Authentic Indonesian Tongseng Ayam: Spicy Coconut Chicken Stew

Tongseng Ayam Rumahan: A Savory Indonesian Chicken Stew

Ingredients:

• 500 grams chicken, cut into small pieces (boiled and then fried)
• 1 can coconut milk (Santan Kara)
• 1 stalk lemongrass, bruised
• Soy sauce, to taste
• Sugar, to taste
• 1 small head of cabbage, shredded
• Ground spices:
  • 5 bird’s eye chilies (cabe rawit)
  • 3 red chilies (cabe merah)
  • 5 shallots (bawang merah)
  • 2 garlic cloves (bawang putih)
  • Coriander (ketumbar), to taste
  • Candlenuts (miri), to taste
  • Black pepper (merica), to taste
  • Salt (garam), to taste
  • MSG (mecin), optional
• Sliced spices:
  • 3 tomatoes, chopped
  • 3-4 bird’s eye chilies (cabe rawit)
  • 3-4 green chilies (cabe ijo)

Instructions:

1. Prepare the Chicken: Start by boiling the chicken pieces until they are fully cooked. Drain and set aside. Next, fry the chicken until it is golden and crispy.

2. Make the Spice Paste: Blend the bird’s eye chilies, red chilies, shallots, garlic, coriander, candlenuts, and black pepper into a smooth paste. This will form the base of your stew’s flavor.

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3. Cook the Spices: Heat a bit of oil in a pan over medium heat. Sauté the spice paste until it becomes fragrant.

4. Combine Chicken and Spice Paste: Add the fried chicken to the pan with the sautéed spices. Stir well to coat the chicken evenly with the paste. Add a small amount of water to help mix the flavors.

5. Add Coconut Milk and Seasonings: Once the water has reduced slightly, pour in the coconut milk and add the lemongrass stalk. Stir to combine. Season with sugar and soy sauce. Mix thoroughly to ensure the coconut milk doesn’t curdle.

6. Incorporate Sliced Spices: Add the chopped tomatoes, bird’s eye chilies, and green chilies to the pan. Continue cooking until the tomatoes soften and release their juices.

7. Finish with Vegetables: When the stew is boiling, add the shredded cabbage and cook until it is tender. Adjust seasoning with additional salt, sugar, or soy sauce if needed.

8. Final Touches: Once the cabbage is cooked and the flavors are well combined, turn off the heat. Allow the stew to sit for a few minutes to let the flavors meld together.

9. Serve: Ladle the Tongseng Ayam into bowls and enjoy it hot with steamed rice.

This hearty Indonesian chicken stew is perfect for a comforting family meal, bringing together a rich blend of spices and creamy coconut milk with tender chicken and vegetables. Enjoy the authentic flavors of home-cooked Tongseng Ayam!