicken from the pot and shred it into bite-sized pieces. Arrange the cooked vermicelli noodles, boiled eggs, bean sprouts, and sliced potatoes (if using) in serving bowls. Add the shredded chicken and ladle the hot soup over the ingredients.

7. Garnish and Serve: Serve hot with sambal, lime wedges, soy sauce, and fried shallots on the side for garnishing.

Enjoy your comforting bowl of Coconut Milk Chicken Soto, a flavorful Indonesian dish perfect for any occasion!