Sweet and Savory Indonesian Bacem Chicken

Ayam Bumbu Bacem

Ayam Bumbu Bacem is a delectable Indonesian dish renowned for its rich, sweet, and savory flavors. This recipe involves simmering chicken in a fragrant spice mixture, resulting in tender, well-seasoned chicken with a caramelized coating. Here’s how to make this flavorful dish at home:

Ingredients:

• 500 grams chicken (cut into pieces)
• 2 bay leaves (daun salam)
• Palm sugar (gula merah) – to taste

For the spice paste (Bumbu Halus):

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• 2 shallots (bawang merah)
• 2 cloves garlic (bawang putih)
• 2 candlenuts (kemiri)
• 1/2 teaspoon ground turmeric (kunyit bubuk)
• 10 black peppercorns (merica)
• 1/2 teaspoon coriander (ketumbar)
• A small piece of ginger (jahe)
• 1/2 teaspoon salt (garam)
• 1/2 teaspoon flavor enhancer (optional) (penyedap rasa)

Instructions:

1. Cook the Chicken: Begin by boiling the chicken pieces until thoroughly cooked. Once done, drain the chicken and set aside.

2. Prepare the Spice Paste: In a blender or food processor, combine the shallots, garlic, candlenuts, ground turmeric, black peppercorns, coriander, ginger, salt, and optional flavor enhancer. Blend into a smooth paste.

3. Sauté the Spice Paste: Heat some oil in a pan over medium heat. Add the spice paste and sauté until fragrant and the oil begins to separate from the paste.

4. Combine Ingredients: Add a small amount of water to the pan and stir to combine with the spice paste. Add the palm sugar and bay leaves, stirring until the sugar dissolves.

5. Add the Chicken: Place the boiled chicken pieces into the pan, ensuring they are well coated with the spice mixture. Add enough water to cover the chicken, and mix well.

6. Simmer and Absorb Flavors: Cover the pan and let it simmer on low heat until the chicken is fully cooked and the flavors are well absorbed. The liquid should reduce and thicken, resulting in a rich, flavorful coating on the chicken.

7. Serve: Once the chicken is tender and the spices have melded beautifully, remove from heat. Serve the Ayam Bumbu Bacem warm with steamed rice or as part of a larger meal.

Enjoy the delightful blend of spices and the sweet-savory profile of this traditional Indonesian dish!