Ayam Cabe Ijo: Spicy Green Chili Chicken
Indulge in the vibrant and flavorful essence of Ayam Cabe Ijo, a beloved Indonesian dish that brings together tender chicken with a fiery green chili sauce. This dish promises a rich and aromatic experience with a blend of green chilies, fragrant herbs, and spices. Perfect for those who crave a bit of heat and a burst of flavor, this recipe will make a delightful addition to any meal. Follow the steps below to create a deliciously spicy and satisfying Ayam Cabe Ijo.
Ingredients:
- 1 whole chicken, cut into 10-12 pieces
- 12 green chilies
- 2 bird’s eye chilies
- 7 cloves garlic
- 9 shallots
- 3 roasted candlenuts
- 3 green tomatoes
- 1 thumb-sized piece of galangal, smashed
- 2 stalks lemongrass, smashed
- 3 bay leaves
- 5 kaffir lime leaves
- Sugar, salt, and pepper, to taste
- Oil for frying and sautéing
Instructions:
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Prepare the Chicken: Clean the chicken pieces thoroughly, then season them with salt and pepper. Let the chicken marinate for about 1 hour. Heat oil in a pan and fry the chicken until it is about 75% cooked. Remove and set aside.
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Cook the Vegetables: In a separate pot, bring water to a boil and add the green chilies, bird’s eye chilies, green tomatoes, shallots, and garlic. Boil until the vegetables are soft, then drain and set aside.
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Prepare the Spice Paste: Combine the boiled vegetables with the roasted candlenuts in a food processor or mortar and pestle. Grind the mixture into a coarse paste.
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Sauté the Spices: In the same pan used for frying the chicken, add a little of the residual oil. Sauté the spice paste until it becomes fragrant and the color changes. Add the lemongrass, galangal, bay leaves, and kaffir lime leaves. Continue cooking until the spices are well blended.
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Combine and Cook: Add the partially fried chicken to the pan with the spice mixture. Stir well to ensure the chicken is evenly coated with the spices. Cook for a few more minutes until the chicken is cooked through and the flavors are well absorbed.
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Season and Serve: Adjust the seasoning with sugar, salt, and pepper to taste. Once the chicken is tender and the flavors have melded together, your Ayam Cabe Ijo is ready to be served. Enjoy this flavorful dish with steamed rice or your favorite side dishes.
This Ayam Cabe Ijo recipe captures the essence of Indonesian cuisine with its spicy kick and aromatic spices. It’s sure to become a favorite at your dinner table!