Ayam Acar Tomat: A Flavorful Indonesian Chicken Delight
Ingredients:
- 1/2 kg chicken, cut into pieces
- 6 shallots, peeled
- 3 cloves garlic, peeled
- 5 candlenuts
- 1/2 teaspoon ground coriander
- 1 thumb-sized piece of turmeric, peeled
- 1 thumb-sized piece of ginger, peeled
- 1 stalk lemongrass, bruised
- 1 bay leaf
- 5 kaffir lime leaves
- 15 small red chilies
- 2 tomatoes, cut into wedges
- 500 cc water
- 2 tablespoons cooking oil
- Salt and seasoning to taste
Instructions:
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Prepare the Chicken: Cut the chicken into bite-sized pieces and wash thoroughly. Set aside.
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Blend the Spices: In a blender or food processor, combine shallots, garlic, candlenuts, ground coriander, turmeric, and ginger. Blend until smooth, creating a fragrant spice paste.
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Prepare the Vegetables: Cut the tomatoes into wedges and leave the red chilies whole. Set aside.
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Cook the Spice Paste: Heat the cooking oil in a large pan over medium heat. Add the blended spice paste to the pan. Sauté until the spices are fragrant and the oil starts to separate from the paste.
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Add Aromatics: Once the spice paste is aromatic, add the bruised lemongrass, bay leaf, kaffir lime leaves, and continue to sauté for a few more minutes.
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Cook the Chicken: Add the chicken pieces to the pan. Stir well to coat the chicken with the spice paste and cook until the chicken changes color.
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Simmer the Dish: Pour in the water and add salt and seasoning to taste. Add the tomato wedges and whole red chilies. Stir to combine.
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Simmer and Serve: Allow the mixture to simmer until the chicken is tender and the liquid has reduced slightly, creating a thick, flavorful sauce.
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Final Touches: Taste and adjust seasoning if necessary. Serve hot with steamed rice or as desired.
This Ayam Acar Tomat is a beautifully balanced dish, combining aromatic spices, tender chicken, and the tangy flavor of tomatoes, creating a satisfying and flavorful meal. Enjoy this Indonesian classic that brings a burst of flavor to your table!
