Aromatic Indonesian Pepes Ayam with Basil and Chili

Simple Pepes Ayam Recipe

Pepes ayam is a delightful Indonesian dish that features chicken seasoned with aromatic herbs and spices, wrapped in banana leaves, and steamed to perfection. This simple yet flavorful recipe brings out the essence of traditional Indonesian cooking with its blend of fresh ingredients and spices.

Ingredients

• 1/2 kg chicken, cut into 4 pieces
• 2 stalks lemongrass
• 3 bay leaves
• A handful of basil leaves (daun kemangi)
• Banana leaves, for wrapping
• Red chili peppers, to taste
• For the Spice Paste:
  • 5 shallots
  • 4 garlic cloves
  • Candlenuts (kemiri), to taste
  • Coriander (ketumbar), to taste
  • Turmeric (kunyit), to taste
  • Seasoning and sugar, to taste

Instructions

1. Prepare the Chicken:

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   • Begin by cleaning the chicken thoroughly and cutting it into four pieces.

2. Make the Spice Paste:

   • Blend the shallots, garlic, candlenuts, coriander, and turmeric to form a smooth spice paste. You can adjust the quantities of each ingredient to taste.

3. Cook the Spice Paste:

   • Heat a little oil in a pan over medium heat. Sauté the spice paste until it becomes fragrant. Add the bay leaves and lemongrass to the pan.

4. Simmer the Chicken:

   • Add the chicken pieces to the pan along with the spice paste. Season with salt, sugar, and seasoning as desired. Pour in just enough water to cover the chicken. Simmer the mixture until the water has mostly evaporated and the chicken is cooked through.

5. Prepare the Banana Leaves:

   • Cut the banana leaves into large squares or rectangles. Briefly heat them over an open flame or in a hot pan to make them more pliable.

6. Wrap the Chicken:

   • Place the cooked chicken pieces onto the center of each banana leaf square. Add a few basil leaves and whole red chili peppers (leave them whole if you prefer less heat). Fold the banana leaves over the chicken to form a secure package.

7. Steam the Pepes Ayam:

   • Arrange the wrapped chicken in a steamer. Steam over medium heat until the banana leaves turn a yellowish color and the flavors are fully infused, about 30-45 minutes.

8. Serve and Enjoy:

   • Carefully unwrap the banana leaves and transfer the pepes ayam to a serving platter. Enjoy this aromatic dish with steamed rice for a complete meal.

Pepes ayam is a wonderful example of how simple ingredients can come together to create a dish that’s rich in flavor and tradition. The steaming process ensures that the chicken stays tender and absorbs the delightful flavors of the spices and herbs. Perfect for a comforting meal or special occasion, this dish is sure to impress.