Savory Indonesian Chicken Opor with Coconut and Spices

Chicken Opor (Opor Ayam Broiler) Recipe

Ingredients:

• 7 pieces of chicken (broiler cuts)
• 2 stalks of lemongrass, smashed
• 3 bay leaves
• 4 kaffir lime leaves
• 1 cm galangal, smashed
• 300 cc coconut milk (from ½ coconut)
• 3 cups water (as needed)
• For the Spice Paste:
  • 7 shallots
  • 5 cloves garlic
  • 3 candlenuts
  • 1 cm ginger
  • 1 cm turmeric
  • 1 teaspoon ground coriander
  • ½ teaspoon ground pepper
  • Flavor enhancer (optional)
  • Sugar and salt (to taste)

Instructions:

1. Prepare the Chicken:

   • Wash the chicken pieces thoroughly and rub them with salt. Let them rest for about 10 minutes, then rinse and drain well.

2. Fry the Chicken:

   • Heat some oil in a pan and fry the chicken pieces until they are half cooked. Remove from the pan and set aside.

3. Prepare the Spice Paste:

   • Blend the shallots, garlic, candlenuts, ginger, and turmeric into a smooth paste.

4. Cook the Aromatics:

   • In the same pan used for frying the chicken, sauté the spice paste with the smashed galangal, bay leaves, lemongrass, and kaffir lime leaves until fragrant.

5. Simmer the Chicken:

   • Add the partially cooked chicken to the pan and stir well. Pour in 3 cups of water and simmer until the chicken is tender.

6. Add Coconut Milk:

   • Pour in the coconut milk and season with flavor enhancer, sugar, and salt. Cook over medium heat, stirring occasionally to prevent curdling.

7. Final Adjustments:

   • Taste and adjust seasoning as needed.

8. Serve:

   • Once the sauce has thickened slightly and the flavors have melded together, turn off the heat. Serve the chicken opor warm.

Enjoy your aromatic and delicious Chicken Opor!