Ayam Kecap: A Flavorful Indonesian Chicken Delight
Ingredients:
- 1 whole chicken, cleaned and cut into pieces
- 4 cloves garlic
- 4 shallots
- 1 teaspoon black pepper
- ½ cup sweet soy sauce (kecap manis)
- Salt to taste
- 2 tablespoons cooking oil
Instructions:
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Prepare the Chicken: Begin by placing the chicken pieces in a large pot. Add enough water to cover the chicken. Bring to a boil and simmer until the chicken is tender, which usually takes about 30-40 minutes. Once cooked, remove the chicken from the pot and set it aside.
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Make the Spice Paste: While the chicken is cooking, peel and chop the garlic and shallots. In a blender or food processor, combine the garlic, shallots, and black pepper. Blend until you form a smooth paste.
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Cook the Spice Paste: Heat the cooking oil in a pan over medium heat. Add the spice paste to the pan and sauté until the paste becomes aromatic and starts to brown slightly, which should take about 3-4 minutes.
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Add the Chicken: Pour a small amount of water into the pan with the spice paste to create a bit of sauce. Stir well, then add the cooked chicken pieces. Mix the chicken with the paste to ensure it is well coated.
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Add Sweet Soy Sauce: Pour the sweet soy sauce (kecap manis) over the chicken. Stir to combine, allowing the sauce to coat all the chicken pieces. Let the mixture simmer for about 10 minutes, or until the sauce has thickened slightly and the chicken has absorbed the flavors.
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Serve: Once the chicken is fully coated in the flavorful sauce and heated through, remove from heat. Transfer the chicken to a serving dish and garnish if desired. Serve hot with steamed rice or your favorite side dishes.
Enjoy this savory and sweet Indonesian chicken dish, perfect for a comforting family meal!
