Spicy Kampung Chicken Rica-Rica: Indonesian Flavor Explosion

Rica-Rica Ayam Kampung Recipe

Discover the vibrant and aromatic flavors of Rica-Rica Ayam Kampung, a traditional Indonesian dish known for its spicy and fragrant profile. This recipe brings together a medley of fresh herbs and spices, creating a delightful experience with every bite. Here’s how to prepare this delicious dish:

Ingredients:

• 1 whole kampung chicken (a free-range chicken, known for its rich flavor)
• 10 cloves garlic
• 35 red bird’s eye chilies (adjust to taste for spiciness)
• 2 stalks lemongrass
• 1 thumb-sized piece of ginger
• 1 thumb-sized piece of turmeric
• 2 bay leaves
• 2 kaffir lime leaves
• Salt (to taste)
• Palm sugar (to taste, for a touch of sweetness)
• 2 candlenuts (if unavailable, you can substitute with macadamia nuts)
• 1 teaspoon coriander seeds
• 1 teaspoon black pepper
• Cooking oil (for sautéing)

Instructions:

1. Prepare the Chicken:

   • Clean the kampung chicken thoroughly and then boil it in a pot of water until fully cooked. This process should help tenderize the meat and infuse it with a subtle flavor.

2. Prepare the Spice Paste:

   • While the chicken is cooking, prepare the spice paste. Peel and chop the garlic, chilies, ginger, and turmeric.
   • Using a mortar and pestle or a food processor, grind these ingredients together into a smooth paste.

3. Sauté the Spice Paste:

   • Heat a generous amount of cooking oil in a pan over medium heat.
   • Add the freshly ground spice paste and sauté until it releases its aroma and becomes golden brown. This step is crucial for developing the rich, deep flavors of the dish.

4. Add Aromatics:

   • Once the spice paste is fragrant, add the lemongrass stalks, bay leaves, and kaffir lime leaves to the pan. Continue to sauté for a few more minutes to blend the flavors.

5. Combine Chicken and Spice Paste:

   • Add the boiled chicken to the pan with the spice paste and aromatics. Stir well to ensure the chicken is evenly coated with the spices.
   • Pour in a little water to help the spices blend and cook through. Simmer the mixture for 5-10 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld and the sauce to thicken.

6. Season the Dish:

   • Season with salt and palm sugar according to your taste preference. Adjust the seasoning to balance the heat from the chilies with the sweetness of the sugar.

7. Serve:

   • Once the chicken is well-coated with the spicy sauce and thoroughly cooked, transfer it to a serving dish.

8. Garnish and Enjoy:

   • Garnish with additional fresh herbs if desired, and serve hot. This dish pairs wonderfully with steamed rice or as part of a larger Indonesian feast.

Bon appétit! Enjoy the aromatic and spicy kick of Rica-Rica Ayam Kampung as you savor each delicious bite. This recipe is sure to impress anyone who loves bold and flavorful dishes.