Spicy Indonesian Chicken Soup with Fresh Vegetables

Spicy Chicken Soup (Sop Ayam Pedas)

A beloved Indonesian dish, Spicy Chicken Soup (Sop Ayam Pedas) is a warm and comforting recipe that combines tender chicken with a medley of vegetables and a flavorful blend of spices. Perfect for a cozy meal, this dish offers a delightful kick of heat balanced by the subtle sweetness and savory undertones of its ingredients.

Ingredients:

• 400 grams chicken, cut into pieces and cleaned
• 1 carrot, diced
• 4 green beans, diced
• 1 stalk celery, chopped
• 1 stalk scallion, finely chopped
• 3 whole red bird’s eye chilies

Seasonings:

• 2 bouillon cubes
• Salt, to taste
• Granulated sugar, to taste
• Black pepper, to taste
• 3 coarse-ground red bird’s eye chilies

Spice Paste:

• 1 large garlic clove
• 2 shallots
• 1 candlenut

Instructions:

1. Prepare the Chicken: In a large pot, bring water to a boil and add the chicken pieces. Boil until the chicken is cooked through. Discard the first batch of water, then replace with fresh water and bring to a boil again.

2. Cook the Spice Paste: While the chicken is cooking, prepare the spice paste. Blend the garlic, shallots, and candlenut until smooth.

3. Sauté the Spice Paste: In a separate pan, heat a small amount of oil and sauté the spice paste until fragrant.

4. Combine Ingredients: Add the sautéed spice paste to the pot with the chicken. Stir well to combine.

5. Add Vegetables: Incorporate the diced carrot, green beans, celery, and whole red chilies into the pot. Mix thoroughly.

6. Season the Soup: Add the bouillon cubes, salt, sugar, black pepper, and the coarse-ground red bird’s eye chilies. Adjust the seasoning to taste.

7. Simmer: Allow the soup to simmer until all the vegetables are tender and the flavors meld together.

8. Finish and Serve: Once the soup has reached the desired flavor and consistency, remove from heat. Serve hot, garnished with chopped scallions.

This Spicy Chicken Soup is perfect for a hearty meal, offering a rich, savory base with just the right amount of heat. Enjoy the warm flavors and comforting texture of this Indonesian classic.