Spicy Indonesian Chicken Feet Soup with Tamarind and Lemongrass

Asam Pedas Ceker Tulang Ayam Kuah Mercon

Experience the tantalizing flavors of Indonesian cuisine with this vibrant and spicy Asam Pedas Ceker Tulang Ayam Kuah Mercon. This dish, featuring chicken feet and bones in a rich, tangy, and fiery broth, is a perfect balance of heat, sourness, and depth of flavor. Here’s how to make it:

Ingredients:

• 1/4 kg chicken feet, cleaned
• Chicken bones (any parts you have, quantity as needed)
• 1 piece turmeric root (about 1-inch, peeled)
• 10 red curly chilies
• 20 bird’s eye chilies (adjust according to your spice preference)
• 5 cloves garlic
• 8 shallots
• 2 bay leaves
• 1 tamarind slice
• 2 bilimbi (optional, or substitute with more tamarind if unavailable)
• Galangal, smashed (a small piece)
• Lemongrass, smashed (a stalk)
• Salt, to taste
• Seasoning powder (such as Sasa), to taste
• Water, enough to cover the ingredients

Instructions:

1. Prepare the Spice Paste:

   • In a blender or food processor, combine the turmeric root, red curly chilies, bird’s eye chilies, garlic, and shallots. Blend until you achieve a smooth paste.

2. Cook the Chicken Feet and Bones:

   • In a large pot or deep pan, add the cleaned chicken feet and chicken bones.
   • Add the spice paste, bay leaves, smashed galangal, and lemongrass. Stir to coat the meat and bones thoroughly with the paste.

3. Add Tamarind and Bilimbi:

   • Incorporate the tamarind slice and bilimbi (if using) into the pot.

4. Season and Simmer:

   • Pour in enough water to cover all the ingredients.
   • Season with salt and seasoning powder (like Sasa) to taste.
   • Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat and let it simmer. Cook until the chicken feet become tender and the flavors meld together. This should take about 45 minutes to 1 hour.

5. Final Touches:

   • Taste and adjust the seasoning as needed.

6. Serve:

   • Serve hot, either on its own or with a side of steamed rice.

Enjoy the delightful complexity of Asam Pedas Ceker Tulang Ayam Kuah Mercon—a dish that combines the bold flavors of Indonesian spices with the satisfying richness of chicken feet and bones. Perfect for a hearty and flavorful meal!