Opor Ayam Tempe
Ingredients:
- 1/2 chicken
- 1/2 block of tempeh
- 3 kaffir lime leaves
- 2 bay leaves
Ground Spice Mix:
- 5 large shallots
- 3 cloves garlic
- 2 candlenuts
- 1 thumb-sized piece of ginger
- 1/2 thumb-sized piece of turmeric
- 1/2 teaspoon coriander seeds
- 1/2 teaspoon white pepper
- A small piece of kencur (aromatic ginger)
Crushed Ingredients:
- 1 stalk lemongrass
- 1 thumb-sized piece of galangal
- Salt, to taste
- Chicken seasoning powder (such as Royco), to taste
- Fried shallots, for garnish
Instructions:
- Prepare the Chicken: Start by thoroughly cleaning the chicken and cutting it into pieces.
- Prepare the Spice Mix: Using a mortar and pestle or a food processor, grind the shallots, garlic, candlenuts, ginger, turmeric, coriander seeds, white pepper, and a small piece of kencur until you have a smooth paste.
- Sautรฉ the Spice Mix: Heat a sufficient amount of oil in a pan over medium heat. Add the ground spice mix, kaffir lime leaves, and bay leaves. Sautรฉ until the spices are fragrant and cooked through.
- Cook the Chicken: Add the chicken pieces to the pan and stir until the chicken is well-coated with the spice mixture. Cook for a few minutes until the chicken begins to brown.
- Add Water and Seasonings: Pour in approximately 1.5 liters of water. Add salt and chicken seasoning powder to taste. Stir well and bring to a boil.
- Add the Tempeh: Cut the tempeh into 8 pieces and add them to the pan. Reduce the heat to a simmer and let the dish cook until the chicken is tender, the flavors have melded, and the liquid has reduced to your desired consistency.
- Tip: Adjust the consistency of the broth to your preference. For a less thick broth, you can let it remain more soupy.
- Finish with Coconut Milk: Once the chicken is tender and the broth has reduced to your liking, stir in the coconut milk. Allow it to simmer for a few minutes, ensuring it doesn’t boil to prevent curdling. Then, turn off the heat.
- Serve: Garnish with fried shallots before serving for an extra layer of flavor. Enjoy your Opor Ayam Tempe with steamed rice for a comforting and hearty meal.
Experience the delightful blend of spices and creamy coconut milk in this traditional Indonesian dish. The combination of tender chicken and flavorful tempeh makes for a nutritious and satisfying meal that is perfect for any occasion. Whether you prefer a rich and thick broth or a lighter, more soupy consistency, this recipe can be easily adjusted to suit your tastes. Garnished with crispy fried shallots, this dish offers a wonderful balance of textures and flavors that will surely delight your palate.
