Ayam Bacem: A Traditional Indonesian Delight
Ayam Bacem is a beloved Indonesian dish that transforms chicken into a flavorful and aromatic treat. This recipe blends the sweetness of palm sugar with the savory richness of kecap manis (sweet soy sauce), creating a unique and deliciously seasoned chicken. Follow these steps to prepare this mouthwatering dish that will be a hit at your dining table!
Ingredients:
- 1 kg chicken (cut into pieces according to your preference)
- 200 grams palm sugar (gula jawa)
- 10 candlenuts (kemiri)
- 8 cloves garlic
- 5 shallots
- 10 tablespoons kecap manis Bango (sweet soy sauce)
- 1 teaspoon salt (adjust to taste)
- 5 cm galangal (digeprak, smashed)
- 3 bay leaves (daun salam)
- 1.5 liters coconut water
Instructions:
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Prepare the Spice Paste: Start by grinding the candlenuts, garlic, and shallots into a fine paste. A blender can be used to make this process easier and quicker.
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Combine Ingredients: In a large pot, add the chicken pieces along with the spice paste you just prepared. Mix in the palm sugar, galangal, bay leaves, salt, kecap manis Bango, and coconut water. Stir well to ensure that all ingredients are evenly distributed.
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Cook the Chicken: Bring the mixture to a boil over medium-high heat. Once boiling, reduce the heat to low and let it simmer. Continue cooking until the liquid is reduced and thickened, leaving just a small amount of sauce. This process may take about 45-60 minutes, depending on the heat level and the size of the chicken pieces.
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Cool and Fry: Once the chicken is cooked and the sauce has thickened, remove the chicken from the pot and allow it to cool completely. This step is crucial as it lets the flavors intensify and makes the frying process easier.
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Fry or Grill: Heat a generous amount of oil in a frying pan. Fry the chicken pieces until they are crispy and golden brown. Alternatively, you can grill the chicken over an open flame. For grilling, brush the chicken with a mixture of margarine and kecap manis Bango to enhance its flavor and achieve a beautiful caramelized finish.
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Serve: Serve your Ayam Bacem hot with steamed rice and a variety of fresh vegetables or traditional Indonesian sides. Enjoy this flavorful dish as a satisfying main course that embodies the rich culinary heritage of Indonesia.
This recipe brings together a delightful balance of sweet and savory flavors, making it a perfect addition to any meal. Whether you choose to fry or grill the chicken, Ayam Bacem promises to be a flavorful and memorable dish.
