Spiced Indonesian Grilled Chicken in Banana Leaves (Pepes Ayam Bakar)

Pepes Ayam Bakar Recipe: A Delightful Indonesian Chicken Dish

Indulge in the rich and aromatic flavors of Pepes Ayam Bakar, a traditional Indonesian recipe that brings together the essence of chicken, aromatic herbs, and spices, wrapped in banana leaves and cooked to perfection. This dish is a fantastic example of Indonesian cuisine’s intricate and flavorful nature, offering a tantalizing experience with every bite. Below is a detailed guide to preparing this delectable dish.

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Ingredients:

• 1 whole chicken (cleaned and briefly boiled, then drained)
• Banana leaves (enough to wrap the chicken)
• 1 bunch of basil leaves (picked)
• 2 stalks of green onions (chopped into large pieces)
• 1 tomato (chopped)
• 2 bay leaves
• 2 stalks of lemongrass (bruised)
• 1 cm galangal (bruised)
• 1 cm ginger (bruised)

For the Spice Paste:

• 1 piece of turmeric (about 1-inch)
• 1 cm kencur (aromatic root, if available)
• 1 tablespoon coriander seeds
• 5 shallots
• 3 cloves garlic
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper

Instructions:

1. Prepare the Spice Paste:

   • Begin by preparing the spice paste. Peel and chop the turmeric, kencur (if using), shallots, and garlic.
   • Toast the coriander seeds in a dry pan until fragrant, then grind them into a fine powder.
   • Blend or grind the turmeric, kencur, shallots, garlic, and black pepper into a smooth paste. Set aside.

2. Sauté the Spice Paste:

   • Heat a little oil in a pan over medium heat. Add the prepared spice paste and sauté until it releases a fragrant aroma, about 5-7 minutes.
   • Add the bay leaves, lemongrass, galangal, and ginger to the pan. Stir well to combine and cook for another 2-3 minutes.

3. Season the Chicken:

   • Add palm sugar (or brown sugar) and salt to taste. Stir well, allowing the seasoning to fully integrate with the spice paste.
   • Add the boiled chicken to the pan, stirring to coat the chicken evenly with the spice mixture. Cook until the chicken is well-seasoned, then turn off the heat.

4. Add Fresh Herbs:

   • Mix in the basil leaves and green onions, ensuring they are evenly distributed. Allow the mixture to sit for 30-60 minutes to let the flavors meld.

5. Wrap and Steam:

   • Cut the banana leaves into large squares. Place a portion of the spiced chicken mixture onto each banana leaf square.
   • Fold the banana leaves to wrap the chicken securely, creating a neat parcel. Tie with kitchen twine if needed.
   • Steam the wrapped chicken in a preheated steamer over boiling water for approximately 30-45 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and infused with the aromatic spices.

6. Final Preparation:

   • Once steamed, the Pepes Ayam Bakar can be served immediately or further enhanced by grilling or frying for a crispy exterior.

Serve your Pepes Ayam Bakar with steamed rice or enjoy it on its own as a flavorful, aromatic dish that showcases the essence of Indonesian culinary tradition. This dish not only tantalizes the taste buds but also offers a glimpse into the rich and diverse world of Indonesian cuisine. Enjoy the wonderful blend of spices and herbs wrapped in fragrant banana leaves, making every bite a delightful experience.