Indonesian Tauco Chicken Stew with Spicy Chilies and Aromatic Herbs

Ayam Tauco: Savory Indonesian Chicken Stew

Ingredients:

• 500 grams chicken thighs, cut into bite-sized pieces
• 1 tablespoon tauco (fermented soybeans)
• 1/2 cup brown sugar
• Salt and white sugar, to taste
• 2 tablespoons sweet soy sauce (kecap manis)
• 1 green tomato, chopped
• 4 red curly chilies, sliced
• 10 green chilies, sliced
• 2 bay leaves
• 2 inches ginger, smashed
• 2 inches galangal, smashed
• 1/2 large onion, chopped coarsely
• 4 shallots, chopped
• 3 cloves garlic, chopped
• Spice paste:
  • 2 cloves garlic
  • 1 teaspoon ground black pepper
  • 1 teaspoon turmeric powder
  • Salt, to taste
• Cooking oil

Instructions:

1. Prepare the Chicken: Rinse the chicken pieces thoroughly. Optionally, you can rub them with vinegar and let them sit for 15 minutes before rinsing again. Blend the spices for the paste. If preferred, you can pre-cook the chicken by boiling it first and discarding the water before coating it with the spice paste. Let the chicken sit with the spice paste for about 15 minutes.

2. Fry the Chicken: Heat oil in a pan over medium heat. Fry the chicken pieces until they are half-cooked. Set aside.

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3. Prepare the Vegetables and Aromatics: Finely chop the shallots and garlic. Slice the red and green chilies, and chop the green tomato.

4. Cook the Aromatics: In the same pan, add a bit more oil if needed. Sauté the chopped shallots and garlic until fragrant.

5. Add Sweeteners and Seasonings: Incorporate brown sugar, white sugar, and salt into the pan. Stir until the sugars dissolve.

6. Combine Chicken and Seasonings: Add the partially cooked chicken to the pan. Pour in a small amount of water to help the flavors meld. Mix in the tauco and sweet soy sauce (kecap manis). Stir well and add more water if needed.

7. Simmer and Add Vegetables: Once the seasonings start to blend, add the green tomato, sliced chilies, and chopped onion. Adjust seasoning as needed. Allow the mixture to simmer until the sauce thickens and the chicken is fully cooked, absorbing the flavors.

8. Final Adjustments: Taste the stew and adjust salt, sugar, or additional spices as necessary.

9. Serve: Garnish with fresh herbs if desired and serve hot with steamed rice. Enjoy the rich, savory flavors of this traditional Indonesian dish!

This Ayam Tauco recipe brings together a delightful combination of fermented soybeans, aromatic spices, and tender chicken, creating a hearty and flavorful dish that’s perfect for a comforting meal.