Ayam Kecap Ulalaaa: A Savory Indonesian Delight
Ingredients:
- 500 grams chicken, cut into pieces
- Sweet soy sauce (kecap manis), to taste
- Salt, to taste
- 2 bay leaves
- 3 cm galangal, sliced
- For the spice paste:
- 3 shallots
- 2 garlic cloves
- 2 candlenuts
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 2 cm turmeric
- 1 cm ginger
Instructions:
-
Prepare the Chicken:
Begin by washing the chicken pieces thoroughly. Pat them dry with a paper towel. -
Fry the Chicken:
Heat a generous amount of oil in a pan over medium heat. Fry the chicken pieces until they are half-cooked and slightly golden. Remove the chicken from the pan and set aside to drain excess oil. -
Cook the Spice Paste:
In the same pan, add 2-3 tablespoons of oil. Once the oil is hot, add the prepared spice paste ingredients—shallots, garlic, candlenuts, black pepper, turmeric, and ginger. Sauté the spices until they become aromatic and the shallots turn translucent. -
Simmer the Dish:
Pour in enough water to cover the spice paste. Bring to a boil and let it simmer for a few minutes to meld the flavors. -
Add the Chicken:
Once the water is boiling, add the fried chicken pieces to the pan. Stir in the sweet soy sauce (kecap manis), salt, and a pinch of sugar. Add the bay leaves and galangal slices. Adjust the seasoning according to your taste. -
Cook to Perfection:
Allow the mixture to simmer on low heat until the sauce thickens and reduces to a glossy consistency. This should take about 15-20 minutes. Make sure to stir occasionally to prevent the dish from sticking to the pan. -
Serve and Enjoy:
Once the sauce has thickened to your liking and the chicken is cooked through, remove from heat. Serve hot and enjoy your delectable Ayam Kecap Ulalaaa with steamed rice or your favorite side dishes.
This recipe brings the rich, savory flavors of Indonesian cuisine to your table, combining the sweetness of kecap manis with the aromatic spices for a truly delightful dish. Enjoy every bite of this flavorful chicken recipe! 😊
