Indonesian Coconut Chicken Stew (Opor Ayam) with Fried Tofu

Opor Ayam: Indonesian Chicken Stew with Coconut Milk

Opor Ayam is a comforting Indonesian chicken stew enriched with aromatic spices and creamy coconut milk. This traditional dish pairs beautifully with steamed rice and is a beloved staple in Indonesian cuisine. The combination of spices, coconut milk, and tender chicken makes it a perfect dish for family gatherings or special occasions.

Ingredients

• 500g Chicken (cut into 6 pieces)
• 2 Blocks of Tofu (fried until golden brown)
• 2 Bay Leaves
• 2 Kaffir Lime Leaves
• 1 Lemongrass Stalk (bruised)
• 1 Knob of Galangal (bruised)
• 1 Knob of Ginger (bruised)
• 60ml Coconut Milk (Kara brand or similar)
• Palm Sugar (to taste)
• Sugar (to taste)
• Salt (to taste)
• Seasoning (to taste)
• Water (as needed)

For the Spice Paste:

• 8 Shallots
• 5 Garlic Cloves
• 1/2 Teaspoon Coriander Seeds
• 1/2 Teaspoon Black Pepper
• 4 Candlenuts (roasted)
• 4 cm Turmeric (roasted)
• 1/2 Teaspoon Cumin Seeds

Instructions

1. Pre-Prepare the Chicken:

   • Boil water in a pot until it reaches a rolling boil. Add the chicken pieces and cook for about 5 minutes. This step helps to remove excess fat and impurities. Remove the chicken, drain, and rinse under cold water.

2. Prepare the Spice Paste:

   • Blend the shallots, garlic, coriander seeds, black pepper, roasted candlenuts, roasted turmeric, and cumin seeds into a smooth paste. If using a blender, add a little oil to facilitate blending.

3. Cook the Spices:

   • Heat a generous amount of oil in a large pan or Dutch oven over medium heat. Sauté the spice paste until fragrant. Add the lemongrass, kaffir lime leaves, bay leaves, ginger, and galangal. Continue to cook until the spices are aromatic and the oil begins to separate from the paste.

4. Add the Chicken:

   • Add the chicken pieces to the pan and stir-fry for a few minutes, ensuring the chicken is well-coated with the spice paste.

5. Simmer the Stew:

   • Pour in enough water to cover the chicken. Add a small amount of coconut milk (about 1 tablespoon) and stir well. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer.

6. Season the Dish:

   • Add palm sugar, regular sugar, salt, and seasoning to taste. Cover the pan and simmer until the chicken is tender and the flavors have melded together. This usually takes about 30 minutes.

7. Add Tofu and Remaining Coconut Milk:

   • Gently add the fried tofu and the remaining coconut milk to the pot. Allow the stew to simmer until the tofu absorbs the flavors and the coconut milk has thickened slightly.

8. Final Adjustments:

   • Taste the stew and adjust the seasoning if necessary. Once the stew has reached the desired consistency and flavor, remove from heat.

9. Serve:

   • Serve the opor ayam hot with steamed rice. This dish is ideal for sharing and pairs well with a side of pickles or a simple vegetable salad.

Enjoy the rich, fragrant flavors of Opor Ayam, a dish that brings a touch of Indonesian warmth to your table.