Spicy Indonesian Chicken and Tofu with Fresh Basil

Ayam Tahu Kemangi (Chicken and Tofu with Basil)

Delve into the flavors of traditional Indonesian cuisine with this delightful recipe for Ayam Tahu Kemangi, a savory dish featuring tender chicken, crispy tofu, and aromatic basil. Perfect for a comforting meal, this recipe combines simple ingredients with rich flavors to create a dish that’s both satisfying and easy to prepare.

Ingredients:

• 4 pieces of chicken (cut into desired pieces)
• 4 blocks of firm tofu (cubed)
• 4 cloves of garlic
• 4 shallots
• 1 candlenut (kemiri)
• 1 stalk of lemongrass (bruised)
• ½ inch piece of turmeric (fresh or use turmeric powder if unavailable)
• 1 thumb-sized piece of galangal (sliced)
• 1 bunch of basil leaves (kemangi)
• 1 pack of coconut milk (santan kara)
• Salt to taste
• Seasoning powder to taste

Steps:

1. Prepare the Chicken:

   • Clean the chicken pieces thoroughly. Cut them into the desired size and wash well. Boil the chicken in water for about 10 minutes to remove excess blood. Drain and set aside.

2. Fry the Tofu:

   • Heat oil in a pan and fry the cubed tofu until golden brown and crispy. Remove and drain on paper towels.

3. Prepare the Spice Paste:

   • Blend together the garlic, shallots, turmeric, and candlenut until smooth.

4. Sauté the Spices:

   • In a large pan, heat some oil and sauté the spice paste until fragrant. Add the bruised lemongrass and sliced galangal, cooking until aromatic.

5. Combine Ingredients:

   • Pour in the coconut milk and add a bit of water if needed. Stir to combine and bring to a simmer.
   • Add the pre-boiled chicken to the pan and cook until the chicken is tender and fully cooked.

6. Add the Tofu:

   • Gently add the fried tofu cubes into the pan with the chicken. Stir well to coat the tofu with the sauce.

7. Season and Garnish:

   • Add the basil leaves, salt, and seasoning powder to taste. Stir until the basil wilts and the flavors are well combined.

8. Serve:

   • Taste and adjust the seasoning if necessary. Serve hot with steamed rice, sambal (chili sauce), and crispy crackers for a complete meal.

Enjoy the aromatic and flavorful Ayam Tahu Kemangi, a dish that brings the essence of Indonesian home cooking to your table. Whether for a family dinner or a special occasion, this recipe is sure to delight with its combination of tender chicken, crispy tofu, and fragrant basil.