Savory Indonesian Chicken Stew with Coconut and Tomatoes

Tongseng Ayam: A Flavorful Indonesian Chicken Stew

Tongseng Ayam is a delightful Indonesian chicken stew that melds rich, aromatic spices with tender chicken pieces, fresh vegetables, and a hint of sweetness. This dish, with its balance of savory, sweet, and spicy notes, is a perfect representation of Indonesian cuisine’s vibrant flavors. Here’s how you can make this comforting and flavorful meal at home.

Ingredients

• Chicken:

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  • 250 grams of chicken breast (dada ayam)

• Vegetables:

  • 1 red tomato (tomat merah)
  • 1 green tomato (tomat hijau)
  • A handful of cabbage leaves (daun kol)

• Spice Paste (Bumbu Halus):

  • 5 shallots (bawang merah)
  • 2 cloves of garlic (bawang putih)
  • 1 teaspoon coriander seeds (ketumbar)
  • 3 candlenuts (kemiri)
  • 1-inch piece of turmeric root (kunyit)
  • 1-inch piece of ginger (jahe)

• Additional Seasonings:

  • 1 stalk lemongrass (serai), bruised
  • 2 bay leaves (daun salam)
  • 2 kaffir lime leaves (daun jeruk)
  • 1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper (merica bubuk)
  • 75 ml coconut milk (santan)
  • 1/2 liter water
  • Sugar and salt, to taste
  • Sweet soy sauce (kecap manis), to taste

Instructions

1. Prepare the Chicken:

   • Wash the chicken breast thoroughly and squeeze some lime juice over it to remove any unpleasant odors. Cut the chicken into pieces according to your preference.

2. Make the Spice Paste:

   • Blend together the shallots, garlic, coriander seeds, candlenuts, turmeric, and ginger until smooth.

3. Prepare the Vegetables:

   • Slice the cabbage into rough pieces and cut the tomatoes into quarters.

4. Cook the Spice Paste:

   • In a pan, heat a little oil and sauté the spice paste until it is dry and aromatic. Add the kaffir lime leaves, bay leaves, ground black pepper, and salt. Continue to cook until the spices are fragrant.

5. Add Chicken and Simmer:

   • Add the chicken pieces to the pan and stir briefly to coat them with the spice paste. Pour in the water and bring it to a boil. Let it simmer until the chicken is tender and cooked through. Adjust the sweetness with sugar and the savory flavor with sweet soy sauce.

6. Add Vegetables and Coconut Milk:

   • Once the chicken is nearly cooked, add the tomato quarters and cabbage pieces. Stir and let the mixture come to a boil again. Pour in the coconut milk and stir well. Allow it to simmer until the vegetables are tender and the flavors meld together.

7. Final Touches:

   • Taste and adjust the seasoning as needed. The dish should be balanced with a combination of sweet, savory, and spicy notes.

8. Serve:

   • Serve the Tongseng Ayam hot, paired with steamed rice or as part of a larger meal. Enjoy this rich and comforting stew that beautifully showcases the flavors of Indonesian cuisine!

This Tongseng Ayam recipe is a delicious and satisfying option for any meal. Its blend of spices and coconut milk creates a savory and aromatic dish that’s perfect for sharing with family and friends.