Chicken Feet Soup (Sop Ceker Ayam) Recipe
Ingredients:
- 1/2 kg chicken feet (ceker ayam)
- 5 medium carrots
- 1 bunch baby green beans (baby buncis)
- 4 shallots (bawang merah)
- 3 cloves garlic (bawang putih)
- 1 red tomato
- Fresh celery (seledri) to taste
- Salt to taste
- Chicken stock powder (kaldu bubuk) to taste
- Black pepper to taste
Instructions:
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Prepare the Vegetables: Begin by washing and peeling the carrots, then cut them into bite-sized pieces. Trim the ends off the baby green beans and set them aside. Next, slice the shallots and garlic finely.
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Sauté Aromatics: Heat a generous amount of oil in a frying pan over medium heat. Add the sliced shallots and garlic to the pan. Cook, stirring occasionally, until they become fragrant and golden brown. Don’t be alarmed if the pan darkens a bit; this caramelization adds depth to the flavor.
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Cook the Chicken Feet: In a large pot, bring water to a rolling boil. Add the chicken feet and cook until they start to become tender. This may take about 30-40 minutes, depending on the size and freshness of the chicken feet.
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Add Vegetables: Once the chicken feet are nearly tender, add the carrots and cook until they are soft. Next, incorporate the sautéed shallots and garlic into the pot, followed by the baby green beans.
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Season the Soup: Season the soup with salt, chicken stock powder, and black pepper to your taste. Stir well to ensure the seasoning is evenly distributed. Allow the soup to simmer gently, letting all the flavors meld together and the vegetables fully cook.
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Finish the Soup: Once the vegetables and chicken feet are completely cooked, add the chopped red tomato. Stir the soup briefly to combine. Finally, add the fresh celery just before serving to preserve its vibrant flavor and texture.
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Serve and Enjoy: Ladle the hot soup into bowls and enjoy this comforting dish. The rich, flavorful broth, combined with tender chicken feet and crisp vegetables, creates a delightful culinary experience.
Tips for the Perfect Sop Ceker Ayam:
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Chicken Feet Preparation: Ensure the chicken feet are cleaned thoroughly. If they haven’t been pre-cleaned, you may need to blanch them briefly before cooking to remove any residual impurities.
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Flavor Balance: Adjust the seasoning to your preference. The combination of salt, chicken stock powder, and black pepper should enhance the natural flavors of the soup without overpowering them.
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Texture: For a richer texture, you can simmer the soup longer to allow the collagen in the chicken feet to create a slightly thicker broth.
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Garnishing: Feel free to garnish with additional chopped celery or fresh herbs to add a burst of color and flavor right before serving.
This traditional Indonesian chicken feet soup is not only a hearty and nutritious meal but also a testament to the beautiful depth of flavors that simple ingredients can offer. Enjoy every spoonful of this delightful dish!
