Spicy Indonesian Chicken Delight (Ayam Pedas)

Ayam Pedas (Spicy Chicken)

Ingredients:

• 1/2 chicken, cut into pieces
• 6 cloves garlic
• 6 shallots
• 20 bird’s eye chilies (cabe rawit)
• 1 tablespoon shrimp paste (terasi)
• 3 candlenuts (kemiri)
• 1 tomato
• 1 large chili (cabe besar)
• Cooking oil, as needed
• Sugar, to taste
• Salt, to taste
• 3 bay leaves (daun salam)
• Water, as needed

Instructions:

1. Prepare the Chicken:
   Begin by thoroughly washing the chicken pieces. Place them in a pot and cover with water. Boil until the chicken is cooked through. Once boiled, remove the chicken and fry it in hot oil until it is half-cooked and golden brown. Set aside.

2. Make the Spice Paste:
   While waiting for the chicken to boil, prepare the spice paste. In a blender or food processor, combine garlic, shallots, bird’s eye chilies, large chili, candlenuts, shrimp paste, tomato, sugar, and salt. Blend until smooth.

3. Cook the Spice Paste:
   Heat a generous amount of oil in a large pan over medium heat. Add the blended spice paste and bay leaves. Sauté until the mixture becomes aromatic and the oil starts to separate from the paste.

4. Combine and Simmer:
   Add some of the chicken broth (the water used to boil the chicken) to the pan, stirring to combine with the spice paste. Bring the mixture to a boil. Add the fried chicken pieces to the pan. Continue cooking until the chicken is well-coated with the spice paste and the sauce has reduced to your desired consistency.

5. Adjust Seasoning:
   Taste the dish and adjust the seasoning with additional salt or sugar if needed. Continue to cook until the chicken is tender and the flavors have melded together.

6. Serve:
   Serve your Ayam Pedas hot, ideally enjoyed with a side of rice, and perfect for a cozy meal, especially on a rainy day.

Enjoy this vibrant and spicy chicken dish, where the balance of heat and seasoning creates a truly delightful and comforting meal.