Spicy Indonesian Chicken Tongseng with Cauliflower

Ayam Tongseng: A Rich and Spicy Indonesian Delight

Ingredients:

• 1/2 kg chicken, cut into small pieces
• 1/2 head of cauliflower, cut into florets
• 2 large green chilies, sliced diagonally
• 5 stalks green onions, sliced
• 5-8 bird’s eye chilies, sliced in half diagonally
• 1 tsp coriander seeds
• 1 tsp white pepper
• 3 candlenuts
• 5 shallots
• 2 cloves garlic
• 7 curly red chilies
• 2 stalks lemongrass, bruised
• 500 cc coconut milk
• Water, as needed
• Cooking oil, for sautéing
• 1 tbsp soy sauce
• 1 tbsp sweet soy sauce
• Salt, sugar, and chicken stock seasoning (Masako), to taste

Instructions:

1. Prepare the Chicken:
   Begin by boiling the chicken pieces in water until they are fully cooked. This step helps to remove excess blood and impurities. After boiling, drain the chicken and set aside. The chicken should be boiled for about 15 minutes.

2. Prepare the Spice Paste:
   In a blender or food processor, grind together the coriander seeds, white pepper, and candlenuts. Once finely ground, add the shallots, garlic, and curly red chilies. Blend until you achieve a smooth paste.

3. Sauté the Spices:
   Heat a sufficient amount of cooking oil in a large pan over medium heat. Add the spice paste and the bruised lemongrass. Sauté until fragrant, adding a little water if the mixture starts to dry out.

4. Combine Chicken and Spices:
   Add the pre-cooked chicken pieces to the pan, stirring well to ensure the spices are evenly distributed and the chicken is coated with the spice mixture.

5. Add Coconut Milk:
   Pour in the coconut milk and stir to combine. Bring the mixture to a boil. If the sauce appears too thick, you can add a bit of water to achieve your desired consistency. Be careful not to let the coconut milk become too thick.

6. Season the Dish:
   Stir in the soy sauce, sweet soy sauce, salt, sugar, and chicken stock seasoning (Masako) to taste. Adjust the seasoning as needed.

7. Add Vegetables:
   Finally, add the cauliflower florets, sliced green chilies, and green onions to the pan. Stir well and cook until the cauliflower is tender and the flavors have melded together.

8. Serve:
   Once everything is well-cooked and seasoned, transfer the Ayam Tongseng to a serving dish. Enjoy this hearty and flavorful dish with steamed rice.

This recipe for Ayam Tongseng brings together aromatic spices, tender chicken, and creamy coconut milk for a truly satisfying meal. Perfect for any occasion, it’s a delightful addition to your culinary repertoire.