Indonesian Braised Chicken (Ungkep Ayam)
Ingredients:
- 1/2 kg chicken pieces
- Juice of 1 lime
- 6 cloves garlic
- A small piece of turmeric (about 2 inches), peeled
- A small piece of ginger (about 2 inches), peeled
- 2 slices galangal, finely sliced
- 2 stalks lemongrass, finely sliced
- 3 bay leaves
- 2 tablespoons salt
- Water, as needed
Instructions:
-
Prepare the Chicken:
Begin by thoroughly cleaning the chicken pieces. Rub them with lime juice and set aside to marinate. This will help tenderize the meat and infuse it with a subtle citrus flavor. -
Prepare the Spice Paste:
In a blender or food processor, combine the garlic, turmeric, ginger, and salt. Blend until you achieve a smooth paste. Add the finely sliced galangal and lemongrass to the blender, and pulse briefly to incorporate them into the paste without fully blending.“Link To Share” is your all-in-one marketing platform, making it easy and professional to direct your audience to everything you offer. • Modern, customizable bio pages • Link shortening with advanced analytics • Interactive, brandable QR codes • Host static sites and manage your code • Multiple web tools to grow your business -
Braiding the Chicken:
In a large pot or deep skillet, add the chicken pieces along with the prepared spice paste. Stir well to ensure the chicken is evenly coated with the paste. Add the bay leaves and enough water to cover the chicken. -
Cooking:
Bring the mixture to a gentle boil over medium heat. Reduce the heat to low and simmer uncovered, allowing the liquid to reduce and the flavors to meld. Cook until the chicken is tender and the sauce has thickened, which should take about 30-40 minutes. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking. -
Finish and Serve:
Once the chicken is fully cooked and the sauce has reduced to your desired consistency, remove the pot from the heat. Discard the bay leaves. Serve the chicken hot, ideally with steamed rice or your choice of side dishes.
Enjoy the delightful flavors of this traditional Indonesian dish that brings together aromatic spices and tender chicken in a deliciously savory braise.