Ayam Brewok (Spicy Fried Chicken with Galangal)
Dive into the vibrant flavors of Indonesian cuisine with this delectable recipe for Ayam Brewok, also known as Ayam Goreng Lengkuas. This dish features tender chicken pieces infused with aromatic spices and fried to crispy perfection. Perfectly paired with a zesty sambal, it’s a mouthwatering experience you won’t want to miss.
Ingredients:
- 1 kg chicken, cut into pieces
- 1 lemongrass stalk, bruised
- 2 bay leaves
- 3 kaffir lime leaves
- Galangal, enough to be grated lengthwise (or briefly blended)
- 800 ml water
For the Spice Paste:
- 6 cloves garlic
- 8 shallots
- 1/2 thumb-sized piece of ginger
- 1/2 thumb-sized piece of turmeric
- 1 tablespoon coriander seeds
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- Salt and seasoning to taste
Instructions:
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Prepare the Chicken: Wash the chicken pieces thoroughly and place them in a large pot.
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Make the Spice Paste: In a blender or mortar and pestle, grind together the garlic, shallots, ginger, turmeric, coriander seeds, and black pepper into a smooth paste.
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Cook the Chicken: Add the spice paste to the pot with the chicken. Toss in the bruised lemongrass, bay leaves, kaffir lime leaves, and the grated galangal. Pour in 800 ml of water, ensuring that the chicken is well covered.
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Simmer: Cook the chicken over medium heat until it becomes tender and the water has reduced significantly. The chicken should absorb all the flavors from the spice paste and galangal, becoming richly seasoned.
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Separate and Fry: Once the chicken is tender, remove it from the pot along with the galangal pieces. Heat oil in a frying pan over medium heat and fry the chicken until golden brown and crispy.
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Serve: Serve the crispy fried chicken with sambal terasi (fermented shrimp paste sambal) or sambal pencit (spicy mango sambal) on the side for an authentic touch.
Enjoy your delicious Ayam Brewok, bursting with bold flavors and a delightful crunch. Happy cooking!
Note: This recipe pairs wonderfully with steamed rice and a fresh vegetable salad for a complete meal.
