Opor Ayam dan Telur: A Savory Indonesian Delight
Ingredients:
- 4 chicken breasts (originally boiled first)
- 6 hard-boiled eggs (for a frugal boiling method, refer to the previous recipe)
- 2 bay leaves
- 2 kaffir lime leaves
- 1 stalk lemongrass, smashed
- 65 ml instant coconut milk
- 500 ml water or 400 ml chicken broth (from boiling the chicken)
- Salt and sugar to taste
Spice Paste (to be blended):
- 5 shallots
- 2 garlic cloves
- 1/2 cm galangal
- 1/2 cm ginger
- 1 1/2 cm turmeric
- 2 candlenuts
- 1/4 tsp ground black pepper
- 1/2 tsp ground coriander
Garnish:
- Fried shallots
Instructions:
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Prepare the Spice Paste: Begin by blending the shallots, garlic, galangal, ginger, turmeric, candlenuts, ground black pepper, and ground coriander into a smooth paste.
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Sauté the Paste: Heat a generous amount of oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add the blended spice paste to the pot, along with the bay leaves, kaffir lime leaves, and smashed lemongrass. Sauté until the mixture becomes fragrant and the oil starts to separate from the spices.
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Cook the Chicken and Eggs: Add the chicken breasts and hard-boiled eggs to the pot. Stir well to coat them with the spice mixture. Pour in the water or chicken broth, ensuring the ingredients are well-covered. Season with salt and sugar to taste.
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Simmer: Cover the pot with a lid and let it simmer until the chicken is tender and cooked through. This should take approximately 20-30 minutes.
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Add Coconut Milk: Once the chicken is cooked, lower the heat and stir in the instant coconut milk. Continue to cook on low heat, stirring occasionally, until the coconut milk is well incorporated and the sauce has thickened slightly. If the liquid level drops too much, you can add a bit more water. Taste and adjust the seasoning if necessary.
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Finish and Garnish: Remove the pot from heat. Transfer the Opor Ayam dan Telur to a serving dish and sprinkle with fried shallots for added flavor and texture.
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Serve: Enjoy this rich and aromatic Indonesian dish with steamed rice or your favorite side.
This traditional Opor Ayam dan Telur recipe offers a creamy, flavorful dish that’s perfect for any occasion. The fragrant spice paste and the addition of coconut milk create a comforting and satisfying meal that showcases the best of Indonesian cuisine.
