Spicy Indonesian Chicken Rica-Rica with Thai Basil

Ayam Rica-Rica Daun Kemangi: A Flavorful Indonesian Delight

Ingredients:

• 500 grams chicken, cut into bite-sized pieces
• 1 handful fresh kemangi leaves (Thai basil)
• 1 stalk lemongrass, thinly sliced
• 5 cm turmeric leaf, thinly sliced
• 5 cm pandan leaf, thinly sliced
• 3 kaffir lime leaves, thinly sliced
• 1 piece ginger, smashed
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1 teaspoon granulated sugar
• Enough oil for frying
• 100 ml water
• Juice of 1 lime (for marinating the chicken)

For the Spice Paste:

• 8 red chilies
• 10 bird’s eye chilies
• 7 shallots
• 4 cloves garlic
• 3 candlenuts

Instructions:

1. Marinate the Chicken:

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   • Begin by marinating the chicken pieces in lime juice and salt for 10 minutes. This not only tenderizes the chicken but also imparts a delightful tang.

2. Fry the Chicken:

   • Heat oil in a pan over medium heat. Fry the marinated chicken until it is half-cooked. Remove and set aside.

3. Prepare the Spice Paste:

   • While the chicken is frying, blend the red chilies, bird’s eye chilies, shallots, garlic, and candlenuts into a smooth paste.

4. Cook the Spices:

   • In the same pan used for frying the chicken, add a bit more oil if necessary. Sauté the spice paste until it becomes fragrant and the oil starts to separate from the paste.

5. Add Aromatics:

   • Incorporate the sliced turmeric leaf, kaffir lime leaves, pandan leaf, and lemongrass into the pan. Stir well to combine with the spice paste.

6. Combine Chicken and Seasonings:

   • Add the half-cooked chicken to the pan. Stir to coat the chicken evenly with the spice mixture. Season with salt and granulated sugar.

7. Simmer:

   • Pour in the water and let the mixture simmer until the liquid reduces and the chicken is fully cooked. The sauce should thicken and become more flavorful.

8. Add Kemangi Leaves:

   • Just before serving, stir in the fresh kemangi leaves. This will add a burst of aromatic freshness to the dish.

9. Serve:

   • Serve hot, ideally with steamed rice. Enjoy the complex flavors and fragrant aromas of this traditional Indonesian dish.

This Ayam Rica-Rica Daun Kemangi is a vibrant and spicy dish that beautifully blends the bold flavors of Indonesian cuisine with the fresh, herbal notes of kemangi. Perfect for an adventurous palate, it’s sure to be a hit at any meal!