Authentic Indonesian Gulai Ayam Bumbu Padang: Creamy Coconut Chicken Curry

Gulai Ayam Bumbu Padang: A Flavorful Indonesian Chicken Curry

This Gulai Ayam Bumbu Padang, a traditional Indonesian chicken curry, is rich, aromatic, and bursting with flavors. Featuring tender chicken pieces simmered in a creamy coconut sauce infused with a blend of aromatic spices, this dish promises to be a delightful addition to your meal rotation. Here’s how you can recreate this delectable dish at home.

Ingredients:

• 1 kg chicken (cut into pieces)
• 1 whole coconut or coconut milk (enough to make 4 cups of coconut milk)
• Tofu (as needed, cut into cubes)
• 1 large potato (peeled and cut into chunks)
• 2 stalks lemongrass (bruised)
• 1 bay leaf
• 1 turmeric leaf (optional)

For the Spice Paste:

• 5 shallots (peeled)
• 2 inches ginger (peeled)
• 2 inches turmeric (peeled)
• 2 inches galangal (peeled)
• 1/2 teaspoon coriander seeds
• Salt (to taste)

Instructions:

1. Prepare the Coconut Milk:

   • Grate the coconut and squeeze the grated coconut to extract coconut milk. Strain and set aside. Repeat the process two more times to get 4 cups of coconut milk.

2. Prepare the Spice Paste:

   • In a blender or food processor, grind the shallots, ginger, turmeric, galangal, and coriander seeds until smooth.

3. Cook the Spices:

   • In a large pot, heat a small amount of oil over medium heat. Add the ground spice paste and sauté until fragrant and the oil starts to separate from the paste.

4. Add Aromatics:

   • Add the bruised lemongrass, bay leaf, and turmeric leaf (if using) to the pot. Stir to combine with the spice paste.

5. Combine with Coconut Milk:

   • Slowly pour in the coconut milk, stirring constantly to blend the spice paste evenly with the milk. Bring the mixture to a boil while continuing to stir to prevent the coconut milk from curdling.

6. Simmer the Ingredients:

   • Once the coconut milk reaches a boil, add the potato chunks and chicken pieces. Reduce the heat to low and simmer gently until the chicken is cooked through and tender, about 30 minutes. Stir occasionally to ensure even cooking.

7. Add Tofu:

   • Gently fold in the tofu cubes and continue to simmer for an additional 10 minutes, allowing the tofu to absorb the flavors and the curry to thicken slightly.

8. Season and Serve:

   • Taste and adjust the seasoning with salt as needed. Continue to simmer until the curry reaches your desired consistency and the chicken is fully tender.

9. Serve Hot:

   • Serve your Gulai Ayam Bumbu Padang hot with steamed rice or your favorite Indonesian side dishes. Enjoy the aromatic and rich flavors of this classic Indonesian curry.

This Gulai Ayam Bumbu Padang is a celebration of Indonesian cuisine, offering a hearty and flavorful dish that’s perfect for any occasion. With its blend of spices and creamy coconut base, it’s sure to become a favorite in your recipe collection.