Indonesian Chicken Stew with Young Papaya (Ayam Pepaya Muda)

Ayam Pepaya Muda (Jukut Gedang): A Delightful Indonesian Chicken and Young Papaya Stew

Ingredients

• 1 kg Chicken (cut into pieces)
• 1 Small Young Papaya (peeled and cut into chunks)

For the Spice Paste:

• 14 Shallots
• 8 Garlic Cloves
• 1 Thumb-sized Turmeric
• 2 cm Ginger
• 2 cm Kencur (aromatic ginger-like root)
• 14 Bird’s Eye Chilies (adjust to taste)
• 5 Candlenuts
• 1 tablespoon Ground Pepper
• 2 Pinches Coriander
• 1 cm Shrimp Paste (terasi)
• A little Water (as needed)

For the Additional Seasoning:

• 4 Kaffir Lime Leaves
• 6 Bay Leaves
• 2 Stalks Lemongrass (crushed)
• 2 cm Galangal (crushed)
• Salt (to taste)

Other Ingredients:

• 4-5 Cups Water

Instructions

1. Prepare the Ingredients:
   Begin by preparing the spice paste and additional seasoning ingredients. Clean and cut the chicken into pieces and set aside. Peel the young papaya and cut it into chunks according to your preference.

2. Make the Spice Paste:
   Blend the shallots, garlic, turmeric, ginger, kencur, bird’s eye chilies, candlenuts, ground pepper, coriander, and shrimp paste into a smooth paste, adding a little water if needed.

3. Sauté the Spice Paste:
   Heat a bit of oil in a large pot or pan over medium heat. Add the spice paste and sauté until fragrant, about 5 minutes.

4. Add the Additional Seasoning:
   Incorporate the kaffir lime leaves, bay leaves, lemongrass, and galangal into the pot with the sautéed spice paste. Stir well to combine.

5. Cook the Chicken:
   Add the chicken pieces to the pot, stirring to coat them evenly with the spice mixture. Cook for a few minutes until the chicken is slightly browned.

6. Add Water and Papaya:
   Pour in 4-5 cups of water, enough to cover the chicken. Bring to a boil, then reduce the heat to a simmer. Add the cut young papaya to the pot.

7. Season and Simmer:
   Season with salt to taste. Allow the stew to simmer gently until the chicken is cooked through and the young papaya is tender, about 30-40 minutes.

8. Final Adjustments:
   Taste and adjust seasoning if necessary. Once the chicken and papaya are cooked and the flavors have melded together, remove from heat.

9. Serve:
   Serve the Ayam Pepaya Muda hot, garnished with additional herbs if desired. This dish pairs wonderfully with steamed rice and is perfect for a comforting meal.

Enjoy this traditional Indonesian dish that combines tender chicken with the unique flavor of young papaya, offering a taste of authentic Jukut Gedang!