Spicy Indonesian Basil Chicken (Ayam RicaRica Kemangi)

Ingredients

• 1/2 kg chicken thighs, cut into small pieces
• Spice Paste:
  • 8 shallots
  • 6 cloves garlic
  • 1 tsp shrimp paste (terasi)
  • 4 red chilies
  • 2 small chilies (add more if you prefer spicier)
  • Salt, to taste
  • Sugar, to taste
  • 2 candlenuts
• Additional:
  • Kemangi (Asian basil)
  • Curry leaves
  • Kaffir lime leaves
  • 1 stalk lemongrass, bruised
  • 1 segment galangal, bruised

Steps:

1. Heat oil in a pan, sauté the spice paste until fragrant.
2. Add lemongrass, kaffir lime leaves, and curry leaves, sauté until aromatic.
3. Pour in 2 cups of water and bring to a boil.
4. Add the chicken pieces, cook until halfway done.
5. Stir in kemangi (Asian basil) and continue cooking until the chicken is tender and cooked through.
6. Serve hot with steamed rice.

Instructions

1. Prepare the Spice Paste: In a pan, heat a bit of oil and sauté the shallots, garlic, shrimp paste, red chilies, small chilies, salt, sugar, and candlenuts until they release their aroma and turn golden brown.

2. Infuse with Aromatic Herbs: Introduce lemongrass, kaffir lime leaves, and curry leaves to the pan, sautéing until their fragrance becomes pronounced.

3. Add Water and Simmer: Pour two cups of water into the mixture and bring it to a boil, allowing the flavors to meld together.

4. Incorporate the Chicken: Add the chicken pieces to the pan and cook them until they are half-cooked.

5. Infuse with Kemangi: Stir in the Asian basil (kemangi) to impart its aromatic essence into the dish.

6. Cook Until Tender: Continue cooking until the chicken is thoroughly cooked and tender.

7. Serve: Plate the Ayam RicaRica Kemangi hot, ideally paired with steamed rice for a delightful meal.

This Ayam RicaRica Kemangi recipe offers a perfect blend of spicy and aromatic flavors, enhanced by the freshness of kemangi and the fragrance of traditional Indonesian herbs. Enjoy the rich taste of this dish that brings a taste of Indonesia to your table!