Fragrant Indonesian Chicken Soup with Fresh Vegetables

Fresh Spiced Chicken Soup (Sop Ayam Rempah Segar)

This delightful Indonesian dish, Sop Ayam Rempah Segar, offers a fragrant and hearty experience with its aromatic spices and fresh vegetables. Perfect for a comforting meal, this recipe combines tender chicken with a medley of vegetables and a flavorful broth, finished with crispy fried shallots for a touch of crunch.

Ingredients

• For the Soup:

  Related Articles

  • 
    Nutritious Indonesian Chicken and Quail Egg Soup
  • 
    Tangy Spicy Oyster Sauce Chicken Delight
  • 
    Balinese Shredded Chicken with Spicy Sambal Matah
  • 
    Crispy Free-Range Chicken Wings ala KFC
  • 1/2 whole chicken (preferably male, cut into pieces)

• For the Spice Mix:

  • 2 star anise
  • 2 cloves
  • 2 cardamom pods
  • 1 teaspoon ground nutmeg
  • 1 tablespoon ground black pepper
  • 2 tablespoons fried garlic (can substitute with chopped garlic)
  • Salt, to taste
  • Chicken bouillon powder, to taste
  • Water, as needed
  • Oil, for sautéing

• For the Vegetables:

  • Potatoes, peeled and cut into chunks
  • Carrots, peeled and sliced
  • Cabbage, chopped
  • Green beans, trimmed and cut into pieces

• Garnish:

  • Fried shallots

Instructions

1. Prepare the Chicken:

   • Place the chicken pieces in a large pot with enough water to cover them. Bring to a boil over low heat. Once the water starts boiling, it will become cloudy. To achieve a clearer broth, carefully strain the water, discarding any impurities. Set the chicken aside.

2. Prepare the Spice Mix:

   • In a separate pan, heat a small amount of oil over medium heat. Add the star anise, cloves, and cardamom pods, sautéing until they release their aroma. Then, add the ground nutmeg and black pepper, continuing to cook for an additional minute. If using chopped garlic instead of fried garlic, add it to the pan and cook until fragrant.

3. Combine the Ingredients:

   • Add the sautéed spices to the pot with the chicken. Pour in enough water to cover the chicken, then season with salt and chicken bouillon powder to taste. Simmer gently until the chicken is fully cooked and tender.

4. Prepare the Vegetables:

   • While the chicken is cooking, steam or blanch the potatoes, carrots, cabbage, and green beans until they are tender but still crisp. This method helps to retain the freshness and texture of the vegetables.

5. Assemble the Soup:

   • Arrange the cooked vegetables in serving bowls. Ladle the hot chicken soup over the vegetables, ensuring each bowl gets a generous portion of chicken and broth. Sprinkle with fried shallots for added flavor and crunch.

6. Serve:

   • Serve the soup hot, allowing everyone to enjoy the fragrant spices and tender vegetables. Adjust seasoning if necessary before serving.

Enjoy this Fresh Spiced Chicken Soup as a comforting and flavorful dish that showcases the best of Indonesian cuisine with each delicious spoonful!