Indonesian Chicken and Egg Woku Stew

Ayam dan Telor Woku: A Flavorful Indonesian Chicken and Egg Stew

Ingredients:

• 1/4 kg chicken (cut into pieces)
• 1/4 kg eggs (boiled and peeled)
• 1 bunch of kemangi (Thai basil)
• 10 shallots (sliced)
• 5 cloves garlic (sliced)
• 6 candlenuts (soaked in water)
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper (adjust to taste)
• 6 small red chilies (cabe rawit)
• 2 curly red chilies (cabe keriting)
• 1 red chili (cabe merah)
• 1-inch ginger (sliced)
• 1-inch turmeric (sliced)
• 2 stalks lemongrass (crushed)
• 2 bay leaves (torn into pieces)
• 4 lime leaves (torn into pieces)
• 1 cinnamon stick
• 1 pandan leaf (substitute for turmeric leaf, if unavailable)
• 1 teaspoon Magic seasoning (or equivalent seasoning mix)
• 1 liter water (or as needed)
• Cooking oil (for frying)

Instructions:

1. Prepare the Chicken and Eggs:

   • Wash the chicken pieces thoroughly and then boil until they are partially cooked.
   • Clean the eggs, boil them until hard, peel off the shells, and fry until golden brown.

2. Make the Spice Paste:

   • Blend the shallots, garlic, small red chilies, curly red chilies, red chili, candlenuts, ginger, and turmeric into a coarse paste.

3. Cook the Spice Paste:

   • Heat some oil in a pan over medium heat. Add the blended spice paste and sauté until fragrant and the raw smell disappears.
   • Add the crushed lemongrass, torn bay leaves, torn lime leaves, pandan leaf, and cinnamon stick. Stir well.

4. Combine Ingredients:

   • Add the partially cooked chicken and fried eggs to the pan. Mix well to coat with the spice paste.
   • Pour in 1 liter of water (or enough to cover the ingredients), and add sugar, salt, and Magic seasoning to taste.

5. Simmer:

   • Allow the dish to cook until the chicken is tender and the sauce has reduced slightly, but avoid letting it become too thick.

6. Finish and Serve:

   • Just before finishing, stir in the kemangi leaves and whole small red chilies.
   • Remove from heat and serve hot with steamed rice.

Enjoy this aromatic and flavorful Indonesian dish that pairs perfectly with a bowl of warm rice! 🌿🍛