Tongseng Ayam Kebanjiran
This Tongseng Ayam Kebanjiran, a delicious Indonesian chicken stew, is perfect for those who love a hearty and flavorful dish. The recipe below will guide you through creating a rich and satisfying tongseng with plenty of broth, ideal for slurping up with a bowl of rice.

Ingredients:
- Chicken (drumsticks): 2 pairs, cut into small pieces (similar to how you would for vegetable soup)
- Pre-ground Tongseng Spice Mix: Available at spice vendors (specify for tongseng)
- Cabbage: Buy according to preference, approximately 2,000 IDR worth
- Tomato: 1 small
- Spring Onions: 2 stalks
- Bird’s Eye Chilies: Adjust according to spice preference
- Sweet Soy Sauce: To taste
- Fried Shallots: For garnish
- Palm Sugar, Salt, and Royco Seasoning: To taste
- Water: Adjust according to desired consistency
Steps:
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Preparation: Thoroughly wash the chicken pieces and drain well. Cut the cabbage, spring onions, and tomato into bite-sized pieces.
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Cooking the Base: Heat some oil in a pan and sauté the pre-ground tongseng spice mix until it becomes fragrant and the oil starts to separate. Add the chicken pieces and stir until they are well-coated with the spices. Cook until the chicken absorbs the flavors and begins to brown.
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Simmering: Pour in enough water to cover the chicken. If you prefer a soupier tongseng, add more water. Let it simmer over low heat until the chicken is fully cooked and tender.
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Seasoning: Add sweet soy sauce to taste, along with palm sugar, salt, and Royco seasoning. Stir well and adjust the seasoning according to your taste preferences.
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Adding Vegetables: Once the chicken is tender and the flavors are well-developed, add the cabbage, tomato, spring onions, and whole bird’s eye chilies (keep them whole to control the spiciness). Cook briefly until the vegetables are tender but still crisp.
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Final Touches: Turn off the heat and let the tongseng sit for a few minutes. Garnish with fried shallots before serving.
Notes:
- Spice Level: For a milder dish, remove the seeds from the bird’s eye chilies or use fewer chilies. The whole chilies will add flavor without making the dish overly spicy for children.
- Bumbu Halus: It’s recommended to purchase the pre-ground tongseng spice mix from a trusted vendor to ensure quality and taste.
This recipe yields a generous amount of flavorful broth, perfect for a comforting meal. Enjoy your Tongseng Ayam Kebanjiran with a side of steamed rice and relish the rich, savory flavors of this Indonesian classic!