Spicy Indonesian Turmeric Chicken Wings

Ingredients:

• 4 chicken wings
• 3 shallots
• 5 red chilies
• 1 turmeric root
• 6 bird’s eye chilies
• 2 cloves of garlic
• 1 packet of chicken seasoning (like Royco)
• 1 tsp salt
• 1 tbsp granulated sugar
• A pinch of ground black pepper
• Lemongrass
• 3 bay leaves
• Sweet soy sauce (kecap manis)
• Sufficient water
• Garnish:
  • Tomato
  • Curly lettuce
  • Cucumber
  • Thai basil leaves

Instructions:

1. Prepare the Chicken:

   • Clean and wash the chicken wings. In a pot, boil the chicken with salt, chicken seasoning (Royco), and turmeric until fully cooked. Drain the chicken, reserving the broth for later use.

2. Fry the Chicken:

   • Heat oil in a frying pan and fry the boiled chicken wings until they are golden brown. Set aside.

3. Prepare the Spice Paste:

   • In a mortar and pestle or a food processor, grind together shallots, red chilies, turmeric, bird’s eye chilies, and garlic until it forms a smooth paste.

4. Cooking the Ayam Rica-Rica:

   • Heat some oil in a pan over medium heat. Sauté the spice paste until fragrant and cooked through. Add lemongrass and bay leaves.

5. Combine and Simmer:

   • Add the fried chicken wings to the pan. Pour in enough reserved chicken broth to cover the chicken. Season with granulated sugar, salt, ground black pepper, and sweet soy sauce. Stir well to combine and adjust seasoning to taste.

6. Serve:

   • Once the sauce thickens and the flavors have melded together, your Ayam Rica-Rica is ready to be served. Garnish with slices of tomato, curly lettuce, cucumber, and Thai basil leaves for a fresh touch.

Enjoy this spicy and flavorful Indonesian dish, perfect with steamed rice or as part of a larger meal.