Creamy Indonesian Chicken and Egg Stew (Opor Ayam Telur)

Opor Ayam Telur: A Delicious Indonesian Chicken and Egg Stew

Indulge in the rich and aromatic flavors of Opor Ayam Telur, a traditional Indonesian chicken stew that combines tender chicken pieces with boiled eggs in a creamy, spiced coconut sauce. This dish is perfect for a comforting meal, especially when paired with steamed rice or ketupat (rice cakes). Here’s how you can recreate this delightful dish in your kitchen:

Ingredients:

• 1/2 chicken, cut into small pieces
• 4 hard-boiled eggs
• 2 bay leaves (daun salam)
• 1 thumb-sized piece of galangal, sliced
• 1 stalk of lemongrass, bruised
• 1 small pack of coconut milk (such as Kara)

For the Spice Paste:

• 5 shallots, peeled
• 5 cloves of garlic, peeled
• 2 candlenuts
• 1 teaspoon of coriander seeds
• 1 thumb-sized piece of turmeric, peeled

Seasonings:

• Salt, to taste
• Pepper, to taste
• Sugar, to taste
• Chicken bouillon powder, to taste

Instructions:

1. Prepare the Spice Paste:

   • Blend or grind the shallots, garlic, candlenuts, coriander seeds, and turmeric into a smooth paste.

2. Cook the Spice Paste:

   • In a large pot or deep pan, heat a little oil over medium heat. Sauté the spice paste until it becomes fragrant and the raw smell diminishes.

3. Add Aromatics:

   • Add the lemongrass, galangal, and bay leaves to the pot. Stir for a minute to release their flavors.

4. Cook the Chicken:

   • Add the chicken pieces to the pot. Sauté briefly until the chicken is well-coated with the spice mixture.

5. Simmer:

   • Pour in enough water to cover the chicken. Bring to a boil, then reduce the heat and let it simmer until the chicken is partially cooked, about 15-20 minutes.

6. Add Coconut Milk and Eggs:

   • Stir in the coconut milk and add the hard-boiled eggs. Season with salt, pepper, sugar, and chicken bouillon powder to taste.

7. Finish Cooking:

   • Continue to simmer until the chicken is fully cooked and tender, and the flavors meld together, about 15-20 minutes more.

8. Serve:

   • Serve hot with steamed rice or ketupat. Enjoy the rich, creamy texture and aromatic flavors of this traditional Indonesian dish.

Tip: For an extra touch of authenticity, serve Opor Ayam Telur with sambal goreng (spicy fried condiments) for a delightful contrast in flavors.

This Opor Ayam Telur recipe is sure to become a favorite in your home, offering a taste of Indonesia’s culinary heritage in every bite.