Sweet Soy Glazed Chicken with Tempeh and Eggs

Bali Kecap Telur Ayam: A Flavorful Indonesian Delight

Ingredients:

• Chicken: 1 whole chicken, cleaned and cut into pieces
• Eggs: 4 large, hard-boiled and peeled
• Tempe: 200 grams, cut into small cubes
• Spices and Aromatics:
  • 5 red chilies
  • 6 shallots
  • 3 cloves garlic
  • 2-inch piece of ginger
  • 2-inch piece of galangal
  • 4 kaffir lime leaves
  • 100 grams palm sugar
  • 4 candlenuts
  • 100 ml sweet soy sauce (kecap manis)
  • Salt to taste

Steps:

1. Prepare the Chicken: Thoroughly wash the chicken pieces. Bring a large pot of water to a boil and cook the chicken until it’s tender. Remove the chicken from the pot, let it cool slightly, and then fry it until golden and crispy. Set aside.

2. Prepare the Eggs: Boil the eggs in a separate pot until hard-boiled. Once cooked, peel the eggs and set aside. You may choose to fry the peeled eggs lightly for added texture and flavor.

3. Make the Spice Paste: In a blender or food processor, combine the red chilies, shallots, garlic, ginger, galangal, and candlenuts. Blend until you achieve a smooth paste.

4. Cook the Spices: Heat a small amount of oil in a pan over medium heat. Add the spice paste and sauté until it becomes fragrant and starts to caramelize.

5. Add Aromatics: Add the sliced galangal, ginger, and kaffir lime leaves to the pan. Stir and cook for a few minutes to release their flavors.

6. Simmer: Pour in a little water and the sweet soy sauce. Stir to combine and bring to a gentle simmer. Let it cook until the sauce thickens slightly.

7. Combine Ingredients: Add the fried chicken pieces, hard-boiled eggs, and tempe to the pan. Stir well to coat all the ingredients with the sauce. Cook for a few more minutes to allow the flavors to meld together.

8. Adjust Seasoning: Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and additional palm sugar if needed. Continue cooking until everything is well combined and heated through.

9. Serve: Transfer the Bali Kecap Telur Ayam to a serving dish. Enjoy it with steamed rice for a complete and satisfying meal.

This traditional Indonesian dish combines the savory flavors of fried chicken and tempe with a rich, aromatic sauce, creating a delightful meal that’s perfect for any occasion.