Spicy Basil Chicken with Carrots and Chilies

Ayam Jerit Pedas Kemangi: Spicy Basil Chicken

Ingredients:

• 1/2 kg chicken, pre-cooked
• 1 bunch of basil leaves (kemangi)
• 2 carrots, grated
• 5 red chili peppers
• 30 bird’s eye chilies (cabe rawit)
• 6 shallots
• 4 cloves garlic
• 2 tomatoes
• 1 cm ginger
• 1 cm kencur (aromatic ginger-like root)
• 1 piece of galangal, smashed
• 3 kaffir lime leaves
• 2 bay leaves
• Sugar, to taste
• Salt, to taste
• Black pepper, to taste
• Seasoning, to taste

Instructions:

1. Prepare the Chicken: Begin by frying the pre-cooked chicken until it is golden and crispy. Once done, shred or lightly pound the chicken to ensure it absorbs the flavors well.

2. Make the Spice Paste: Blend together the shallots, garlic, tomatoes, ginger, kencur, red chili peppers, and bird’s eye chilies into a smooth paste.

3. Cook the Paste: Heat some oil in a pan and sauté the blended spice paste with the kaffir lime leaves, bay leaves, and smashed galangal. Cook until the mixture becomes fragrant.

4. Combine Ingredients: Add a splash of water to the pan, then introduce the shredded chicken and grated carrots. Stir well to combine.

5. Add Basil: Incorporate the basil leaves into the mixture. Allow the dish to simmer until the spices are well absorbed by the chicken and the carrots are tender.

6. Season to Taste: Adjust the flavor by adding sugar, salt, black pepper, and seasoning as desired.

7. Serve: Once the flavors are well melded and the chicken is fully cooked, the dish is ready to be served. Enjoy this spicy and aromatic basil chicken with your favorite side dishes.

Enjoy Your Meal!