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Kare Ayam (Indonesian Chicken Curry)
Ingredients:

- 1 whole chicken, cut into pieces
- 500 ml thick coconut milk
- 200 ml water
- 3 kaffir lime leaves
- 1 stalk lemongrass, bruised
- 1 packet chicken bouillon (Royco or similar)
- 1 teaspoon sugar
Spice Paste:
- 7 shallots
- 6 cloves garlic
- 3 candlenuts
- 1 teaspoon coriander seeds
- 3 cm turmeric
- 3 cm ginger
- 1/2 teaspoon ground white pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
Instructions:
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Prepare the Chicken:
- Cut the chicken into serving-sized pieces and wash thoroughly under running water. Set aside.
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Make the Spice Paste:
- Using a mortar and pestle or a blender, grind the shallots, garlic, candlenuts, coriander seeds, turmeric, ginger, ground white pepper, and salt into a smooth paste.
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Cook the Curry:
- In a large pot, heat some oil over medium heat. Add the spice paste, lemongrass, and kaffir lime leaves, and sauté until fragrant, about 3-5 minutes.
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Add the Chicken:
- Add the chicken pieces to the pot and stir to coat them with the spice mixture. Continue to cook for about 5 minutes until the chicken begins to brown.
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Add Liquid Ingredients:
- Pour in the water and coconut milk, stirring continuously to ensure the coconut milk does not separate.
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Season and Simmer:
- Add the chicken bouillon and sugar, stirring to combine. Bring the mixture to a gentle boil, then reduce the heat to low and let it simmer. Cook uncovered for about 30-40 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and the sauce has thickened.
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Final Touches:
- Taste and adjust the seasoning if necessary. If the curry is too thick, you can add a bit more water to reach your desired consistency.
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Serve:
- Serve the Kare Ayam hot with steamed white rice. Enjoy the rich, aromatic flavors of this traditional Indonesian chicken curry.
Cooking Tips:
- Coconut Milk: Be cautious when adding coconut milk to avoid curdling. Always stir well and cook on a gentle simmer.
- Spice Paste: For a smoother paste, you can use a blender. If using a mortar and pestle, ensure to grind the ingredients thoroughly to release their full flavors.
- Adjusting Spiciness: You can add red chili peppers to the spice paste if you prefer a spicier curry.
This delightful and aromatic Kare Ayam is sure to be a hit at your dining table, capturing the essence of traditional Indonesian flavors in every bite.