Tangy Indonesian Chicken Stew with Basil and Green Chilies

Garang Asam Ayam: A Flavorful Indonesian Chicken Stew

Ingredients:

• 1/2 kg chicken wings
• 1 carrot, diced
• 1 bunch of basil leaves
• 2 tomatoes
• 4 shallots
• 2 garlic cloves
• 1 thumb-sized piece of ginger
• 1 thumb-sized piece of galangal
• 1 stalk of lemongrass
• A few bay leaves
• Salt, to taste
• Sugar, to taste
• Seasoning (optional)
• Bilimbi (or tamarind if unavailable)
• Green chilies, to taste

Instructions:

1. Prepare the Chicken:

   • Start by boiling the chicken wings in a pot with a pinch of salt to remove any impurities. Once cooked, skim off the floating fat and set the chicken aside.

2. Prepare the Aromatics:

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   • Finely slice the shallots and garlic. Crush the ginger, galangal, and lemongrass with the back of a knife or a mortar and pestle.

3. Sauté the Aromatics:

   • Heat a bit of oil in a pan over medium heat. Add the shallots and garlic, sautéing until fragrant. Then, add the crushed ginger, galangal, lemongrass, and bay leaves. Continue to sauté until the spices are aromatic and golden brown.

4. Cook the Chicken:

   • Add the pre-cooked chicken wings and diced carrots to the pan. Stir well to combine the ingredients. Pour in enough water to cover the chicken and carrots. Season with salt, sugar, and blimbi (or tamarind as a substitute). If using blimbi, adjust the amount according to its sourness. Taste and adjust seasoning if necessary.

5. Simmer:

   • Allow the mixture to come to a boil, then reduce the heat and let it simmer until the carrots are tender and the flavors meld together.

6. Add Tomatoes:

   • Once the carrots are cooked, add the tomatoes. Cook for a few more minutes until the tomatoes soften but still hold their shape.

7. Finish with Basil:

   • Turn off the heat and sprinkle the fresh basil leaves on top. Allow the basil to wilt in the residual heat.

8. Serve:

   • Your Garang Asam Ayam is now ready to be enjoyed! Serve it hot with steamed rice or as part of a larger meal.

Tips:

• For a more authentic taste, use blimbi or tamarind. Adjust the quantity to balance the sourness according to your preference.
• If you prefer a milder dish, you can reduce the amount of green chilies or omit them entirely.

This Garang Asam Ayam recipe combines tender chicken with aromatic herbs and a tangy, savory broth, making it a delightful addition to your culinary repertoire. Enjoy the rich flavors and comforting warmth of this traditional Indonesian stew!