Spicy Indonesian Basil Chicken (Ayam Rica-Rica Kemangi)

Ayam Rica-Rica Kemangi Pedes Nampol: A Spicy and Aromatic Indonesian Chicken Dish

Ingredients:

• 1/4 chicken breast, cut into pieces
• 1 stalk lemongrass (white part only, thinly sliced)
• 1 tomato
• 2 red chilies
• Ground black pepper to taste
• 15 bird’s eye chilies (adjust to taste)
• Coriander seeds
• Kaffir lime leaves
• 1 thumb-sized piece of turmeric
• Ginger
• Galangal
• 4 shallots
• 4 cloves garlic
• Sugar
• Salt
• 1 bunch of basil leaves (plucked from the stems)
• 1 bay leaf
• A pinch of seasoning (optional, use MSG or other preferred seasoning)
• Water as needed
• Cooking oil

Instructions:

1. Prepare the Chicken: Clean the chicken breast thoroughly and cut it into bite-sized pieces. Season with salt and rub with sliced garlic and kaffir lime leaves to eliminate any unpleasant odor. Let it marinate for a few minutes.

2. Blend the Spice Paste: In a mortar and pestle or a food processor, blend together shallots, garlic, tomato, turmeric, red chilies, bird’s eye chilies, black pepper, coriander seeds, galangal, ginger, and kaffir lime leaves (torn into small pieces for easier blending) until you achieve a smooth paste.

3. Cook the Spices: Heat cooking oil in a pan over medium heat. Add the spice paste and sauté until the mixture becomes fragrant and the oil begins to separate. Be careful not to burn the paste.

4. Add Lemongrass and Bay Leaf: Add the sliced lemongrass and bay leaf to the pan. Continue cooking for a few minutes until the lemongrass becomes aromatic.

5. Add the Chicken: Incorporate the marinated chicken pieces into the pan. Stir well to coat the chicken with the spice mixture.

6. Simmer: Pour in enough water to cover the chicken. Add a pinch of seasoning or MSG if using. Adjust salt and sugar to taste. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce heat and let it simmer until the chicken is tender and cooked through, and the flavors meld together.

7. Finish with Basil: Once the chicken is cooked and the sauce has thickened to your liking, add the basil leaves. Stir gently to combine and let the basil wilt slightly. This will enhance the aroma without making the basil too wilted.

8. Serve: Turn off the heat and transfer the Ayam Rica-Rica Kemangi Pedes Nampol to a serving dish. Enjoy this flavorful and aromatic dish with steamed rice.

This recipe presents a delightful blend of spicy, aromatic, and savory elements that are characteristic of Indonesian cuisine, making it a perfect choice for a robust and satisfying meal.