Indonesian Tongseng Ayam: Spiced Chicken and Cabbage Curry

Tongseng Ayam Recipe

Ingredients

For Gulai Ayam (Chicken Curry):

• Chicken, cut into small cubes or pieces (as needed)
• 5 shallots
• 2 garlic cloves
• 1 thumb-sized piece of ginger
• 1 thumb-sized piece of turmeric
• 4 candlenuts (kemiri)
• A pinch of white pepper
• Galangal, bruised
• Lemongrass, bruised
• Bay leaves
• Kaffir lime leaves
• Salt
• Sugar
• 1/2 packet of Kara coconut milk

Additional Ingredients for Tongseng:

• Cabbage (as needed)
• 3 tomatoes
• Ground white pepper
• Sweet soy sauce (kecap manis)

Instructions

For Gulai Ayam (Chicken Curry):

1. Prepare the Spice Paste:

   • Blend the shallots, garlic, ginger, turmeric, candlenuts, and white pepper into a smooth paste.

2. Cook the Spice Paste:

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   • Heat a little oil in a large pan or wok over medium heat.
   • Sauté the spice paste until fragrant, approximately 5-7 minutes.
   • Add the bruised lemongrass and galangal, continuing to sauté for another 2-3 minutes.
   • Incorporate the bay leaves and kaffir lime leaves into the mix.

3. Cook the Chicken:

   • Add the chicken pieces to the pan, stirring to coat them evenly with the spice paste.
   • Pour in the coconut milk and enough water to cover the chicken.
   • Season with salt and sugar to taste.
   • Simmer over low heat until the chicken is fully cooked and the liquid has reduced by half, ensuring to stir occasionally. Adjust the seasoning as necessary.

For Tongseng:

4. Add Tomatoes and Adjust Seasoning:

   • Slice the tomatoes and add them to the cooked chicken.
   • Pour in a bit more water if needed to achieve a saucier consistency.
   • Add sweet soy sauce, a bit more sugar, salt, and ground white pepper to taste. Adjust the flavors as needed.

5. Add Cabbage:

   • Chop the cabbage into bite-sized pieces and add it to the pan.
   • Cook just until the cabbage is wilted but still slightly crunchy, ensuring it doesn’t become too soft.

6. Serve:

   • Serve the Tongseng Ayam hot with steamed rice, and enjoy the rich, aromatic flavors of this Indonesian dish.

This Tongseng Ayam combines the rich and creamy elements of traditional Indonesian gulai with the fresh crunch of cabbage and the tanginess of tomatoes, making it a delightful and hearty meal that’s perfect for any occasion. Enjoy this delicious recipe that brings the authentic taste of Indonesia to your kitchen!