Ayam Cabe Ijo: A Spicy Green Chili Chicken Delight
This recipe for Ayam Cabe Ijo, a popular Indonesian dish, features tender chicken bathed in a fragrant green chili sauce that balances spiciness with savory flavors. Perfect for those who crave a fiery kick in their meals, this dish combines simple ingredients with an easy-to-follow method. Here’s how to create this delectable meal:
Ingredients:
- 1 kg chicken, cut into 8 pieces
- 8 large green chilies
- 5 small green bird’s eye chilies (optional, for extra heat)
- 1 green tomato
- 2 shallots
- 3 cloves garlic
- Seasoning or flavor enhancer (to taste)
- Sugar (to taste)
- Cooking oil
Instructions:
-
Prepare the Chicken:
Begin by cleaning the chicken pieces thoroughly. Once cleaned, cook the chicken using your preferred method until tender. Typically, this involves simmering the chicken until it’s cooked through and ready for the next steps. -
Fry the Chicken:
After cooking, remove the chicken from the heat and drain it well. Next, heat oil in a frying pan and fry the chicken pieces until they turn golden brown. Once fried, set the chicken aside on a paper towel to absorb any excess oil. -
Prepare the Green Chili Sauce:
While the chicken is frying, prepare the green chili sauce. In a saucepan, boil the large green chilies, small green chilies (if using), green tomato, shallots, and garlic until they are soft. Once cooked, drain the vegetables and use a mortar and pestle or food processor to crush them. Aim for a coarse texture, as this will add a pleasant chunkiness to the sauce. If you prefer extra heat, you can add a few red bird’s eye chilies to the mix. -
Cook the Sauce:
In the same frying pan used for the chicken, add a little oil if necessary. Pour in the coarsely ground chili mixture and sauté until it becomes aromatic. Adjust the flavor with seasoning or flavor enhancer and a bit of sugar to taste, balancing the heat with a touch of sweetness. -
Combine and Serve:
Add the fried chicken pieces to the pan with the chili sauce. Stir well to ensure that the chicken is evenly coated with the sauce. Cook briefly to allow the flavors to meld together. Taste and adjust the seasoning if needed. -
Enjoy:
Once everything is well combined and heated through, remove from heat. Serve hot and enjoy this spicy and flavorful Ayam Cabe Ijo, which pairs wonderfully with steamed rice or as a part of a larger Indonesian meal spread.
This dish is a treat for those who love bold flavors and a spicy kick. With its rich and savory sauce and crispy chicken, Ayam Cabe Ijo is sure to become a favorite in your recipe collection. Enjoy your culinary adventure with this delightful Indonesian classic!
