Sweet Soy Glazed Chicken (Ayam Kecap Manis)

Ingredients:

• 1 kg chicken, cut into pieces
• 4 cloves garlic, peeled
• 4 shallots, peeled
• 2 bay leaves
• 2 stalks lemongrass, bruised
• 2 cm galangal, peeled and sliced
• 2 cm turmeric, peeled and sliced
• Sweet soy sauce, to taste
• Salt, to taste
• White sugar, to taste
• Water, as needed
• Seasoning powder, to taste
• Oil, for sautéing

Instructions:

1. Prepare the Spice Paste:

   • In a blender or food processor, combine the garlic, shallots, galangal, and turmeric. Blend until you achieve a smooth paste. Set aside.

2. Prepare the Chicken:

   • Rinse and clean the chicken pieces. Set aside.

3. Sauté the Spice Paste:

   • Heat a generous amount of oil in a large pan over medium heat. Add the blended spice paste and sauté until fragrant, which should take about 2-3 minutes.

4. Cook the Chicken:

   • Add the chicken pieces to the pan with the sautéed spice paste. Stir well to coat the chicken with the paste. Allow the chicken to cook for a few minutes, stirring occasionally.

5. Add Flavorings:

   • Pour in a small amount of water, just enough to help the spices cook into the chicken. Add the bay leaves and lemongrass, then season with salt and seasoning powder. Cover the pan with a lid and let it simmer on low heat.

6. Add Sweet Soy Sauce:

   • Once the chicken is tender and cooked through, add the sweet soy sauce and white sugar. Stir to combine all the ingredients and let it cook for an additional few minutes, allowing the sauce to thicken and the flavors to meld.

7. Adjust Seasoning:

   • Taste the dish and adjust the seasoning if necessary. Add more salt, sugar, or soy sauce according to your preference.

8. Serve:

   • Once the sauce has reached your desired consistency and the chicken is well-coated, remove from heat. Serve hot with steamed rice or your favorite side dishes.

Enjoy the rich, sweet, and savory flavors of this Indonesian classic!