Authentic Indonesian Spicy Chicken Woku

Ayam Woku Pedas Juara: Spicy Indonesian Chicken Delight

Ingredients:

• 1 kg chicken, cut into pieces
• 2 bunches of basil leaves, cleaned
• 1 thumb-sized piece of ginger, smashed
• 2 thumb-sized pieces of galangal, smashed
• 1 stalk of green onion, sliced
• 5 kaffir lime leaves, finely sliced
• 4 bay leaves
• 2 stalks of lemongrass, smashed
• Salt, to taste
• Sugar, to taste
• Chicken bouillon powder, to taste

For the Spice Paste:

• 1 thumb-sized piece of ginger
• 2 thumb-sized pieces of roasted turmeric
• 1 tsp coriander seeds
• 15 large red chilies
• 25 bird’s eye chilies
• 3 candlenuts
• 7 cloves of garlic
• 10 shallots

Instructions:

1. Prepare the Chicken:

   • Clean the chicken pieces thoroughly and marinate with the juice of 2 lime, allowing it to rest for 30 minutes to enhance the flavor and tenderize the meat.
   • Heat oil in a pan and fry the chicken pieces until they are half cooked. Remove and set aside.

2. Prepare the Spice Paste:

   • In a blender or food processor, combine the ginger, roasted turmeric, coriander seeds, red chilies, bird’s eye chilies, candlenuts, garlic, and shallots. Blend into a smooth paste, adding a little water if necessary.

3. Cook the Spices:

   • Heat a generous amount of oil in a large pan over medium heat. Add the spice paste, lemongrass, ginger, galangal, kaffir lime leaves, bay leaves, and green onion. Sauté the mixture until the oil separates and the spices are fragrant, stirring occasionally.

4. Combine and Simmer:

   • Pour in 1-2 cups of water, bringing it to a gentle boil. Add the partially cooked chicken pieces into the pan. Season with salt, sugar, and chicken bouillon powder. Stir well to ensure the chicken is evenly coated with the spices.

5. Simmer:

   • Reduce the heat to low and cook until the chicken is tender and cooked through, about 30-40 minutes. If the sauce reduces too much, add additional water as needed to maintain a rich consistency.

6. Add the Basil:

   • Once the chicken is fully cooked and the flavors have melded together, add the basil leaves. Stir to combine and let it cook for a few more minutes until the basil is wilted and fragrant.

7. Serve:

   • Transfer the Ayam Woku Pedas Juara to a serving dish and enjoy it with steamed rice. The rich, spicy, and aromatic flavors make it a perfect addition to any meal.

This vibrant dish, filled with the aromatic spices of Indonesian cuisine, is sure to become a favorite for those who love bold and spicy flavors. Enjoy the culinary journey with every bite!