Spicy Indonesian Chicken Bothok Wrapped in Banana Leaves

Spicy Chicken Bothok (Ketopad)

This flavorful Indonesian dish, known as Bothok Ayam Pedas, combines tender chicken with aromatic spices and coconut milk, wrapped in banana leaves and steamed to perfection. Perfect for those who love bold flavors and traditional cooking techniques, this recipe provides a delicious and unique culinary experience.

Ingredients:

• 300 grams chicken breast
• 100 grams chicken skin
• 1 egg
• 1 packet of Kara coconut milk
• For the spice paste:
  • 7 cloves garlic
  • 5 shallots
  • 1/2 thumb-sized piece of turmeric
  • 1/2 thumb-sized piece of galangal
  • 1/2 thumb-sized piece of ginger
  • 1/2 thumb-sized piece of kencur (a type of aromatic ginger)
  • 5 bird’s eye chilies
  • 2 large chilies
  • 3 candlenuts
  • 1/2 teaspoon ground coriander
  • To taste: shrimp paste
  • To taste: salt, Royco seasoning (or other all-purpose seasoning), and Diabetasol (a sugar substitute)
  • Oil for sautéing
  • Bay leaves
  • Banana leaves
  • Toothpicks or kitchen twine

Instructions:

1. Prepare the Spice Paste:

   • Blend all the ingredients for the spice paste—garlic, shallots, turmeric, galangal, ginger, kencur, bird’s eye chilies, large chilies, candlenuts, and ground coriander—until smooth. Add shrimp paste to taste.

2. Cook the Spice Paste:

   • Heat oil in a pan over medium heat. Sauté the blended spice paste until fragrant. Once the paste is aromatic, remove from heat and set aside.

3. Prepare the Chicken Mixture:

   • In a large bowl, mix the chicken breast and chicken skin. Add the sautéed spice paste and stir well to combine. Incorporate the coconut milk and egg, mixing thoroughly. Season with salt, Royco seasoning, and Diabetasol to taste. Adjust seasoning according to preference.

4. Wrap the Bothok:

   • Cut banana leaves into squares large enough to hold a portion of the chicken mixture. Clean and wipe the banana leaves to remove any excess moisture.
   • Place 2 tablespoons of the chicken mixture onto each banana leaf square. Add a bay leaf on top of the mixture. Fold the banana leaf around the filling and secure with toothpicks or kitchen twine.

5. Steam the Bothok:

   • Arrange the wrapped bothok in a steamer. Steam over boiling water for approximately 30 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and the flavors have melded together.

6. Cool and Serve:

   • Once done, remove the bothok from the steamer and allow it to cool slightly. Unwrap and serve hot.

Enjoy the rich, spicy flavors of Bothok Ayam Pedas with steamed rice or as a savory snack. This dish is perfect for those who appreciate the intricate flavors of traditional Indonesian cuisine.