Indonesian Coconut Chicken Stew with Hard-Boiled Eggs

Opor Ayam: A Traditional Indonesian Chicken Stew

Opor Ayam is a beloved Indonesian dish known for its rich and creamy coconut-based sauce, perfectly balanced with aromatic spices. This recipe, adapted from Dapoer Linggar, features tender chicken wings simmered with hard-boiled eggs in a flavorful blend of spices. Here’s how to recreate this comforting dish in your own kitchen:

Ingredients:

• 6 hard-boiled eggs (peeled)
• 500 grams chicken wings (cut into two pieces each)
• 2 lemongrass stalks (crushed)
• 2 bay leaves (torn)
• 1 chicken bouillon cube
• Salt (to taste)
• Sugar (to taste)
• Oil (for sautéing)
• 700 ml coconut milk (you may use more if preferred)

Spice Paste:

• 7 shallots
• 5 garlic cloves
• 2 cm turmeric (optional; you may use it or omit it)
• 1 cm ginger
• A pinch of black peppercorns
• 1 candlenut
• A pinch of coriander seeds
• A pinch of nutmeg

Note: For a more authentic flavor, grind the spices using a mortar and pestle instead of a blender.

Instructions:

1. Prepare the Spice Paste:

   • Start by grinding all the spice paste ingredients into a smooth paste. For the best results, use a mortar and pestle to release the full flavors of the spices.

2. Sauté the Spices:

   • Heat some oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add the ground spice paste and sauté until aromatic and golden brown.

3. Add Aromatics:

   • Toss in the torn bay leaves and crushed lemongrass. Continue to sauté until the spices are well combined and fragrant.

4. Cook the Chicken:

   • Add the chicken wings to the pot. Stir to coat the chicken pieces with the spice mixture and cook until the chicken is lightly browned and coated with the spices.

5. Incorporate the Eggs and Coconut Milk:

   • Add the hard-boiled eggs to the pot, stirring gently to coat them with the spices. Pour in the coconut milk, and season with salt, sugar, and a chicken bouillon cube.

6. Simmer:

   • Cover the pot and reduce the heat to low. Allow the dish to simmer gently, so the flavors meld and the chicken becomes tender. Cook until the chicken is fully cooked and tender, and the sauce has thickened.

7. Final Adjustments:

   • Taste and adjust the seasoning as needed. Add more salt or sugar if necessary.

8. Serve:

   • Once the chicken is cooked and the sauce has reached your desired consistency, remove from heat. Serve the opor ayam hot, accompanied by steamed rice or as part of a larger Indonesian feast.

Enjoy this hearty and flavorful Indonesian classic, perfect for a comforting meal with family and friends.