Ayam Kalasan: A Flavorful Indonesian Chicken Dish
Ayam Kalasan is a traditional Indonesian chicken dish renowned for its aromatic flavors and rich, caramelized taste. This recipe blends the natural sweetness of palm sugar with the savory essence of spices, creating a delightful harmony of flavors. Perfect for a family dinner or special occasion, Ayam Kalasan is both comforting and impressive.
Ingredients:
- 1/2 kg chicken (cut into pieces)
- Coconut water from 1 coconut
- 2 rounds palm sugar (gula merah), finely chopped
- Salt, to taste
- 3 cloves garlic, crushed
- 3 shallots, crushed
- 3-4 bay leaves (salam)
- 2 stalks lemongrass (sere), smashed
- 3 tablespoons sweet soy sauce (kecap manis)
Instructions:
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Prepare the Cooking Liquid:
In a large pot, combine the coconut water, crushed garlic, crushed shallots, bay leaves, and smashed lemongrass. Bring the mixture to a boil over medium heat, allowing it to simmer until fragrant. -
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Cook the Chicken:
Add the chicken pieces to the pot along with the finely chopped palm sugar and salt. Stir well to ensure that the chicken is evenly coated with the seasonings. Continue to cook the chicken in the boiling mixture until it is thoroughly cooked and has absorbed the flavors, about 30-40 minutes. -
Reduce the Sauce:
Once the chicken is cooked through, remove it from the pot and set it aside. Continue to simmer the remaining liquid until it thickens slightly and the flavors concentrate. Add the sweet soy sauce (kecap manis) to the sauce and mix well. -
Fry the Chicken:
Heat a generous amount of oil in a frying pan over medium heat. Fry the cooked chicken pieces until they turn golden brown and crispy. Make sure to turn the chicken pieces occasionally to achieve an even color. -
Serve:
Drain the fried chicken on paper towels to remove excess oil. Serve the Ayam Kalasan hot with steamed rice or as part of a larger meal.
Enjoy the delightful blend of sweet and savory flavors with this traditional Ayam Kalasan, a dish that will surely impress and satisfy!
