Authentic Indonesian Village Chicken Curry (Kari Ayam Kampung)

Title: Kari Ayam Kampung (Traditional Indonesian Village Chicken Curry)

Ingredients:

• 1 whole village chicken (ayam kampung), cut into pieces
• 8 shallots, sliced
• 5 cloves garlic
• 1 thumb-sized piece of ginger
• 3 kaffir lime leaves
• 2 bay leaves
• 1 teaspoon black cumin seeds
• 1 teaspoon white cumin seeds
• 2 star anise
• 1 cinnamon stick
• 2 teaspoons tomato ketchup
• 3 tablespoons curry powder
• Salt, to taste
• Sugar, to taste
• Chicken seasoning powder, to taste

Steps:

1. Prepare the Aromatics:

   • Slice the shallots and set aside.
   • Crush the garlic and ginger into a smooth paste.

2. Sauté the Spices:

   • Heat a little oil in a pan over medium heat. Add the black cumin seeds, white cumin seeds, star anise, and cinnamon stick. Sauté until fragrant.
   • Add the sliced shallots, kaffir lime leaves, and bay leaves. Continue to sauté until the shallots are translucent.

3. Combine Ingredients:

   • Stir in the garlic-ginger paste and cook until aromatic.
   • Add the tomato ketchup and curry powder to the pan, stirring well to combine all the ingredients.

4. Cook the Chicken:

   • Add the chicken pieces to the pan, ensuring they are well coated with the spice mixture. Cook for a few minutes, allowing the flavors to meld.
   • Pour in enough water to cover the chicken. Bring to a boil, then reduce the heat and simmer until the chicken is tender and the sauce has thickened, allowing the flavors to be absorbed.

5. Season and Serve:

   • Adjust the seasoning with salt, sugar, and chicken seasoning powder to taste.
   • Once the chicken is fully cooked and the flavors are well-balanced, remove from heat.

6. Final Touches:

   • Serve the Kari Ayam Kampung hot with steamed rice or your favorite side dishes. Enjoy the rich, aromatic flavors of this traditional Indonesian curry!

Feel free to adjust the spice levels and seasoning according to your preference to achieve the perfect balance of flavors.