Savory Indonesian Chicken Curry with Aromatic Herbs

Chicken Curry with Coconut Milk (Kare Ayam No Santan)

This delectable Chicken Curry, or Kare Ayam No Santan, is a fragrant and flavorful dish that captures the essence of traditional Indonesian cuisine. With a rich blend of spices and aromatic herbs, it makes for a comforting and satisfying meal. Follow these steps to prepare a delightful chicken curry without coconut milk, ideal for any occasion.

Ingredients:

• 500 grams chicken (cut into pieces)

For the Spice Paste:

• 7 shallots
• 3-4 cloves garlic
• 1 thumb-sized piece turmeric
• 1 thumb-sized piece ginger
• 1 large red chili
• 5 small red chilies (bird’s eye chilies)
• 5 candlenuts
• 1 teaspoon ground black pepper
• 2 teaspoons ground coriander
• 2 tablespoons cooking oil

For the Spice Mix:

• 3 kaffir lime leaves
• 5 bay leaves
• 2 stalks lemongrass (bruised)
• 2 cm galangal (bruised)
• Salt and sugar to taste

Instructions:

1. Prepare the Chicken:

   • Clean the chicken pieces thoroughly and set aside.

2. Make the Spice Paste:

   • Blend the shallots, garlic, turmeric, ginger, red chili, bird’s eye chilies, and candlenuts into a smooth paste.

3. Cook the Spice Paste:

   • Heat the cooking oil in a large pot over medium heat. Sauté the spice paste until it becomes aromatic and slightly browned.

4. Add the Spice Mix:

   • Add the kaffir lime leaves, bay leaves, lemongrass, and galangal to the pot. Stir for a few minutes to release their flavors.

5. Cook the Chicken:

   • Add the chicken pieces to the pot and cook until they start to change color.

6. Simmer:

   • Pour in approximately 1.5 liters of water. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat and simmer until the chicken is fully cooked and tender.

7. Season:

   • Add salt and sugar to taste. Adjust the seasoning according to your preference.

8. Final Touches:

   • Taste the curry and make any necessary adjustments. Turn off the heat when the flavors are well-balanced and the curry has thickened slightly.

9. Serve:

   • Transfer the chicken curry to a serving dish and enjoy hot with steamed rice or your favorite side dishes.

This Chicken Curry without coconut milk offers a unique take on a classic dish, providing a hearty and aromatic experience with each bite. Enjoy the complex flavors and satisfying textures that make this dish a standout in any meal.