Sop Ayam: A Flavorful Indonesian Chicken Soup
Sop Ayam, or Indonesian chicken soup, is a delightful dish that combines tender chicken with aromatic spices and fresh vegetables. This recipe will guide you through creating a comforting bowl of Sop Ayam that’s perfect for any occasion. Here’s how you can make it at home:
Ingredients:
- 1/4 kg (about 1/2 lb) chicken, cut into pieces
- 2 carrots, peeled and sliced
- 1 stalk of green onion, sliced diagonally
- Fried shallots (for garnish)
- 2 bay leaves
- 1 thumb-sized piece of ginger, smashed
- Ground spices:
- 2 shallots
- 2 cloves of garlic
- 1 candlenut
- Optional: 1-2 bird’s eye chilies (for extra heat)
- 1/4 nutmeg
- 1 stick of cinnamon
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 teaspoon of chicken bouillon powder
Instructions:
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Prepare the Chicken:
- Cut the chicken into bite-sized pieces and rinse thoroughly.
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Cook the Chicken:
- In a pot, combine the chicken with bay leaves and smashed ginger. Add enough water to cover the chicken.
- Bring to a boil and then simmer until the chicken is half-cooked.
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Prepare the Spice Paste:
- While the chicken is cooking, blend or grind the shallots, garlic, candlenut, and optionally, the bird’s eye chilies into a smooth paste.
- In a separate pan, heat a small amount of oil and sauté the spice paste until fragrant and golden.
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Combine and Simmer:
- Add the sautéed spice paste to the pot with the chicken.
- Continue cooking until the chicken is tender and fully cooked.
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Add Vegetables:
- Once the chicken is cooked, add the sliced carrots to the pot. Cook until the carrots are tender.
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Season:
- Adjust the seasoning with chicken bouillon powder, salt, and pepper to taste.
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Finish and Serve:
- Remove the pot from heat. Stir in the sliced green onions and fried shallots.
- Serve hot, garnished with extra fried shallots if desired.
Enjoy your delicious Sop Ayam, a comforting and flavorful Indonesian chicken soup that’s perfect for a hearty meal.
