Authentic Solo Chicken Tengkleng: Savory Javanese Stew

Tengkleng Ayam Khas Solo: A Delightful Javanese Chicken Stew

Ingredients:

• 1 whole kalasan chicken, similar in texture to kampung chicken

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• For the Spice Paste:

  • 6 shallots
  • 4 cloves garlic
  • 1/2 inch fresh turmeric
  • 4 candlenuts
  • 20 red bird’s eye chilies
  • 7 red chilies
  • 1 teaspoon ground coriander
  • 1/2 teaspoon cumin

• Additional Ingredients:

  • 2 baby cabbages, sliced into long strips
  • 2 small green tomatoes, quartered
  • 15 red bird’s eye chilies, stems removed
  • 2 kaffir lime leaves, torn
  • 2 bay leaves
  • 1 inch galangal, bruised
  • 2 stalks lemongrass, bruised
  • Salt, sugar, and pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. Prepare the Spice Paste:

   • In a blender or food processor, combine shallots, garlic, turmeric, candlenuts, red bird’s eye chilies, red chilies, ground coriander, and cumin. Blend until smooth, adding a small amount of water if necessary to facilitate blending.

2. Cook the Spice Paste:

   • Heat a small amount of oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add the spice paste and sauté until fragrant and the oil starts to separate from the paste, about 5-7 minutes.

3. Add Aromatics:

   • Incorporate the bay leaves, kaffir lime leaves, bruised galangal, and lemongrass into the pot. Stir well to combine.

4. Simmer the Chicken:

   • Season the mixture with salt and sugar to taste. Add the chicken, stirring to coat with the spice paste. Pour in enough water to cover the chicken. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to low. Cover and let simmer until the chicken is tender and the flavors are well absorbed, about 45 minutes to 1 hour.

5. Finish Cooking:

   • Remove the lid and stir the chicken occasionally. If the chicken is not yet tender, add more water as needed and continue to simmer until the chicken is fully cooked and the sauce has reduced to your desired consistency.

6. Add Vegetables:

   • Add the sliced baby cabbage, whole bird’s eye chilies, and black pepper. Stir to combine. Add the green tomatoes and cook until they are tender and the cabbage is slightly wilted.

7. Adjust the Seasoning:

   • Taste the stew and adjust seasoning with additional salt, sugar, or pepper if needed.

8. Serve:

   • Transfer the Tengkleng Ayam Khas Solo to a serving dish and enjoy it hot with steamed white rice.

This delightful Javanese chicken stew, with its rich blend of spices and fresh vegetables, is both simple and delicious. Its savory, spicy, and slightly tangy flavors make it a perfect comfort food that’s sure to impress. Enjoy!