Dengkul Ayam Kecap: A Savory Indonesian Delight
Ingredients:
- 250 grams chicken knuckle (dengkul ayam)
- 1 onion, thinly sliced
- 3 shallots, thinly sliced
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 3 large green chilies, deseeded and sliced
- 4 tablespoons sweet soy sauce (kecap manis)
- 2 teaspoons ground black pepper
- 2 teaspoons sugar
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1.5 cups water
Instructions:
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Prepare the Aromatics:
Begin by heating a skillet over medium heat. Add the thinly sliced onions and cook them until they are dry and aromatic. This process is crucial for developing a deep, savory fragrance. A tip from my Padang-influenced mother-in-law is to cook the onions until they’re dry, which intensifies their flavor. -
Add the Sweetness:
Once the onions are aromatic, introduce the sliced shallots. Sprinkle the sugar over the shallots to enhance their natural sweetness. Although shallots have a naturally sweet flavor, the added sugar helps to deepen this sweetness, making the dish more balanced. If you’re on a low-sugar diet, feel free to skip the sugar, but it does add a delightful touch to the final flavor. -
Incorporate the Chicken and Chilies:
Add the chicken knuckles and sliced green chilies to the skillet. Stir well to combine. The green chilies will infuse the dish with a mild heat, complementing the other flavors beautifully. -
Add Liquids and Seasonings:
Pour in 1.5 cups of water, then stir in the ground black pepper and sweet soy sauce. Bring the mixture to a simmer, allowing it to cook for 15-20 minutes. During this time, the chicken knuckles will absorb the flavors and become tender. If you prefer a more tender texture, you may cook the chicken longer or use a pressure cooker to speed up the process. -
Adjust the Seasoning:
Once the chicken is cooked to your desired tenderness, season with salt to taste. Adding the salt at this stage allows for precise control over the seasoning, preventing the dish from becoming overly salty. This is especially important if you are monitoring your salt intake, as I did during my pregnancy. -
Final Touches and Serve:
Taste the dish and adjust the seasoning as necessary. Serve hot, and enjoy this flavorful Indonesian specialty with steamed rice or your favorite side dish.
Tips for Perfect Dengkul Ayam Kecap:
- Texture: If you prefer a crunchier texture, cook the chicken knuckles for a shorter period. For a more tender result, extend the cooking time or use a pressure cooker.
- Sweetness: Adjust the amount of sugar based on your preference for sweetness. The balance between sweet and savory is key to achieving a satisfying flavor profile.
Enjoy preparing this delightful dish and savor the rich flavors of traditional Indonesian cuisine!
