Aromatic Indonesian Spicy Chicken Stew (Ayam Garang Asem)

Ayam Garang Asem: A Spicy and Aromatic Indonesian Stew

Ayam Garang Asem is a traditional Indonesian dish known for its rich, tangy, and spicy flavors. This recipe combines tender chicken with an aromatic blend of herbs and spices, resulting in a savory stew that’s perfect when served with steaming white rice and crispy crackers. Follow these steps to recreate this flavorful dish at home.

Ingredients:

• 1 whole kampung chicken (cut into 12 pieces)
• 6 green tomatoes (quartered)
• 10 shallots (sliced)
• 10 garlic cloves (sliced)
• 10 red chilies (sliced)
• 10 bird’s eye chilies (sliced)
• 2 bay leaves
• 2 kaffir lime leaves
• 2 segments of galangal (smashed)
• 2 segments of ginger (smashed)
• 1 stalk of lemongrass (smashed)
• Seasoning (to taste)
• 1 packet of coconut milk (Kara brand)
• 1 ½ cups of water
• Banana leaves (for lining)

Instructions:

1. Prepare the Chicken: Clean the chicken thoroughly and drain. Sprinkle with salt and a splash of vinegar (or lemon juice) and let it sit for about 10 minutes to remove any undesirable odor.

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2. Prepare the Ingredients: Slice the shallots, garlic, and red chilies. Cut the green tomatoes into quarters. Smash the galangal, ginger, and lemongrass to release their flavors.

3. Prepare the Steaming Container: Line a steaming container or a large heatproof dish with banana leaves. To ensure that no liquid seeps through, cover the banana leaves with a layer of plastic wrap. Then, add another layer of banana leaves on top.

4. Combine the Ingredients: Place the chicken pieces in the prepared container. Add all the sliced shallots, garlic, chilies, and quartered tomatoes. Lay the bay leaves, kaffir lime leaves, smashed galangal, ginger, and lemongrass on top of the chicken.

5. Add the Coconut Milk and Seasoning: Pour the coconut milk over the chicken and vegetables. Add 1 ½ cups of water and your choice of seasoning. For a flavorful touch, add 2 teaspoons of chicken-flavored Masako (or your preferred seasoning). Gently mix to ensure the seasonings are evenly distributed and the chicken is well-coated with the spices.

6. Seal and Steam: Cover the container with banana leaves to seal in the flavors. Steam the mixture for 60 minutes. The slow steaming will allow the chicken to become tender and absorb all the aromatic flavors.

7. Serve: Once the steaming is complete, your Ayam Garang Asem is ready to be served. Enjoy it hot with a side of fluffy white rice and crispy crackers for a delightful meal.

Tips for the Best Ayam Garang Asem:

• Use Kampung Chicken: For the most authentic flavor and texture, use kampung chicken, known for its richer taste compared to regular chicken.
• Adjust the Spice Level: If you prefer a milder dish, reduce the number of red chilies and bird’s eye chilies.
• Enhance the Aroma: Using banana leaves not only adds a subtle aroma but also helps in retaining the moisture, making the dish more flavorful.

Enjoy making this delicious Indonesian stew, and savor the authentic flavors of Ayam Garang Asem right at your dining table!