Authentic Indonesian Kari Ayam Kampung Recipe

Kari Ayam Kampung: A Taste of Indonesian Tradition

Ingredients

Spice Paste:

• 10 shallots
• 5 cloves garlic
• 10 candlenuts
• 5 cm turmeric root
• 5 cm ginger root
• 1 teaspoon coriander seeds
• A pinch of cumin seeds

Whole Spices:

• 5 cm galangal, bruised
• 2 stalks lemongrass, bruised
• 2 bay leaves
• 3 kaffir lime leaves
• 3 cloves
• 1 cinnamon stick
• Salt to taste
• Sugar to taste

Main Ingredients:

• 1 kg free-range chicken, cut into pieces
• 2 liters coconut milk

Garnishes:

• 2 tomatoes, sliced
• 5 green beans, chopped
• Fried shallots, to taste
• Oil for sautéing

Instructions

1. Prepare the Chicken:
   Begin by thoroughly washing the free-range chicken pieces. Place them in a pot filled with water and bring to a boil over medium heat. Let the chicken simmer until it is partially cooked.

2. Make the Spice Paste:
   While the chicken is boiling, prepare the spice paste. Blend together the shallots, garlic, candlenuts, turmeric, ginger, coriander seeds, and cumin seeds until smooth. Heat a generous amount of oil in a pan over medium heat, then add the spice paste. Sauté until fragrant and the paste changes color.

3. Add Whole Spices:
   Incorporate the bruised galangal, lemongrass, bay leaves, kaffir lime leaves, cloves, and cinnamon stick into the sautéed spice paste. Continue to sauté until the spices release their aroma.

4. Combine with Chicken:
   Transfer the sautéed spice mixture into the pot with the partially cooked chicken. Stir well to combine. Allow the mixture to cook together until the liquid reduces by about three-quarters.

5. Add Vegetables and Coconut Milk:
   Add the green beans to the pot. Reduce the heat to low and gradually pour in the coconut milk while continuously stirring in one direction to prevent the coconut milk from splitting. Continue to stir and cook until the chicken is fully cooked and tender. Season with salt and sugar to taste.

6. Finish and Serve:
   Slice the tomatoes and add them to the curry just before serving. For those who enjoy a bit of heat, feel free to add some sliced chilies. Serve the Kari Ayam Kampung hot, garnished with fried shallots to your liking.

Enjoy the rich and aromatic flavors of this traditional Indonesian chicken curry. Perfect for family gatherings or special occasions, this dish is sure to delight your taste buds with its exotic blend of spices and creamy coconut milk.