Indonesian Ginger Chicken with Lemongrass and Kaffir Lime Leaves

Ayam Acar Jahe: A Flavorful Indonesian Ginger Chicken

Ingredients:

• Chicken: 1/2 kg (about 1 lb)
• For the Spice Paste:
  • 10 shallots
  • 4 cloves garlic
  • 4 cm (about 1.5 inches) ginger
  • 2 cm (about 0.8 inches) turmeric
  • 7 candlenuts (kemiri)
  • 10 chilies (adjust according to your spice preference)
• Additional Ingredients:
  • 3 stalks lemongrass
  • 5 kaffir lime leaves
  • 1 bay leaf
  • Sugar (to taste)
  • Salt (to taste)
  • Chicken bouillon (Masako) (to taste)
  • 2 stalks green onions (daun bawang), chopped
  • Cooking oil
  • Water

Instructions:

1. Prepare the Chicken: Clean the chicken thoroughly and rub it with lime juice. Let it marinate for a few minutes to enhance flavor and reduce any gamey taste.

2. Make the Spice Paste: Blend the shallots, garlic, ginger, turmeric, candlenuts, and chilies into a smooth paste. You can use a food processor or traditional mortar and pestle for this.

3. Cook the Spice Paste: Heat a generous amount of cooking oil in a large pan over medium heat. Add the spice paste and sauté until fragrant and the oil begins to separate from the paste.

4. Add Aromatics: Toss in the lemongrass, kaffir lime leaves, and bay leaf. Continue to cook for a couple more minutes to release their flavors.

5. Add the Chicken: Place the marinated chicken into the pan. Stir well to coat the chicken with the spice mixture.

6. Simmer: Add a little water to the pan, enough to cover the chicken halfway. Reduce the heat to low and cover the pan. Let the chicken simmer gently, stirring occasionally, until it is cooked through and tender. This should take about 30 to 40 minutes, depending on the size of the chicken pieces. Add water as needed to keep the chicken partially submerged and to achieve your desired sauce consistency.

7. Season: Once the chicken is nearly done, add sugar, salt, and chicken bouillon to taste. Adjust the seasoning according to your preference.

8. Finish and Serve: Stir in the chopped green onions. Allow the dish to cook for another minute. Taste and adjust seasoning if needed. Turn off the heat and let the chicken sit for a minute before serving.

9. Adjust Sauce Consistency: The amount of sauce can be adjusted based on your preference. If you like it thicker, reduce the amount of water and let it cook down. For a lighter sauce, add more water.

Serving Suggestion: Serve Ayam Acar Jahe hot with steamed rice and a side of fresh vegetables or a simple salad. Enjoy the vibrant and aromatic flavors of this classic Indonesian dish!

This recipe brings a touch of Indonesian cuisine to your kitchen, with its rich blend of spices and aromatic ingredients. Perfect for those who love a flavorful, spice-infused meal!