Ayam Betutu: A Flavorful Balinese Delight
Ayam Betutu is a traditional Balinese dish known for its rich and aromatic flavors, featuring a succulent chicken marinated in a blend of spices and herbs. This recipe will guide you through creating this savory dish, perfect for special occasions or a flavorful family meal.
Ingredients
- 1 whole Kampung Chicken (free-range chicken)
- 5 cloves garlic
- 10 shallots
- 1 thumb-sized piece of turmeric (kunyit)
- 1 thumb-sized piece of ginger
- 1 thumb-sized piece of galangal (lengkuas)
- 1 thumb-sized piece of aromatic ginger (kencur)
- 1 teaspoon shrimp paste (terasi)
- 3 stalks lemongrass (sereh), finely sliced
- 1 tablespoon ground coriander (ketumbar bubuk)
- 1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper (merica bubuk)
- 20 small red chilies (cabai rawit), or to taste
- 5 bay leaves (daun salam)
- 1 tablespoon granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon salt
- Seasoning powder (optional)
- 1 liter clean water
- 3 tablespoons cooking oil
Instructions
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Prepare the Spice Paste:
- Start by blending the garlic, turmeric, ginger, galangal, aromatic ginger, ground coriander, black pepper, shrimp paste, and 3-5 small red chilies until smooth. Reserve the remaining chilies for later use.
- In a separate bowl, coarsely grind the shallots and finely sliced lemongrass.
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Cook the Spice Paste:
- Heat the cooking oil in a pan over medium heat. Add the spice paste, bay leaves, and remaining small red chilies. Sauté until the spices are fragrant and the raw smell dissipates, about 5-7 minutes.
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Simmer the Chicken:
- Add 1 liter of clean water to the pan and bring to a boil. Once boiling, carefully add the whole chicken.
- Season with granulated sugar, salt, and optional seasoning powder if using. Stir to combine.
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Cook Until Tender:
- Reduce the heat to low and cover the pan. Allow the chicken to simmer gently until it is tender and the flavors have deeply infused, about 1.5 to 2 hours. Occasionally check to ensure there is enough liquid, adding a bit more water if needed.
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Serve:
- Once the chicken is cooked and the flavors have melded beautifully, remove the chicken from the pan. Serve hot, garnished with extra bay leaves and chilies if desired.
Enjoy your Ayam Betutu with steamed rice or traditional Balinese accompaniments for a complete and satisfying meal. This dish not only brings a taste of Bali to your table but also offers a wonderfully aromatic and flavorful experience.
