Spicy Indonesian Yellow Chicken with Basil

Ayam Kemangi Bumbu Kuning Pedas (Spicy Chicken with Basil in Yellow Sauce)

Ingredients

For the Chicken:

• 500 grams of chicken, cut into pieces
• Juice of 2 limes (for marinating)

For the Spice Paste:

• 12 bird’s eye chilies
• 1 curly red chili
• 1 clove garlic
• 4 shallots
• 2 candlenuts
• 3 cm turmeric

Additional Ingredients:

• 1 stalk lemongrass, bruised
• 1 bay leaf
• 1 pandan leaf (optional)
• 1 turmeric leaf (optional)
• 2 kaffir lime leaves
• 1 small tomato, chopped
• Fresh basil leaves, to taste
• Salt, sugar, and seasoning powder, to taste

Instructions

1. Prepare the Chicken:

   • Cut the chicken into pieces and wash thoroughly.
   • Marinate the chicken pieces with the lime juice for 15 minutes to remove any unwanted smell. After marinating, rinse the chicken again and set aside.

2. Prepare the Spice Paste:

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   • Chop the tomato and set aside.
   • Bruise the lemongrass and set aside.
   • Dry roast or char the candlenuts over a stove flame until they release their aroma and set aside.
   • Using a mortar and pestle or a food processor, blend the bird’s eye chilies, curly red chili, garlic, shallots, candlenuts, and turmeric into a smooth paste.

3. Cook the Dish:

   • Heat a small amount of oil in a pan over medium heat.
   • Sauté the spice paste until fragrant, then add the bruised lemongrass, chopped tomato, bay leaf, pandan leaf (if using), turmeric leaf (if using), and kaffir lime leaves. Stir-fry until the mixture becomes aromatic.
   • Add the chicken pieces to the pan and stir until the chicken is well-coated with the spices.
   • Pour in enough water to cover the chicken, and bring to a boil.
   • Season with salt, sugar, and seasoning powder to taste. Once the mixture boils, reduce the heat and simmer.
   • As the sauce thickens, add the fresh basil leaves and stir occasionally.
   • Continue to simmer until the sauce has thickened and the chicken is fully cooked.
   • Taste and adjust the seasoning if necessary.
   • Remove from heat and serve hot.

This dish, Ayam Kemangi Bumbu Kuning Pedas, is a delightful combination of spicy, aromatic flavors with the freshness of basil, perfect for any meal. Enjoy!