Authentic Indonesian Sweke Ayam Kampung with Sweet Soy Sauce

Sweke Ayam Kampung: A Flavorful Indonesian Chicken Delight

Discover the essence of Indonesian cuisine with Sweke Ayam Kampung, a rich and savory chicken dish that’s perfect for any meal. This traditional recipe features tender chicken cooked in a blend of aromatic spices, tauco (fermented soybean paste), and kecap manis (sweet soy sauce), delivering a depth of flavor that will captivate your taste buds.

Ingredients:

• 700 grams free-range chicken (ayam kampung)
• 1 liter water
• 150 grams tauco (fermented soybean paste)
• 2 tablespoons kecap manis (sweet soy sauce)
• Spices:
  • 3 large cloves garlic
  • 5 shallots
  • 1 candlenut (kemiri)
  • 3-4 cm ginger, crushed
  • 1 teaspoon black pepper (adjust to taste)
  • 1 teaspoon granulated sugar
  • Salt, to taste
  • Sliced onion (optional, for added flavor)
• To Serve:
  • Fried shallots
  • Chopped celery
  • Lime wedges
  • Optional: Sliced chili peppers, for added heat

Instructions:

1. Prepare the Spice Blend:

   • Blend the garlic, shallots, candlenut, and crushed ginger into a smooth paste. You may leave the shallots whole if you prefer a milder flavor.

2. Cook the Aromatics:

   • In a large pot or Dutch oven, heat a little oil over medium heat. Add the spice paste and cook, stirring frequently, until fragrant. If using, add the sliced onion and cook until softened.

3. Add Tauco and Chicken:

   • Stir in the tauco and cook for another minute. Add the chicken pieces, turning them occasionally until they are browned on all sides.

4. Simmer the Chicken:

   • Pour in the water, followed by the kecap manis, granulated sugar, and salt. Stir well to combine. Bring to a boil, then reduce the heat and simmer gently until the chicken is tender and fully cooked. This should take about 30-40 minutes. If the sauce becomes too thick, you can add additional water as needed.

5. Adjust Seasoning:

   • Taste the broth and adjust the seasoning with more salt or sugar if necessary, keeping in mind that tauco already adds a salty component.

6. Serve:

   • Ladle the chicken and sauce into serving bowls. Garnish with fried shallots, chopped celery, and lime wedges. For a spicy kick, add finely chopped chili peppers to taste, either directly into the serving bowls or mixed into the sauce.

7. Enjoy:

   • Serve hot, and enjoy this delectable Indonesian dish with steamed rice or your favorite side dishes.

Sweke Ayam Kampung is not only a hearty and flavorful dish but also a wonderful way to experience the vibrant and diverse flavors of Indonesian cuisine. Perfect for family dinners or special occasions, this recipe is sure to impress and satisfy.