Authentic Indonesian Soto Ayam: Flavorful Chicken Soup Recipe

Soto Ayam: A Traditional Indonesian Chicken Soup

Ingredients:

• 1/2 kg chicken breast
• 4 eggs
• 4 carrots
• 1/4 head of cabbage
• Fresh parsley (for garnish)
• Green onions (for garnish)

For the Spice Paste:

• 10 cloves garlic
• 8 shallots
• 4 candlenuts
• 1 thumb-sized piece of turmeric
• 4 bay leaves
• 2 lime leaves
• 1 stalk lemongrass
• 1 thumb-sized piece of crushed galangal
• Salt to taste
• Sugar to taste
• Flavor enhancer (optional)
• Ground pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. Prepare the Chicken and Eggs: Begin by boiling the chicken breasts in water until they are tender. Simultaneously, boil the eggs until hard-cooked.

2. Prepare the Vegetables: Slice the vegetables according to your preference. Steam the carrots until tender, and chop the cabbage, parsley, and green onions.

3. Make the Spice Paste: In a blender or food processor, combine the garlic, shallots, candlenuts, and turmeric, blending until smooth.

4. Cook the Spice Paste: Heat a bit of oil in a pan and sauté the spice paste until it becomes fragrant. Add the bay leaves, lime leaves, lemongrass, and galangal to the pan. Continue cooking until the paste develops a golden-brown color.

5. Combine with Broth: Add the cooked spice paste to the chicken broth. Shred the boiled chicken into bite-sized pieces and add it to the broth as well.

6. Season the Soup: Season the broth with salt, sugar, ground pepper, and flavor enhancer (if using). Adjust the seasoning to taste, ensuring a balanced flavor profile.

7. Prepare the Garnishes: Shred the boiled eggs and chop the cabbage, carrots, parsley, and green onions.

8. Assemble the Soto: Ladle the hot soup into bowls. Top each bowl with shredded chicken, sliced eggs, cabbage, carrots, parsley, and green onions.

9. Serve: Accompany the soup with fried crackers and sambal for added flavor and crunch.

10. Enjoy: Your Soto Ayam is now ready to be enjoyed. Serve hot and savor the rich, aromatic flavors of this traditional Indonesian dish!

This recipe brings together the warmth and depth of Indonesian cuisine, perfect for any occasion where comfort food is needed.