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Pepes Ayam Kemangi (Indonesian Basil Chicken Wraps)
Discover the aromatic and flavorful delight of Pepes Ayam Kemangi, a traditional Indonesian dish featuring chicken wrapped in banana leaves and steamed to perfection. This recipe combines tender chicken with a fragrant blend of spices and fresh basil, creating a dish that’s both savory and aromatic.
Ingredients:
- Chicken:
- 4 chicken thighs (dada ayam)
- Herbs and Vegetables:
- 1 bunch of basil (kemangi)
- 2 stalks of scallions (daun bawang)
- 6 red chili peppers (cabe rawit merah)
- For Wrapping:
- Banana leaves (daun pisang)
- Spice Paste:
- 2 red chilies (cabe merah)
- 5 shallots (bawang merah)
- 3 cloves garlic (bawang putih)
- 2 candlenuts (kemiri)
- 1 thumb-sized piece of turmeric (kunyit)
- 1 tablespoon palm sugar (gula merah)
- Salt to taste (garam sckpnya)
- Bay leaves or lemongrass (daun salam/sereh) to taste
- 1 thumb-sized piece of ginger (jahe)
- 2 thumb-sized pieces of galangal (lengkoas)
Instructions:
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Prepare the Ingredients:
- Gather all the ingredients and prepare the spice paste by blending the red chilies, shallots, garlic, candlenuts, turmeric, palm sugar, and salt into a smooth mixture.
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Cook the Spice Paste:
- Heat a bit of oil in a pan over medium heat. Add the blended spice paste and cook until fragrant and the oil starts to separate from the paste.
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Cook the Chicken:
- Add the chicken thighs to the pan with the spice paste. Cook until the chicken is fully cooked and tender. Once the chicken is cooked, stir in the chopped scallions and basil leaves. Mix well to combine the flavors.
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Prepare the Banana Leaves:
- Lightly heat the banana leaves over an open flame or on a hot pan until they become pliable and slightly wilted. This makes them easier to fold and wrap.
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Wrap the Chicken:
- Place a portion of the cooked chicken mixture onto the center of a piece of banana leaf. Fold the leaves over to enclose the chicken securely, forming a packet.
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Steam the Pepes:
- Arrange the banana leaf packets in a steamer. Steam over high heat for about 30-40 minutes, or until the chicken is fully cooked and the flavors have melded together.
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Serve:
- Once the steaming is complete, carefully unwrap the banana leaves. Serve the Pepes Ayam Kemangi hot, accompanied by steamed rice or as a flavorful side dish.
Enjoy the vibrant and aromatic flavors of Pepes Ayam Kemangi, a true taste of Indonesian culinary tradition.