Indonesian Soto Ayam: Aromatic Chicken Soup with Coconut and Spice

Soto Ayam: A Flavorful Indonesian Chicken Soup

Ingredients:

• 1 whole chicken
• 2 bay leaves
• 4-5 kaffir lime leaves (adjust according to preference)
• 2 stalks lemongrass, bruised
• 5 cm cinnamon stick
• 500 ml coconut milk
• Sugar and salt to taste
• Ground black pepper to taste

For the Spice Paste:

• 10 shallots
• 5 cloves garlic
• 4 curly red chilies
• 3 red bird’s eye chilies (adjust for desired spiciness)
• 4 candlenuts, toasted
• 2 tsp coriander seeds
• 2 cm ginger
• 2 cm roasted turmeric
• 2 cm galangal

For Garnishing:

• Fried shallots
• Chopped scallions
• Tomato wedges
• Emping (if available)

Instructions:

1. Prepare the Chicken:

   • Clean the chicken thoroughly, removing excess fat. Place the chicken in a pot with enough water to cover it. Bring to a boil and cook for 15 minutes. Discard the water and refill the pot with fresh water. Continue cooking the chicken until it is fully cooked and tender. Remove from the pot and set aside.

2. Make the Spice Paste:

   • Blend the shallots, garlic, red chilies, bird’s eye chilies, candlenuts, coriander seeds, ginger, roasted turmeric, and galangal into a smooth paste.

3. Cook the Spices:

   • Heat some oil in a pan over medium heat. Add the spice paste and sauté until fragrant. Add the bay leaves, kaffir lime leaves, bruised lemongrass, and cinnamon stick. Continue to cook until the spices are well blended and aromatic.

4. Combine and Simmer:

   • Return the cooked chicken to the pot and add the sautéed spice mixture. Season with sugar, salt, and ground black pepper to taste. Stir well and bring to a boil. Reduce the heat and simmer for a few minutes.

5. Add Coconut Milk:

   • Pour in the coconut milk, stirring to combine. Allow the soup to simmer until the flavors meld together and the soup is heated through. Taste and adjust seasoning if needed.

6. Serve:

   • Ladle the Soto Ayam into bowls. Garnish with fried shallots, chopped scallions, tomato wedges, and emping (if using). Serve hot with steamed rice on the side.

Enjoy the rich, aromatic flavors of this traditional Indonesian Soto Ayam, perfect for a comforting meal any day of the week!