Authentic Indonesian Spiced Chicken Stew (Ayam Ungkep)

Ayam Ungkep: A Flavorful Indonesian Stewed Chicken

Indulge in the rich and aromatic flavors of Ayam Ungkep, a traditional Indonesian stewed chicken dish that is both versatile and satisfying. This recipe will guide you through creating tender, spiced chicken that’s perfect on its own or ready for further culinary adventures.

Ingredients

For the Chicken:

• 1 kg chicken (cleaned and prepped)

For the Spice Paste:

• 3 turmeric roots (peeled)
• 4 cloves garlic
• A small piece of ginger
• 3 candlenuts
• 2 shallots
• 2 red chilies (adjust based on desired heat level)
• Salt (to taste)
• 1 teaspoon black pepper

For Additional Flavoring:

• 1 stalk lemongrass (crushed)
• Cooking oil (for sautéing)
• 500 ml water

Instructions

1. Prepare the Chicken:

   • Clean the chicken thoroughly, ensuring there are no feathers or residual impurities.

2. Make the Spice Paste:

   • Blend the turmeric roots, garlic, ginger, candlenuts, shallots, and red chilies into a smooth paste. You can use a mortar and pestle for a traditional approach or a blender for convenience.

3. Cook the Spice Paste:

   • Heat a generous amount of cooking oil in a large pot or deep pan over medium heat. Add the spice paste and sauté until it becomes fragrant and slightly browned.

4. Add Chicken and Water:

   • Stir in the chicken pieces, ensuring they are well-coated with the spice paste. Pour in the 500 ml of water and mix everything thoroughly.

5. Add Flavorings:

   • Introduce the crushed lemongrass stalk to the pot. Stir to combine.

6. Simmer:

   • Cover the pot and allow the mixture to simmer until the chicken is cooked through and tender. This process should take about 30 to 45 minutes, depending on the size of the chicken pieces.

7. Final Adjustments:

   • Once the chicken is nearly done, taste and adjust the seasoning with additional salt or pepper if needed. Continue to cook until the liquid is reduced to your desired consistency and the chicken is fully cooked.

8. Serve:

   • Your Ayam Ungkep is ready to be enjoyed! You can serve it straight from the pot, or if you prefer, you can fry the chicken to add a crispy texture. It also pairs wonderfully with steamed rice or as a flavorful component in other dishes.

Tips:

• For a richer flavor, let the Ayam Ungkep sit for a while to allow the spices to meld further.
• The dish can be made ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days, or frozen for longer storage.

Enjoy the deep, satisfying taste of Ayam Ungkep, and let it be a delightful addition to your culinary repertoire!