Spicy Sweet Indonesian Chicken (Ayam Pedas Manis)

Ayam Pedas Manis: A Flavorful Indonesian Delight

Discover the tantalizing flavors of Ayam Pedas Manis, an Indonesian favorite that perfectly marries sweet and spicy elements. This dish is characterized by its rich, savory sauce, a harmonious blend of spices, and a satisfying, crispy texture. Follow this comprehensive guide to create an authentic Ayam Pedas Manis right in your kitchen.

Ingredients:

• 1/2 whole chicken, cut into 8 pieces
• Cooking oil, for frying
• Tamarind sauce, to taste
• Sweet soy sauce, to taste
• 60-80 ml water

For the spice paste:

• 3 shallots
• 5 cloves garlic
• 3 candlenuts
• 1/2 tablespoon coriander seeds
• 12 small red chilies (adjust to taste)
• 3 large red chilies (optional, for extra heat and color)

For additional seasoning:

• Palm sugar, to taste (optional)

Instructions:

1. Prepare the Chicken:
   Start by thoroughly washing the chicken pieces under cold water. In a large pot, bring water to a boil and add the chicken. Allow it to simmer until the chicken is just cooked through. Remove the chicken from the pot and discard the cooking water. Pat the chicken pieces dry with paper towels and briefly fry them in hot oil until they are golden brown and crispy. Set aside.

2. Prepare the Spice Paste:
   For the spice paste, finely grind the shallots, garlic, candlenuts, coriander seeds, and both types of chilies using a mortar and pestle or a food processor until you achieve a smooth, fragrant paste.

3. Cook the Spice Paste:
   Heat a generous amount of oil in a skillet or wok over medium heat. Add the freshly ground spice paste and sauté until it becomes aromatic and golden brown. This step is crucial as it helps to release the full flavors of the spices.

4. Combine Ingredients:
   Add water to the skillet with the cooked spice paste, stirring well to combine. Next, incorporate the tamarind sauce and sweet soy sauce. Adjust the amount of each according to your taste preferences. If you like a sweeter sauce, you can add palm sugar at this stage. Allow the mixture to simmer for a few minutes to blend the flavors.

5. Add the Chicken:
   Gently add the fried chicken pieces to the skillet, making sure each piece is well coated with the sauce. Let the chicken cook in the sauce for an additional 10-15 minutes, or until the sauce has thickened and the flavors have melded beautifully. Stir occasionally to ensure even coverage.

6. Final Touches:
   Once the chicken is tender and the sauce has reached your desired consistency, taste and adjust the seasoning if necessary. The result should be a dish with a glossy, flavorful sauce clinging to each piece of chicken.

7. Serve and Enjoy:
   Transfer the Ayam Pedas Manis to a serving platter. Garnish with fresh herbs or slices of chili if desired. Serve hot with steamed rice or as part of a larger Indonesian feast.

Indulge in this exquisite Ayam Pedas Manis, and let the sweet and spicy flavors transport you to the vibrant culinary landscape of Indonesia. Whether you’re preparing a special meal or simply craving a comforting dish, this recipe is sure to delight. Enjoy every bite of this delightful and flavorful creation!