Indonesian Spicy Chicken Soup with Cauliflower and Red Beans

Spicy Chicken Soup (Sup Ayam Pedas)

Indulge in the vibrant and comforting flavors of Spicy Chicken Soup, a delightful Indonesian dish known as Sup Ayam Pedas. This hearty soup combines tender chicken with a medley of vegetables, red beans, and aromatic spices, creating a rich, spicy broth that’s perfect for warming up on a cool day.

Ingredients

• 500 grams chicken (preferably with skin for added richness)
• 2 medium potatoes, diced
• 2 carrots, sliced into rounds
• 1/2 head of cauliflower, cut into small florets
• 1 handful red beans (pre-cooked for about 1 hour)
• Spring onions, chopped (for garnish)
• Celery, chopped (for garnish)
• Fried shallots (for garnish)

For the Spice Paste:

• 5 cloves garlic
• 3 shallots
• 3 candlenuts (kemiri)
• 5 bird’s eye chilies (adjust to taste)
• 1 packet of pre-ground black pepper (or freshly ground pepper)
• A small piece of nutmeg
• Salt and sugar to taste
• 3 tablespoons cooking oil (for sautéing)

Instructions

1. Prepare the Chicken:

   • In a large pot, boil the chicken pieces until the fat is rendered out and the chicken is cooked through. This initial boiling helps to create a rich, flavorful broth.

2. Cook the Vegetables:

   • Add the diced potatoes to the pot and cook until they are halfway tender.
   • Once the potatoes start to soften, add the sliced carrots and pre-cooked red beans. Continue to cook until the carrots and beans are tender.
   • Next, stir in the cauliflower florets and cook until they are just tender.

3. Make the Spice Paste:

   • In a blender or food processor, combine garlic, shallots, candlenuts, bird’s eye chilies, black pepper, and nutmeg. Blend into a smooth paste.
   • Heat the cooking oil in a pan over medium heat. Add the spice paste and sauté until fragrant and the oil starts to separate from the paste.

4. Combine and Simmer:

   • Pour the sautéed spice paste into the pot with the chicken and vegetables. Stir well to incorporate the paste into the broth.
   • Season with salt and sugar to taste. Adjust the seasoning as needed, considering how spicy you want the soup to be.

5. Final Touches:

   • Add chopped spring onions, celery, and fried shallots into the pot for added flavor and texture.
   • Allow the soup to simmer for a few more minutes to meld all the flavors together.

6. Serve:

   • Taste the soup one final time and adjust the seasoning if necessary.
   • Serve the Spicy Chicken Soup hot, garnished with additional spring onions, celery, and fried shallots.

Enjoy this comforting and spicy soup, perfect for warming up on a chilly evening or for serving at gatherings. The rich broth and flavorful spices make each spoonful a delightful experience.