Spicy Indonesian Chicken Stew with Coconut Milk and Cabbage

Tongseng Ayam: A Flavorful Indonesian Chicken Stew

Tongseng Ayam is a delicious Indonesian chicken stew that combines tender pieces of chicken with aromatic spices and rich coconut milk. This recipe features a savory blend of spices, herbs, and vegetables, making it a delightful addition to any meal. Here’s a step-by-step guide to creating this flavorful dish that’s sure to impress your family and friends.

Ingredients:

• 1/2 chicken, cut into small pieces (fillets can also be used)
• 1/4 medium cabbage, roughly chopped
• 1 can instant coconut milk (Kara brand)
• 1 medium green tomato, sliced
• 1 stalk lemongrass
• 2 kaffir lime leaves
• 2 bay leaves
• A piece of galangal
• Soy sauce, to taste
• Water, as needed
• Oil, for sautéing
• Salt, sugar, and seasoning, to taste

For the Spice Paste:

• A pinch of black pepper
• 1/2 teaspoon coriander seeds
• 2 candlenuts
• 4 cloves garlic
• 5 shallots
• 2 red chilies
• A small piece of turmeric

Instructions:

1. Prepare the Spice Paste:

   • In a blender or food processor, combine the black pepper, coriander seeds, candlenuts, garlic, shallots, red chilies, and turmeric. Blend until smooth to create a fragrant spice paste.

2. Sauté the Spices:

   • Heat a generous amount of oil in a large pan over medium heat. Add the spice paste and sauté until the mixture becomes aromatic and starts to dry out, about 5-7 minutes.

3. Add Aromatics:

   • Bruise the lemongrass stalk and add it to the pan along with the galangal. Tear the kaffir lime leaves and bay leaves and add them to the pan as well. Stir to combine.

4. Incorporate Liquids:

   • Pour in enough water to cover the chicken, and then add the instant coconut milk. Stir well to mix the ingredients.

5. Season the Stew:

   • Season with salt, sugar, and a splash of soy sauce. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat and let it simmer for about 10 minutes. Adjust the seasoning to taste.

6. Cook the Chicken:

   • If desired, briefly pre-cook the chicken by boiling it and draining the water before adding it to the pan. Add the chicken pieces to the simmering stew and cook until the chicken is tender and the flavors meld, about 15-20 minutes.

7. Add Vegetables:

   • Add the sliced green tomato and chopped cabbage to the pan. Continue to cook until the vegetables are tender and the stew has thickened slightly, about 10 more minutes.

8. Finish and Serve:

   • Once everything is cooked through and the flavors have developed, remove the pan from heat. Serve the Tongseng Ayam hot, garnished with additional fresh herbs if desired.

Enjoy this rich and comforting Indonesian stew with steamed rice or your favorite side dishes. Tongseng Ayam is a hearty and satisfying meal that brings a taste of Indonesia to your table. Happy cooking! 😊