Pecel Ayam Lamongan: A Delicious Indonesian Chicken Delight
Pecel Ayam Lamongan is a beloved Indonesian dish known for its rich, savory flavors and aromatic spices. This traditional recipe features chicken simmered in a fragrant coconut milk sauce, accompanied by fresh vegetables and spicy sambal. Here’s how to make this mouthwatering dish at home:
Ingredients:
- 1/4 kg chicken breast (dada ayam)
- 3 cm galangal (lengkuas)
- 300 ml coconut milk (santan kelapa)
- 2 bay leaves (daun salam)
- Spice Paste (Bumbu Halus Pecel Ayam):
- 4 shallots (bawang merah)
- 3 garlic cloves (bawang putih)
- 1/2 tablespoon cumin (jintan)
- 1 tablespoon coriander (ketumbar)
- Fresh basil leaves (daun kemangi), to taste
- Salt (garam), to taste
- Accompaniments:
- Cabbage (kol), to taste
- Cucumber (timun), to taste
- Sambal, to taste
Instructions:
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Prepare the Chicken:
- Rinse the chicken breast under running water to remove any impurities and set aside.
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Make the Spice Paste:
- In a blender or food processor, combine the shallots, garlic cloves, cumin, and coriander. Blend until smooth to create the spice paste.
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Cook the Spice Paste:
- Heat a pan over medium heat and add a small amount of oil. Sauté the spice paste until it becomes fragrant and aromatic.
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Simmer the Chicken:
- Add the coconut milk, galangal, and bay leaves to the pan with the sautéed spice paste. Stir well to combine.
- Gently place the chicken breast into the pan, ensuring it is covered by the coconut milk mixture.
- Simmer on low heat until the chicken is cooked through and tender. This should take about 20-30 minutes. Stir occasionally to prevent the sauce from sticking to the bottom of the pan.
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Fry the Chicken:
- Once the chicken is cooked, remove it from the sauce and heat a separate pan with oil for frying.
- Fry the chicken in the hot oil until it turns golden brown and crispy. Transfer to a paper towel to drain excess oil.
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Prepare the Vegetables:
- While the chicken is frying, slice the cabbage and cucumber as desired.
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Serve:
- Arrange the fried chicken on a serving plate. Accompany it with the fresh cabbage, cucumber, and a side of spicy sambal.
- Garnish with fresh basil leaves and season with salt to taste.
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Enjoy:
- Your Pecel Ayam Lamongan is now ready to be enjoyed. Serve it hot and savor the delightful flavors of this Indonesian classic.
Tips:
- Adjust the level of sambal to your preferred spiciness.
- For an extra touch of flavor, you can add fried shallots on top of the chicken before serving.
Selamat mencoba! (Happy cooking!)
This recipe for Pecel Ayam Lamongan captures the essence of traditional Indonesian cuisine with its aromatic spices and rich coconut milk sauce. Enjoy this delicious dish with your favorite accompaniments for a true taste of Indonesia.
