Opor Ayam Recipe
Ingredients:
- 1/2 chicken, cleaned and cut into pieces
- 1 tablespoon coriander seeds
- 1 teaspoon turmeric powder
- 10 red bird’s eye chilies (cabe rawit), or adjust to taste
- 2 cloves garlic, peeled
- 5 shallots, peeled
- A small piece of ginger, sliced
- 4 kaffir lime leaves
- 2 stalks lemongrass, smashed
- 1 piece galangal, smashed
- 2 candlenuts
- Cooking oil, as needed
- Salt, to taste
- 1 cup coconut milk (from grated coconut)
Instructions:
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Prepare the Chicken: Begin by briefly boiling the chicken pieces in water until they are partially cooked. Drain and set aside.
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Make the Spice Paste: In a mortar and pestle or food processor, grind the coriander seeds, turmeric powder, red bird’s eye chilies, garlic, and shallots into a smooth paste. Add a pinch of salt to enhance the flavor. After the initial grinding, add the sliced ginger and candlenuts, and continue grinding until well combined and smooth.
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Cook the Spice Paste: Heat a generous amount of cooking oil in a large pan over medium heat. Add the spice paste and sauté, stirring frequently, until the paste becomes fragrant and slightly caramelized.
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Add Aromatics: Once the spice paste is cooked, add the kaffir lime leaves, smashed lemongrass, and smashed galangal to the pan. Continue to cook for a few more minutes to release the flavors.
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Simmer the Sauce: Pour a small amount of water into the pan to deglaze and help the flavors meld. Bring it to a boil and then add the coconut milk. Stir well to combine.
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Add the Chicken: Add the partially cooked chicken pieces into the pan with the coconut milk mixture. Stir gently to ensure the chicken is well coated with the spice mixture and the coconut milk.
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Adjust the Seasoning: Season with additional salt and, if desired, a bit of MSG (optional). Taste and adjust the seasoning as needed.
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Simmer and Serve: Allow the dish to simmer on low heat until the chicken is fully cooked and tender, and the sauce has thickened to your desired consistency. Stir occasionally to prevent the coconut milk from curdling.
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Finish and Serve: Once the opor ayam is cooked to your liking, remove from heat. Serve hot with steamed rice or your choice of accompaniments.
Enjoy this flavorful and aromatic opor ayam, a comforting dish perfect for family meals!
