Sweet Soy Glazed Chicken: A Flavorful Indonesian Delight

Sweet Soy Chicken (Ayam Kecap Manis)

Ingredients:

• 1/2 kg chicken, cut into pieces
• 5 cloves garlic
• 2 shallots
• 2 candlenuts
• 1 sachet of Ladaku seasoning (optional: black peppercorns)
• Sugar, to taste
• Granulated sugar, to taste
• Sweet soy sauce, to taste
• Salt, to taste
• Roico seasoning, to taste
• Flavor enhancer (optional)
• 1 stalk lemongrass, bruised
• 1 thumb-sized piece of galangal, bruised
• 1 thumb-sized piece of ginger, bruised
• Water, as needed

Instructions:

1. Prepare the Chicken: Start by washing the chicken pieces thoroughly. Boil them briefly, then drain and set aside.

2. Make the Spice Paste: Blend the garlic, shallots, and candlenuts into a smooth paste.

3. Cook the Spice Paste: In a pan, heat a little oil and sauté the spice paste until fragrant. Add black peppercorns if using.

4. Seasoning: Add the granulated sugar, salt, Roico seasoning, and flavor enhancer (if using) to the pan. Stir well to combine.

5. Add Aromatics: Incorporate the bruised lemongrass, galangal, and ginger into the pan. Pour in enough water to create a sauce.

6. Combine and Simmer: Add the pre-boiled chicken pieces to the pan. Pour in the sweet soy sauce to taste and mix thoroughly. Cook until the sauce thickens and reduces slightly, leaving a syrupy consistency.

7. Final Adjustments: Taste and adjust the seasoning as needed, balancing the sweetness, saltiness, and spiciness according to your preference.

8. Serve: Serve the Sweet Soy Chicken hot, garnished with fresh herbs if desired.

Enjoy this delectable dish with steamed rice or as part of a larger meal spread.