Indonesian Free-Range Chicken Soup: Soto Ayam Kampung

Authentic Indonesian Soto Ayam Kampung Recipe

Ingredients:

• 2.2 lbs free-range chicken (ayam kampung), cleaned and cut into pieces
• 1 stalk lemongrass (serai), bruised
• 1 kaffir lime leaf (daun jeruk)
• Fresh cilantro leaves (daun seledri)
• Spring onions (daun bawang), chopped
• Fried shallots (bawang goreng)
• Lime wedges (jeruk nipis)

Spice Paste (Bumbu Halus):

• 7 shallots (bawang merah)
• 3 cloves garlic (bawang putih)
• 2 segments fresh turmeric (kunyit), about 2 inches
• 2 segments fresh ginger (jahe), about 2 inches
• Galangal (laos), a small piece
• Ground white pepper (merica bubuk), to taste

Accompaniments:

• Rice vermicelli (bihun) or glass noodles (soun)
• Cabbage (gubis), shredded
• Bean sprouts (kecambah)

Steps:

1. Prepare the Chicken: Clean and cut the free-range chicken into serving pieces.

2. Boil the Chicken: In a large pot, bring water to a boil and add the chicken pieces. Cook until the chicken is tender and fully cooked. Remove the chicken from the broth and set aside.

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3. Prepare the Spice Paste: In a skillet or wok, heat a bit of oil and sauté the shallots, garlic, turmeric, ginger, and galangal until fragrant and the color changes.

4. Combine with Broth: Add the sautéed spice paste, lemongrass, and kaffir lime leaf to the chicken broth. Simmer over low heat for about 15-20 minutes to allow the flavors to meld. Season with salt, sugar, ground white pepper, and chicken bouillon powder to taste. Adjust the seasoning as needed.

5. Finish and Serve: Return the cooked chicken pieces to the broth. Add fresh cilantro leaves and chopped spring onions. Simmer for another 5 minutes.

6. Serve: Ladle the hot soto ayam into bowls. Garnish with fried shallots and serve with lime wedges on the side. Accompany with rice vermicelli or glass noodles, shredded cabbage, and bean sprouts.

7. Enjoy: Soto Ayam Kampung is best enjoyed hot. Squeeze lime juice into the soup before eating for added freshness.

This traditional Indonesian dish is rich in flavor and perfect for warming up any mealtime. Serve it as a comforting soup on its own or alongside steamed rice for a hearty meal that captures the essence of Indonesian home cooking.