Authentic Indonesian Opor Ayam: Creamy Coconut Chicken Stew

Ingredients

• 1/2 kg chicken, cut into pieces
• 1 old coconut, grated
• 1 stalk lemongrass
• 2 kaffir lime leaves
• 2 bay leaves
• A piece of galangal
• For the spice paste:
  • 13 shallots
  • 2 cloves garlic
  • 15 bird’s eye chilies
  • 1 turmeric root
  • 1/2 cm ginger
  • 4 candlenuts
  • A pinch of coriander seeds
• Salt, to taste
• Sugar, to taste
• 1 cube of instant chicken stock (Masako), optional
• A bit of cooking oil

Instructions

1. Prepare the Chicken:

   • Begin by boiling the chicken pieces for about 10 minutes to ensure they are partially cooked. This step helps to tenderize the meat and remove any impurities.

2. Make the Spice Paste:

   • While the chicken is boiling, prepare the spice paste. Using a mortar and pestle or a food processor, grind together the shallots, garlic, bird’s eye chilies, turmeric root, ginger, candlenuts, and coriander seeds until you achieve a smooth and aromatic paste.

3. Sauté the Spice Paste:

   • Heat a small amount of cooking oil in a large pan over medium heat. Add the spice paste and sauté until it becomes fragrant and starts to brown, about 3-5 minutes.

4. Add Aromatics:

   • To the pan, add the lemongrass, kaffir lime leaves, bay leaves, and a piece of galangal. Stir well to combine and release the flavors.

5. Combine Ingredients:

   • Once the spices are aromatic, add the partially boiled chicken to the pan. Stir to coat the chicken pieces with the spice mixture.

6. Add Stock and Simmer:

   • Pour in the chicken broth from the initial boiling of the chicken. Cover the pan and let it simmer until the chicken is fully cooked and tender, approximately 20-30 minutes.

7. Incorporate Coconut Milk:

   • Grate the old coconut and extract the coconut milk. Add the coconut milk to the pan, stirring gently to combine.

8. Season to Taste:

   • Add the instant chicken stock cube (Masako) if using, along with salt and sugar to taste. Stir well and adjust the seasoning according to your preference.

9. Final Touch:

   • Allow the opor ayam to simmer gently until the sauce thickens slightly and all the flavors meld together. Taste and adjust seasoning if necessary.

10. Serve:

    • Serve the opor ayam hot, accompanied by steamed rice for a complete and comforting meal.

Enjoy the rich and creamy flavors of this traditional Indonesian opor ayam, a perfect blend of spices and coconut milk that will surely delight your taste buds.