Soto Ayam Kampung: A Traditional Indonesian Chicken Soup
Ingredients:
- 1 whole young kampong chicken
- 2 liters water
- 8 shallots
- 5 garlic cloves
- 3 candlenuts (toasted)
- 1/2 teaspoon ground pepper
- 3 cm turmeric
- 3 cm ginger
- 2 cm galangal
- 3 bay leaves
- 3 kaffir lime leaves
- 2 stalks lemongrass
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- Sugar, to taste
- Seasoning (optional)
- Oil for sautéing
Instructions:
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Prepare the Chicken:
- Rinse the kampong chicken thoroughly and squeeze the juice of lime over it to eliminate any unpleasant odor. Set aside.
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Cook the Chicken:
- In a large pot, bring 2 liters of water to a boil. Add the galangal and bay leaves. Place the chicken in the pot and simmer until the chicken is tender and fully cooked.
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Make the Spice Paste:
- While the chicken is cooking, prepare the spice paste. In a blender or food processor, combine shallots, garlic, candlenuts, ground pepper, turmeric, and ginger. Blend until smooth.
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Sauté the Spice Paste:
- Heat a bit of oil in a pan over medium heat. Add the spice paste and sauté until it becomes fragrant and the raw smell dissipates. Add the kaffir lime leaves and lemongrass, continuing to sauté until everything is well combined and aromatic.
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Combine and Simmer:
- Once the chicken is tender, add the sautéed spice paste to the pot. If needed, add additional water to adjust the consistency of the soup. Let the soup simmer until it reaches a rolling boil.
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Season the Soup:
- Season with salt, sugar, and optional seasoning to taste. Stir well and let it simmer for a few more minutes to ensure the flavors meld together.
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Prepare the Chicken:
- Remove the chicken from the pot and either cut it into pieces or shred it into bite-sized strips, depending on your preference.
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Serve:
- Return the chicken pieces to the pot. Serve the Soto Ayam Kampung hot with your choice of garnishes and accompaniments. Popular additions include cabbage, bean sprouts, boiled eggs, sambal (chili sauce), sliced celery, and fried shallots. Don’t forget to add a squeeze of lime juice for a refreshing finish.
Enjoy your Soto Ayam Kampung and savor the traditional flavors of Indonesian cuisine!
