Hearty Indonesian Chicken Soup with Vegetables

Chicken Soup (Sup Ayam) Recipe

Discover the comforting flavors of a classic Indonesian chicken soup with this easy-to-follow recipe. This hearty dish is perfect for a nourishing meal and combines fresh vegetables with savory chicken and aromatic spices. Let’s dive into the delightful process of creating this warm, flavorful soup.

Ingredients:

• 5 pieces of chicken, cleaned
• 1 liter water
• 1 large carrot, sliced to your preference
• 1 large potato, diced
• 50 grams cabbage, chopped
• 1 stalk green onion, sliced or tied into a knot
• 2 stalks celery, sliced or tied into a knot
• 35 grams green beans, cut into 2-inch pieces
• 2-3 tablespoons oil for sautéing and frying onions

For the Spice Blend:

• 4 cloves garlic
• 5 shallots, with 2 thinly sliced for garnish
• 1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper
• A pinch of ground nutmeg
• 4 grams mushroom bouillon (or chicken bouillon, optional)
• Salt and sugar to taste

Instructions:

1. Prepare the Chicken Broth:

   • In a large pot, bring 1 liter of water to a boil. Add the cleaned chicken pieces and simmer to create a rich chicken broth. Skim off any impurities that float to the top to ensure a clear and clean broth.

2. Sauté the Spice Blend:

   • While the broth is cooking, heat the oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add the garlic and shallots to the skillet. Sauté until the mixture becomes fragrant and the shallots are golden brown. This process will infuse the oil with the aromatic flavors of the garlic and shallots.

3. Incorporate the Spice Blend into the Broth:

   • Once the garlic and shallots are sautéed, add them to the pot of simmering chicken broth. Stir well to combine and enhance the flavors.

4. Add Vegetables:

   • Introduce the diced potatoes and sliced carrots into the pot. Continue to cook until the vegetables are tender and the broth is flavorful.

5. Season the Soup:

   • Add salt, ground nutmeg, and a bit of sugar to the pot. If you’re using bouillon, add it now as well. Adjust the seasoning to your taste, ensuring a balanced flavor.

6. Finish with Fresh Ingredients:

   • Stir in the green beans, chopped cabbage, green onion, and celery. Cook for an additional few minutes until the vegetables are just tender.

7. Serve:

   • Ladle the soup into serving bowls. Garnish with thinly sliced shallots for added texture and flavor.

8. Enjoy:

   • Serve hot and enjoy the comforting, rich flavors of this homemade chicken soup.

This traditional chicken soup is a wonderful way to warm up on a chilly day or to enjoy a simple, satisfying meal. The combination of tender chicken, fresh vegetables, and aromatic spices creates a delightful and nourishing experience.