Bumbu Ungkep Ayam: A Flavorful Indonesian Chicken Recipe
Bumbu Ungkep Ayam is a cherished Indonesian dish known for its rich and aromatic spices. This recipe involves marinating chicken with a blend of spices and herbs, then slow-cooking it to perfection. The result is a flavorful chicken dish that can be enjoyed right away or stored for later use. Here’s how to make it:
Ingredients:
- 1/2 kg chicken (cut into pieces)
- 2 bay leaves
- 1 stalk lemongrass (bruised)
- 1 piece galangal (sliced)
- 1 packet tamarind paste
- Spice Blend:
- 4 shallots
- 3 cloves garlic
- 2 pieces ginger (sliced)
- 2 tablespoons turmeric powder
- Salt and sugar to taste
Instructions:
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Prepare the Spice Blend:
- In a food processor or mortar and pestle, blend the shallots, garlic, and ginger into a smooth paste.
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Combine Ingredients:
- Place the chicken pieces in a large pot or Dutch oven. Add the blended spice mixture, bay leaves, lemongrass, galangal, and tamarind paste.
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Season and Simmer:
- Sprinkle in the turmeric powder, salt, and sugar. Add a small amount of water to help the spices coat the chicken evenly. Stir everything together to ensure the chicken is well coated with the spices.
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Cook the Chicken:
- Cover the pot and cook on a low heat, allowing the chicken to simmer gently. Cook until the chicken is tender and the flavors have melded together, and the liquid has reduced slightly.
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Finish Cooking:
- Once the chicken is well-cooked and the spices have been absorbed, turn off the heat. Remove the pot from the stove.
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Cool and Store:
- Transfer the chicken to an airtight container. You can either fry the chicken immediately or store it in the refrigerator for later use.
This Bumbu Ungkep Ayam is perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or can be prepared ahead of time for a future meal. Enjoy this dish with steamed rice or as part of a larger Indonesian feast.
