Indonesian Coconut Curry Chicken (Ayam Opor Bumbu Kuning)

Ayam Opor Bumbu Kuning

Discover the vibrant flavors of Indonesian cuisine with this exquisite Ayam Opor Bumbu Kuning recipe. This dish features tender chicken simmered in a rich, aromatic yellow curry sauce that is sure to delight your taste buds. Perfect for a hearty family meal or a special occasion, this recipe combines a blend of traditional spices with creamy coconut milk, creating a dish that’s both flavorful and comforting.

Ingredients:

• 8 pieces of chicken, cleaned, briefly boiled, and drained
• For the spice paste:
  • 8 shallots
  • 3 cloves of garlic
  • 1 thumb-sized piece of ginger
  • 1 thumb-sized piece of turmeric
  • 1 thumb-sized piece of galangal, crushed
  • 1 stalk of lemongrass, smashed
  • 4 candlenuts
  • 4 kaffir lime leaves, stem removed and thinly sliced
  • 1 liter of coconut milk
  • Salt to taste
  • Sugar to taste
  • Seasoning to taste
  • Ground black pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. Prepare the Spice Paste:

   • In a blender or food processor, combine the shallots, garlic, ginger, turmeric, and candlenuts. Blend until you achieve a smooth paste.

2. Cook the Spice Paste:

   • Heat a generous amount of oil in a large pan over medium heat. Add the blended spice paste and sauté until fragrant and the oil starts to separate from the paste.

3. Add Aromatics:

   • Stir in the smashed lemongrass, crushed galangal, and sliced kaffir lime leaves. Cook for an additional minute, allowing the flavors to meld together.

4. Simmer the Chicken:

   • Pour in a small amount of water to loosen the paste if necessary. Add the chicken pieces to the pan and stir to coat them evenly with the spice mixture. Let the chicken cook for a few minutes, stirring occasionally, until the spices have penetrated the meat.

5. Incorporate Coconut Milk:

   • Pour in the coconut milk and stir to combine. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer. Cook the chicken in the coconut milk until it is tender and fully cooked through, about 30-40 minutes. Stir occasionally to prevent the sauce from sticking to the bottom of the pan.

6. Season and Serve:

   • Season with salt, sugar, and seasoning to taste. Adjust the flavors as needed, balancing the sweetness, saltiness, and spiciness according to your preference.
   • Serve the Ayam Opor Bumbu Kuning hot, garnished with additional kaffir lime leaves if desired.

Enjoy this flavorful and aromatic dish with steamed rice for a complete and satisfying meal. The creamy coconut milk, combined with the rich spice paste, makes this Ayam Opor Bumbu Kuning a true culinary delight that captures the essence of Indonesian cuisine.