Spicy Indonesian Chicken Stew (Mangut Ayam)

Mangut Ayam Recipe: Indonesian Spicy Chicken Stew

Ingredients:

• 1/4 chicken, cut into pieces
• 1 bunch of basil leaves, stems removed
• 1/2 package of Kara coconut milk
• 2 bay leaves
• 1 stalk of lemongrass, bruised
• 2 kaffir lime leaves
• Salt, sugar, and MSG to taste
• Tamarind paste, to taste
• Water, as needed
• Cooking oil for sautéing

For the Spice Paste:

• 1/2 teaspoon coriander seeds
• 1 thumb-sized piece of ginger
• 2 cloves of garlic
• 2 shallots
• 1 thumb-sized piece of turmeric
• 2 candlenuts

Instructions:

1. Prepare the Spice Paste: Begin by grinding the coriander seeds, ginger, garlic, shallots, turmeric, and candlenuts into a fine paste. You can use a mortar and pestle or a blender for this step.

2. Sauté the Spice Paste: Heat a generous amount of cooking oil in a large pan over medium heat. Add the spice paste and sauté until fragrant and the oil begins to separate from the paste.

3. Add Aromatics: Incorporate the bay leaves, lemongrass, and kaffir lime leaves into the pan. Continue to sauté until the aromatic flavors are well combined with the spice paste.

4. Tamarind Paste and Water: Stir in the tamarind paste, then pour in enough water to cover the chicken pieces. Bring the mixture to a simmer.

5. Add Chicken: Carefully add the chicken pieces to the pan. Season with salt, sugar, and MSG to taste. Allow the mixture to simmer until the chicken is cooked through and tender.

6. Incorporate Coconut Milk: Once the chicken is cooked, stir in the Kara coconut milk. Continue to simmer, stirring occasionally, until the coconut milk is well incorporated and does not separate.

7. Finish with Basil: Add the basil leaves just before turning off the heat. Let the stew cook for a few more minutes until the basil is wilted but still vibrant.

8. Serve: Remove the pan from the heat and serve the Mangut Ayam hot. Enjoy this flavorful Indonesian chicken stew with steamed rice.

This Mangut Ayam recipe captures the essence of Indonesian comfort food with its aromatic spices and creamy coconut milk. Perfect for a hearty meal that will tantalize your taste buds!