Indonesian Coconut Chicken Stew (Lontong Opor Ayam)

Lontong Opor Ayam: A Creamy Indonesian Chicken Delight

Ingredients:

• 1/2 whole chicken, cut into pieces
• 1/2 old coconut, yielding 100 ml thick coconut milk and 600 ml thin coconut milk
• 2 green tomatoes or belimbing sayur (vegetable starfruit)
• 2 bay leaves
• 1 stalk lemongrass
• 1 thumb-sized piece of galangal, smashed
• For the spice paste:
  • 6 shallots
  • 3 cloves garlic
  • 2 roasted candlenuts
  • 1 teaspoon roasted cumin seeds
  • 1 thumb-sized piece of turmeric
  • 1 thumb-sized piece of ginger
  • Salt to taste

Instructions:

1. Prepare the Spice Paste: Begin by blending the shallots, garlic, roasted candlenuts, roasted cumin seeds, turmeric, and ginger into a smooth paste. A mortar and pestle or a food processor works well for this.

2. Sauté the Aromatics: In a large pot or Dutch oven, heat a bit of oil over medium heat. Add the prepared spice paste along with the smashed galangal, bay leaves, and lemongrass. Sauté until fragrant and the paste begins to slightly brown, about 5-7 minutes.

3. Cook the Chicken: Add the chicken pieces to the pot and stir to coat them with the spice paste. Cook for a few minutes until the chicken starts to brown slightly.

4. Add Coconut Milk: Pour in the thin coconut milk and stir well. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to low. Allow the chicken to simmer gently, stirring occasionally, until it is tender and fully cooked, about 30-40 minutes.

5. Incorporate the Green Tomatoes: Cut the green tomatoes or belimbing sayur into wedges and add them to the pot. Continue to simmer until the tomatoes are tender and the chicken is completely cooked.

6. Thicken the Sauce: Once the chicken is tender, pour in the thick coconut milk. Stir well and let it cook for an additional 10-15 minutes, or until the sauce has thickened to your desired consistency.

7. Final Adjustments: Taste and adjust the seasoning with salt as needed.

8. Serve: Serve the Lontong Opor Ayam hot with steamed rice cakes (lontong) or steamed jasmine rice for a complete meal.

This Lontong Opor Ayam is a comforting Indonesian classic, showcasing the rich, aromatic flavors of coconut and spices. Enjoy this flavorful dish as part of a festive meal or a cozy family dinner.