Ayam Kampung Goreng Lengkuas: A Flavorful Indonesian Delight
Ingredients:
- 1 whole kampong chicken (cut into 10 parts)
- 2 bay leaves
- Salt, to taste
- Sugar, to taste
For the Spice Paste:
- 15 cloves garlic
- 7 shallots
- 1 large piece of galangal
- 2 tablespoons coriander seeds
- 2 candlenuts
- 1 stalk lemongrass
- 1 thumb-sized piece of ginger
- 1 thumb-sized piece of turmeric
Instructions:
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Prepare the Chicken:
Begin by cooking the chicken. You can either use a pressure cooker or simmer the chicken in a pot until tender. For traditional simmering, cook on low heat for about 3 hours. This ensures the chicken becomes tender and flavorful. -
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Prepare the Spice Paste:
While the chicken is cooking, make the spice paste. Blend together garlic, shallots, galangal, coriander seeds, candlenuts, lemongrass, ginger, and turmeric until smooth. -
Cook the Spice Paste:
Heat some oil in a pan over medium heat. Add the spice paste and cook until it becomes fragrant and begins to bubble. -
Combine Ingredients:
Add bay leaves to the pan with the spice paste and stir well. Pour in a little water to help the spices meld together and bring to a simmer. -
Add the Chicken:
Add the cooked chicken pieces to the pan. Season with salt and sugar to taste, and stir until well-coated with the spice paste. Add enough water to cover the chicken completely. -
Simmer:
Reduce the heat to low and cover the pan. Allow the chicken to simmer until most of the liquid has evaporated and the spices have fully penetrated the meat. This will take some time, so be patient. -
Fry the Chicken:
Once the liquid has reduced and the chicken is well-coated with the spice paste, remove the chicken from the pan and set aside. Heat oil in a separate pan and fry the chicken pieces until golden and crispy. -
Fry the Spices:
After frying the chicken, use the same oil to fry the remaining spice paste. Be careful not to burn it; it should be lightly crispy and golden. -
Serve:
Serve the crispy chicken with the fried spice paste on top or on the side for added flavor.
Enjoy this aromatic and flavorful Indonesian chicken dish as a special treat or as part of a festive meal. Its rich and spicy taste is sure to delight your family and friends!
