Semur Ayam Kentang (Indonesian Chicken and Potato Stew)
Ingredients
- 1/2 kg chicken, cleaned and cut into pieces
- 4 potatoes, peeled and cut into chunks
- 1 tomato, chopped
Spice Paste (Bahan Halus)
- 5 shallots
- 3 cloves of garlic
- 1 teaspoon coriander seeds
- 1 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 candlenut
- 1 piece of turmeric (about 1 inch)
- 2 pieces of ginger (about 2 inches each)
- 2 bay leaves
- 2 kaffir lime leaves
- 1 lemongrass stalk, bruised
- 2 pieces of galangal (about 2 inches each)
- 1 piece of palm sugar
- 3 tablespoons sweet soy sauce (kecap manis)
- Salt to taste
- Seasoning powder (Masako) to taste
Steps
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Prepare the Ingredients: Start by washing the chicken thoroughly. Peel and cut the potatoes into chunks. Chop the tomato and set aside.
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Make the Spice Paste: Blend the shallots, garlic, coriander seeds, black pepper, candlenut, turmeric, and ginger into a smooth paste.
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Sauté the Spice Paste: In a large pan or wok, heat some oil over medium heat. Add the spice paste and sauté until fragrant. Add the bay leaves, kaffir lime leaves, galangal, ginger, and lemongrass. Continue to sauté until the leaves are wilted and the aroma is released.
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Cook the Chicken: Add the chicken pieces to the pan. Stir well to coat the chicken with the spice mixture. Cook until the chicken starts to change color.
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Add Liquid and Seasonings: Pour in enough water to cover the chicken. Add the palm sugar, sweet soy sauce, salt, and seasoning powder (Masako) to taste. Stir to combine and bring the mixture to a simmer.
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Add Potatoes: Once the chicken is partially cooked, add the potato chunks. Continue to cook until the potatoes are tender and the chicken is fully cooked.
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Final Adjustments and Serve: Taste and adjust the seasoning if necessary. Once the potatoes are soft and the sauce has thickened, remove from heat.
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Serve: Serve the Semur Ayam Kentang hot with steamed rice.
Tips
- For a richer flavor, you can marinate the chicken with a bit of salt and lime juice before cooking.
- Adjust the amount of sweet soy sauce and palm sugar according to your preferred level of sweetness.
- This dish can also be made with beef for a variation known as Semur Daging.
Enjoy this hearty and flavorful Indonesian Chicken and Potato Stew, perfect for a comforting meal that brings a touch of Indonesian culinary tradition to your table.