Authentic Indonesian Mie Ayam: Savory Chicken Noodle Soup

Mie Ayam: A Traditional Indonesian Chicken Noodle Soup

Ingredients:

• For the Broth:

  • 1 kg beef bone (tulangan) or beef shank
  • 5 cloves garlic
  • 4 cloves shallots
  • 1 medium-sized tomato
  • 1 candlenut
  • 1 stick cinnamon
  • 1 cardamom pod
  • 3 cloves
  • Nutmeg (to taste)
  • Salt (to taste)
  • Sugar (to taste)
  • Soy sauce (to taste)

• For the Chicken Stew:

  • 1 whole free-range chicken (Ayam Kampung)
  • 5 cloves garlic
  • 4 cloves shallots
  • 1 medium-sized tomato
  • 1 candlenut
  • 1 stick cinnamon
  • 1 cardamom pod
  • 3 cloves
  • Nutmeg (to taste)
  • Soy sauce (to taste)
  • Salt (to taste)
  • Sugar (to taste)

• For the Noodles and Vegetables:

  • Fresh noodles (Mie) – quantity as desired
  • ¼ kg green mustard greens (Sawi Hijau)

Instructions:

1. Prepare the Broth:

   • Rinse the beef bones thoroughly and set aside.
   • In a mortar and pestle, grind the garlic, shallots, tomato, and candlenut into a smooth paste.
   • Bring a pot of water to a boil. Add the ground spice paste to the boiling water.
   • Add the beef bones to the pot, followed by the cinnamon stick, cardamom pod, cloves, and nutmeg.
   • Season with salt to taste and simmer until the beef is tender and the flavors have melded together, about 1 to 2 hours. Strain the broth and set aside.

2. Prepare the Chicken Stew:

   • Rinse the free-range chicken thoroughly and set aside.
   • In a mortar and pestle, grind the garlic, shallots, tomato, and candlenut into a paste.
   • Heat oil in a pan and sauté the spice paste until fragrant.
   • Add the cinnamon stick, cardamom pod, cloves, and nutmeg to the pan. Sauté until aromatic.
   • Add the chicken pieces to the pan, along with soy sauce, salt, and sugar to taste.
   • Cook the chicken until it is fully cooked and tender, about 30 to 40 minutes.

3. Prepare the Noodles and Vegetables:

   • Bring a pot of water to a boil. Cook the fresh noodles according to package instructions until tender, then drain.
   • In a separate pot, blanch the green mustard greens in boiling water for a few minutes until wilted. Drain and set aside.

4. Assemble the Dish:

   • In individual serving bowls, place a portion of the cooked noodles.
   • Add a spoonful of the chicken stew over the noodles.
   • Garnish with the blanched mustard greens.
   • Ladle the hot broth over the noodles, chicken, and vegetables.
   • Serve immediately, enjoying the aromatic and flavorful Mie Ayam!

This Mie Ayam recipe combines rich, savory chicken stew with a hearty broth, noodles, and fresh vegetables to create a comforting and satisfying dish that’s perfect for any meal. Enjoy the traditional flavors of Indonesian cuisine right at home!