Lawar Ayam Sayur Kacang: A Traditional Balinese Delight
Lawar Ayam Sayur Kacang is a vibrant and flavorful dish hailing from the heart of Balinese cuisine. This recipe combines tender chicken with crisp vegetables and aromatic spices, all enveloped in a rich coconut blend. Perfect as a side dish or a standalone meal, Lawar Ayam Sayur Kacang offers a delightful balance of textures and flavors that are sure to impress. Let’s dive into the steps and ingredients needed to create this culinary masterpiece.
Ingredients
- 250 grams chicken breast, steamed (you can substitute with free-range chicken for richer flavor, but make sure to boil it thoroughly)
- 1 bunch long beans, chopped and steamed
- 1/2 coconut, toasted
- 65 ml Kara coconut milk
- 2 bay leaves
- 1 stalk lemongrass, bruised
- 1 teaspoon black pepper powder
For the Spice Paste:
- 4 shallots
- 2 garlic cloves
- 1/2 cm turmeric
- 3 cm kencur (aromatic ginger)
- 1 candlenut
- 1 cm ginger
- 1 cm galangal
- 1 teaspoon coriander seeds
- 1 teaspoon salt
Additional Ingredients:
- 1 lime, juiced
- Fried shallots (for garnish)
- Sambal Embe (Balinese chili paste, optional)
Instructions
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Prepare the Chicken:
- Begin by washing the chicken breast thoroughly. Steam the chicken until it is fully cooked. While steaming, you can use broiler chicken for faster cooking or free-range chicken for a more robust flavor, which will require longer boiling.
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Prepare the Vegetables:
- Chop the long beans into bite-sized pieces. Wash and steam them along with the chicken. Steaming together ensures that both ingredients are perfectly cooked and infused with each other’s flavors.
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Toast the Coconut:
- Toast the half coconut until it’s golden brown. This step enhances the flavor and aroma of the coconut. If you prefer, you can skip this step, but toasting adds an extra depth of flavor to the dish.
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Make the Spice Paste:
- Blend the shallots, garlic, turmeric, kencur, candlenut, ginger, galangal, coriander seeds, and salt into a smooth paste. You can use a traditional stone grinder for the most authentic texture or a modern blender for convenience.
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Cook the Spice Paste:
- Heat a little oil in a pan over medium heat. Add the spice paste and sauté until fragrant. Add the bruised lemongrass and bay leaves. Cook until the paste is aromatic and the oil starts to separate.
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Add Coconut Milk:
- Pour in the Kara coconut milk and a bit of water if needed. If you’ve boiled the chicken, you can use the chicken broth to enrich the flavor. Stir and simmer until the mixture is well combined and slightly thickened.
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Season and Taste:
- Adjust the seasoning with salt and black pepper. Taste the mixture and make sure it’s well-seasoned. The natural flavors of the chicken and vegetables should be enhanced, not overwhelmed.
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Check Vegetables and Chicken:
- Test the vegetables by tasting a small piece; they should have a slightly crunchy texture. Check the chicken by inserting a fork; it should easily penetrate if fully cooked. If using broiler chicken, it will cook faster compared to free-range chicken.
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Combine Ingredients:
- Shred the steamed chicken into small, bite-sized pieces. Grate the toasted coconut, pressing it slightly to release some of its milk. Combine the shredded chicken, steamed vegetables, grated coconut, and the cooked spice paste mixture. Toss well to ensure everything is evenly distributed.
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Final Touches:
- Taste and adjust the seasoning if needed. Squeeze the juice of half the lime over the mixture for a fresh, tangy flavor. Garnish with fried shallots for added crunch and flavor.
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Serve:
- Serve your Lawar Ayam Sayur Kacang with additional sambal Embe on the side if you prefer extra heat. Enjoy this traditional Balinese dish as a side or as a main course, celebrating the rich culinary heritage of Indonesia.
Note: If you like it spicy, increase the amount of chilies in the sambal Embe or add extra chili paste to your Lawar. The combination of spicy, tangy, and savory flavors makes Lawar Ayam Sayur Kacang a truly memorable dish.
Embrace the vibrant flavors of Balinese cuisine with this authentic recipe, and delight your taste buds with every bite. Enjoy your cooking adventure with Lawar Ayam Sayur Kacang!
