Ayam Ungkep: A Flavorful Indonesian Chicken Stew
Ayam Ungkep is a traditional Indonesian dish that boasts a rich blend of spices, resulting in a deeply flavorful chicken stew. This recipe is ideal for those looking to explore the vibrant and aromatic flavors of Indonesian cuisine. Below, you’ll find an easy-to-follow guide to creating this delightful dish.
Ingredients:
- 1/2 kg chicken (cut into 6 pieces)
- 3 shallots
- 2 cloves garlic
- 2 candlenuts
- 1 teaspoon ground coriander
- 1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon ground turmeric
- 1 segment of galangal, crushed
- 1 stalk lemongrass, crushed (white part only)
- 2 bay leaves
- 2 kaffir lime leaves
- Salt and seasoning to taste
Instructions:
-
Prepare the Chicken:
Begin by cleaning the chicken pieces thoroughly. Set aside. -
Make the Spice Paste:
Using a mortar and pestle or a food processor, grind the shallots, garlic, and candlenuts into a fine paste. Add the ground coriander, black pepper, and turmeric, mixing well. -
Cook the Chicken:
In a large pot, combine the chicken pieces and the prepared spice paste. Stir to coat the chicken evenly with the spices. Add enough water to cover the chicken. -
Simmer:
Bring the mixture to a gentle boil, then reduce the heat to medium. Add the crushed galangal, lemongrass, bay leaves, and kaffir lime leaves. Simmer, occasionally stirring, until the liquid reduces and thickens, and the chicken is tender. Be careful not to let the liquid completely evaporate. -
Season and Rest:
Season with salt and additional seasoning to taste. Once the chicken is cooked through and the sauce has thickened to your preference, turn off the heat. Allow the dish to rest for 30 minutes to 1 hour, which helps the flavors meld and intensify. -
Serve:
Serve Ayam Ungkep warm, accompanied by steamed rice or your favorite side dishes.
Enjoy this aromatic and flavorful Indonesian classic as a comforting meal that’s sure to impress family and friends alike!
