Ayam Panggang “Bumbu Santan” Recipe
Ingredients:
- 1 kg free-range chicken (ayam kampung)
- 200-250 ml thick coconut milk (santan kental)
- Water, as needed
- 3 tablespoons palm sugar (gula merah), finely chopped
- ½ onion, sliced
- 2 cloves (optional)
- 2 stalks lemongrass, bruised
- 5 cm galangal, bruised
- 3 bay leaves
- Spice Paste:
- 3 kaffir lime leaves
- 1 tablespoon coriander seeds
- ¼ teaspoon cumin seeds
- 2 cm turmeric root
- 1 heaping teaspoon salt
- 10 shallots
- 6 garlic cloves
- 15 red curly chilies, steamed
- 3 candlenuts
- 1 teaspoon shrimp paste (optional)
Steps:
-
Prepare the Chicken: Cut and clean the chicken thoroughly.
-
Make the Spice Paste: Blend all the spice paste ingredients (kaffir lime leaves, coriander seeds, cumin seeds, turmeric, salt, shallots, garlic, red chilies, candlenuts, and shrimp paste) into a smooth paste using a food processor or mortar and pestle.
-
Cook the Spice Paste: Heat a pan over medium heat and add a bit of oil. Sauté the sliced onion until soft and translucent. Add the spice paste, bay leaves, lemongrass, galangal, and cloves (if using). Cook until fragrant and the paste has darkened slightly.
-
Simmer the Chicken: Pour enough water into the pan to cover the chicken. Bring to a boil and then reduce the heat to a simmer. Add the palm sugar and adjust the seasoning to taste.
-
Add the Chicken: Once the broth is boiling, add the chicken pieces. Simmer until the chicken is tender and cooked through, making sure it is properly flavored.
-
Add the Coconut Milk: When the chicken is almost tender and the liquid has reduced, pour in the thick coconut milk. Stir well and adjust the seasoning as needed. Continue cooking until the liquid reduces further and the chicken is fully tender.
-
Grill the Chicken: Remove the chicken pieces from the pan and set aside. Heat a grilling pan or a non-stick skillet over medium-high heat. Grill the chicken until it develops a crispy, golden-brown exterior, turning as needed for even cooking.
-
Final Touch: Return the grilled chicken to the remaining sauce in the pan. Simmer for a few minutes to let the flavors meld together.
-
Serve: Transfer the chicken to a serving plate and spoon some of the rich, flavorful sauce over the top. Serve with sambal bajak for an extra kick.
Notes:
- Be careful, this dish is highly addictive and may challenge your diet plans! The rich and aromatic flavor of Ayam Panggang “Bumbu Santan” is sure to satisfy your taste buds and keep you coming back for more. Enjoy with steamed rice or your favorite side dishes for a delightful meal.
