Tongseng Ayam
Tongseng Ayam is a delightful Indonesian chicken stew that’s rich in flavor and brimming with aromatic spices. This recipe combines tender chicken with a vibrant medley of vegetables and a harmonious balance of sweet and savory notes, making it a comforting and satisfying dish. Here’s how you can recreate this delicious meal in your own kitchen:
Ingredients
- Chicken: 1/2 chicken, cut into bite-sized pieces
- Cabbage: Enough to your preference, sliced
- Tomato: 1 large tomato, cut into 8 wedges
- Bird’s Eye Chili: To taste, whole
- Sweet Soy Sauce: 1 tablespoon
- Granulated Sugar: 1/2 tablespoon
- Salt: 1/2 teaspoon
- Spring Onions: To taste, sliced
- Water: 200 ml
Additional Ingredients:
- Onion: 1 large, thinly sliced or finely chopped
- Bay Leaves: 1 leaf
- Kaffir Lime Leaves: 2 leaves
- Lemongrass: 1 stalk, bruised
Spice Paste:
- Shallots: 5 cloves
- Garlic: 4 cloves
- Coriander Seeds: 1/2 tablespoon
- Candlenuts: 3 pieces
- Turmeric: 1 small piece
- Ginger: 1 small piece
Instructions
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Prepare the Spice Paste: Start by blending the shallots, garlic, coriander seeds, candlenuts, turmeric, and ginger into a smooth paste. You can use a mortar and pestle or a food processor for this step.
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Cook the Aromatics: Heat a generous amount of oil in a large pot or pan over medium heat. Add the sliced or chopped onion, bay leaves, kaffir lime leaves, and bruised lemongrass. Sauté until the onions become translucent and aromatic.
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Sauté the Spice Paste: Add the prepared spice paste to the pot. Cook it for a few minutes until the paste is fragrant and the oil starts to separate.
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Add the Chicken: Incorporate the chicken pieces into the pot. Sauté briefly, allowing the chicken to absorb the flavors of the spice paste.
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Simmer: Pour in the water, then add the salt, sugar, and sweet soy sauce. Stir well to combine all the ingredients. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat and let it simmer until the chicken is cooked through and tender.
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Add Vegetables: Once the chicken is tender, add the whole bird’s eye chilies, sliced cabbage, tomato wedges, and sliced spring onions. Stir to combine everything evenly.
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Final Adjustments: Cook for a few more minutes until the vegetables are slightly softened but still crisp. Taste and adjust the seasoning if necessary.
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Serve: Serve the Tongseng Ayam hot, garnished with extra sliced spring onions if desired. It pairs beautifully with steamed rice or a side of crusty bread.
Enjoy this flavorful Tongseng Ayam as a hearty and comforting meal that will transport your taste buds to the vibrant streets of Indonesia.
