Authentic Madura Spicy Chicken: Indonesian Ayam Bumbu

Ayam Bumbu Madura: A Spicy Indonesian Chicken Delight

Ingredients:

• 1 whole chicken (cut into serving pieces)
• 3 kaffir lime leaves
• 2 stalks lemongrass
• 1 piece galangal (about 1-inch)
• For the Spice Paste:
  • 12 shallots
  • 4 garlic cloves
  • 10 red curly chilies
  • 8 bird’s eye chilies (optional, for extra heat)
  • 1 teaspoon coriander seeds
  • 4 candlenuts
  • 1 teaspoon black pepper
  • 2 pieces ginger (about 1-inch each)
  • 2 pieces kencur (about 1-inch each)
  • 2 pieces turmeric (about 1-inch each)
  • 1 piece galangal (about 1-inch)
• Salt, sugar, and seasoning to taste
• 250 ml cooking oil
• 500 ml water

Instructions:

1. Prepare the Chicken:

   • Begin by cleaning the chicken thoroughly. Cut it into serving pieces and set aside.

2. Make the Spice Paste:

   • In a blender or food processor, combine shallots, garlic, red curly chilies, bird’s eye chilies (if using), coriander seeds, candlenuts, black pepper, ginger, kencur, turmeric, and galangal. Blend until you achieve a smooth paste.

3. Cook the Spice Paste:

   • Heat the cooking oil in a large pan over medium heat. Add the spice paste and sauté until it releases a fragrant aroma.

4. Add Aromatics:

   • Add the lemongrass, galangal, and kaffir lime leaves to the pan. Continue to cook for a few minutes until the aromatics are well combined with the spice paste.

5. Simmer the Chicken:

   • Pour in the water and season with salt, sugar, and seasoning to taste. Stir well to combine.
   • Add the chicken pieces to the pan. Bring to a simmer, cover, and cook on low heat until the chicken is tender and fully cooked, about 45 minutes to 1 hour.

6. Reduce the Sauce:

   • Once the chicken is cooked through, remove the pieces from the pan. Set the chicken aside and keep warm.
   • Continue to cook the remaining sauce over low heat until it reduces and thickens to a dark, rich color. This process should take about 1.5 to 2 hours.

7. Fry the Chicken:

   • In a separate pan, heat additional oil over medium heat. Fry the chicken pieces until golden and crispy on the outside.

8. Serve:

   • Place the fried chicken on a serving platter. Pour the thickened spice paste over the chicken or serve it on the side as a dipping sauce.

Enjoy your Ayam Bumbu Madura with steamed rice for a truly authentic Indonesian meal!