Indonesian Sweet Soy Braised Chicken (Ayam Semur Kecap)

Ayam Semur Kecap: A Delicious Indonesian Braised Chicken Recipe

Indulge in the rich and savory flavors of Ayam Semur Kecap, a traditional Indonesian dish featuring tender chicken braised in a sweet and aromatic soy sauce. This comforting recipe combines the warmth of spices with the subtle sweetness of kecap manis, a classic Indonesian soy sauce. Perfect for a family dinner or special occasion, this dish is sure to impress with its vibrant flavors and hearty ingredients. Here’s how to create this delightful meal:

Ingredients:

• 1 kg chicken (cut into pieces)
• 1 kg potatoes (peeled and cut into chunks)
• 2 stalks green onions (sliced)
• 2 tomatoes (sliced)
• 1 thumb-sized piece of ginger (crushed)
• 2-3 cardamom pods
• 2 star anise (pekak)
• Salt to taste
• Sweet soy sauce (kecap manis) to taste

For the Spice Paste:

• 8 shallots
• 4 cloves garlic
• 1 teaspoon black pepper
• 1 nutmeg seed
• 3 red chilies

Instructions:

1. Prepare the Ingredients:

   • Clean the chicken pieces and potatoes thoroughly. Season them with a pinch of salt.
   • Heat oil in a pan and fry the chicken and potato chunks until they are cooked through and golden brown. Set aside.

2. Make the Spice Paste:

   • In a blender or food processor, combine shallots, garlic, black pepper, nutmeg, and red chilies. Blend until you have a smooth paste.

3. Cook the Spice Paste:

   • In a large pan, heat a bit of oil and sauté the spice paste over medium heat until it becomes aromatic and starts to release its oils.

4. Combine Ingredients:

   • Add the fried chicken and potatoes to the pan with the spice paste. Mix well to coat them with the paste.
   • Add the sliced tomatoes, green onions, crushed ginger, cardamom pods, star anise, and sweet soy sauce. Stir to combine.
   • Pour in a little water to help the ingredients cook evenly. Stir to mix, making sure all the components are well-coated with the spices.

5. Simmer the Dish:

   • Cover the pan with a lid and let it simmer on low heat. This allows the flavors to meld and the chicken to become tender. Stir occasionally and check if additional water is needed to maintain the desired consistency.

6. Final Adjustments:

   • Once the sauce has reduced and thickened slightly, taste and adjust the seasoning with additional salt or kecap manis if needed.

7. Serve:

   • Once the chicken and potatoes are tender and the sauce has a rich, savory flavor, remove from heat. Serve hot with steamed rice or as part of a larger meal.

Enjoy your homemade Ayam Semur Kecap, a dish that brings together the essence of Indonesian cuisine with a delightful blend of spices and sweet soy sauce. Perfect for a cozy meal or to share with friends and family. Bon appétit!