Spicy Chicken Nasi Bakar with Candlenuts in Banana Leaves

Spicy Nasi Bakar with Chicken and Candlenuts (Nasi Bakar Pedas Ayam Kemiri)

Ingredients:

• 1 chicken breast (or thighs, as preferred)
• 3 shallots
• 2 cloves garlic
• 8 bird’s eye chilies
• 1 candlenut
• 1/2 stalk scallions
• 1 plate of cooked white rice
• 2 sheets banana leaves

Instructions:

1. Prepare the Chicken:

   • Clean the chicken breast thoroughly and cut it into bite-sized cubes. If you prefer, you can use chicken thighs or any other part of the chicken.

2. Prepare the Aromatics:

   • Roughly chop the shallots, garlic, bird’s eye chilies, and scallions.

3. Make the Spice Paste:

   • In a mortar and pestle or blender, grind the shallots, garlic, bird’s eye chilies, and candlenut into a smooth paste.

4. Cook the Chicken:

   • Heat a sufficient amount of oil in a pan over medium heat. Add the ground spice paste and cook until fragrant.
   • Add the chopped scallions and continue to sauté until they are tender.
   • Add the chicken pieces to the pan. Season with salt, sugar, pepper, and chicken bouillon powder to taste. Stir well and cook until the chicken is fully cooked and the flavors are well combined. Once done, set aside.

5. Prepare the Banana Leaves:

   • Clean the banana leaves and lightly char them over an open flame or in a hot pan until they are softened and pliable. This step prevents the leaves from tearing when wrapping.

6. Assemble the Nasi Bakar:

   • Lay out the banana leaves and place a portion of cooked rice on top of each leaf.
   • Spoon the cooked chicken mixture over the rice.
   • Fold the banana leaves over the rice and chicken to form a tight packet, similar to wrapping lontong (rice cake). Secure the ends with toothpicks.

7. Grill the Nasi Bakar:

   • Preheat your grill or oven. Place the banana leaf packets on the grill or in the oven.
   • Grill or bake for about 15 minutes, or until the banana leaves are slightly charred and fragrant. The aroma should be enticing, and the edges of the banana leaves may appear charred.

8. Serve:

   • Carefully remove the packets from the grill or oven. Unwrap the banana leaves and transfer the nasi bakar to a serving plate.
   • Garnish with fried shallots and fresh parsley or cilantro.

9. Enjoy:

   • Serve the nasi bakar warm. Enjoy this delightful and spicy dish with a side of fresh vegetables or pickles. Remember to savor every bite and say “alhamdulillah” in appreciation of this delicious meal. 😊😊

Experience the unique flavors of Indonesian cuisine with this spicy and aromatic nasi bakar. Perfect for a special dinner or to impress your guests with something truly extraordinary!