Spicy Indonesian Rica Rica Chicken

Ingredients:

• For the Chicken:

  • 1 kg chicken, cut into small pieces
  • Cooking oil, as needed for blending

• For the Spice Paste:

  • 20-25 red bird’s eye chilies (adjust to taste)
  • 7 large red chilies (adjust to taste)
  • 7 shallots
  • 2 cloves garlic
  • 3 candlenuts
  • 2 cm galangal
  • 2 cm ginger
  • 3 cm turmeric
  • 1 tomato

• For the Additional Ingredients:

  • 2 stalks lemongrass
  • 4 kaffir lime leaves
  • Thinly sliced lime leaves, as needed
  • 1 pandan leaf, tied in a knot
  • 1-2 handfuls of basil leaves
  • 1 handful of chopped spring onions
  • 1 tsp soy sauce
  • Sugar, to taste
  • Salt, to taste
  • Flavor enhancer (optional)
  • 300-400 ml water

Instructions:

1. Prepare the Chicken:

   • Heat oil in a pan over medium heat. Fry the chicken pieces until they are half-cooked. Remove the chicken from the pan and set it aside.

2. Make the Spice Paste:

   • Blend together the bird’s eye chilies, large red chilies, shallots, garlic, candlenuts, galangal, ginger, turmeric, and tomato with just enough oil to facilitate blending. This will create a smooth spice paste.

3. Cook the Spice Paste:

   • In a clean pan, heat a bit of oil. Sauté the spice paste until it becomes fragrant. Add the lemongrass, kaffir lime leaves, and pandan leaf. Continue to sauté until the spices are aromatic and the oil begins to separate.

4. Combine Ingredients:

   • Add the partially cooked chicken to the pan. Stir well to coat the chicken with the spice paste. Pour in the water and stir to combine. Season with sugar, salt, and a flavor enhancer if using. Allow the mixture to simmer until the water reduces slightly.

5. Finish the Dish:

   • Add the basil leaves and chopped spring onions. Stir until the herbs are well mixed and the leaves are wilted. Remove from heat.

6. Serve:

   • Transfer the Rica Rica Ayam to a serving dish. Enjoy this aromatic and spicy Indonesian chicken dish with steamed rice.

This Rica Rica Ayam brings the vibrant flavors of Indonesia to your table with its aromatic spice paste and fresh herbs. Perfect for a comforting meal or to impress your guests with a taste of Indonesian cuisine!