Authentic Indonesian Soto Ayam with Vermicelli and Fresh Herbs

Soto Ayam Recipe

Ingredients:

• 4 chicken wings
• For the Spice Paste:
  • 1 cm turmeric (peeled)
  • 2 candlenuts
  • 3 cloves garlic
  • 2 shallots
  • 1 cm ginger
• Additional Ingredients:
  • 2 bay leaves
  • 2 kaffir lime leaves
  • 1 teaspoon ground pepper
  • 1/2 cube chicken bouillon (Royco)
  • Salt to taste
  • Water
  • 1 cm galangal (crushed)
  • 1 stalk lemongrass (crushed)
  • Oil for sautéing
• For Serving:
  • Cooked vermicelli noodles (bihun)
  • Bean sprouts (toge)
  • Sliced celery (daun seledri)
  • Fried shallots (bawang goreng)

Instructions:

1. Prepare the Chicken:

   • Clean the chicken wings thoroughly and place them in a pot. Add enough water to cover the chicken.
   • Bring to a boil and then remove the chicken from the pot. Discard the initial water and set the chicken aside.

2. Prepare the Spice Paste:

   • Using a mortar and pestle or food processor, blend the turmeric, candlenuts, garlic, shallots, and ginger into a smooth paste.

3. Cook the Spice Paste:

   • Heat oil in a pan over medium heat. Add the spice paste and sauté until fragrant and the oil begins to separate from the paste.

4. Add Aromatics:

   • Add the crushed galangal, lemongrass, bay leaves, and kaffir lime leaves to the pan. Stir and cook for another 2-3 minutes to release the flavors.

5. Combine Ingredients:

   • Add the sautéed spice paste and aromatics to the pot of clean water. Return the chicken wings to the pot.

6. Season the Broth:

   • Add salt, ground pepper, and chicken bouillon cube (Royco). Stir well and let the mixture simmer until the chicken is fully cooked and tender.

7. Fry the Chicken (Optional):

   • Once cooked, you can either fry the chicken wings in a separate pan until crispy or leave them as is, depending on your preference.

8. Serve:

   • Ladle the hot soto ayam broth and chicken into bowls. Top with cooked vermicelli noodles, bean sprouts, sliced celery, and fried shallots.

9. Enjoy:

   • Your soto ayam is ready to be enjoyed. Serve hot and enjoy the delightful flavors of this traditional Indonesian dish.

Happy Cooking!