Soto Ayam Lamongan
Soto Ayam Lamongan is a vibrant and aromatic Indonesian chicken soup, renowned for its rich flavors and comforting qualities. This traditional dish features tender chicken simmered in a fragrant broth with a blend of spices, accompanied by a variety of fresh garnishes. Perfect for a cozy meal, Soto Ayam Lamongan is both hearty and flavorful. Here’s how you can recreate this beloved dish at home.
Ingredients:
- 1/2 whole chicken
- 2 stalks lemongrass, bruised
- 1 thumb-sized piece of ginger, bruised
- 1 thumb-sized piece of galangal, bruised
- 2 stalks green onions, chopped
- For the spice paste:
- 10 shallots
- 5 garlic cloves
- 2 cm turmeric root
- 4 candlenuts
- For serving:
- 1 packet of rice vermicelli (bihun) or bean thread noodles (soun)
- Sliced cabbage
- Bean sprouts
Instructions:
-
Prepare the Chicken:
Begin by boiling the chicken in a pot of water for about 10 minutes. Afterward, drain the chicken and discard the water. Refill the pot with fresh water and bring it to a boil. Add the chicken pieces to the boiling water. -
Make the Spice Paste:
While the chicken is cooking, prepare the spice paste. Blend the shallots, garlic, turmeric root, and candlenuts into a smooth paste. -
Cook the Spice Paste:
Heat some oil in a pan over medium heat. Add the spice paste along with the bruised lemongrass, ginger, and galangal. Sauté until fragrant and the paste is well-cooked. -
Combine and Simmer:
Transfer the sautéed spice paste to the pot of boiling chicken. Season the broth with salt, pepper, and seasoning (such as chicken bouillon or seasoning powder). Allow it to simmer for approximately 20 minutes, or until the chicken is fully cooked and tender. Remove the chicken from the pot and set it aside. -
Fry the Chicken:
Once the chicken has cooled slightly, shred it into bite-sized pieces. Heat some oil in a separate pan and fry the shredded chicken until it becomes crispy and golden brown. Remove and drain the excess oil. -
Prepare the Garnishes:
Soak the rice vermicelli (bihun) or bean thread noodles (soun) in hot water until they are soft. Additionally, briefly blanch the sliced cabbage and bean sprouts in boiling water. Drain and set aside. -
Serve:
In individual bowls, place a portion of the soaked noodles, blanched cabbage, and bean sprouts. Top with the shredded, crispy chicken. Ladle the hot Soto Ayam broth over the ingredients in each bowl. Garnish with a boiled egg, if desired. -
Enjoy:
Serve the Soto Ayam Lamongan hot, and enjoy the deliciously aromatic and comforting flavors of this traditional Indonesian soup.
This Soto Ayam Lamongan recipe offers a delightful culinary experience that captures the essence of Indonesian comfort food. The blend of spices, tender chicken, and fresh garnishes create a satisfying meal that’s perfect for any occasion. Enjoy every spoonful of this fragrant and flavorful soup!