Zesty Chicken Garang Asem: No Banana Leaves, No Steaming

Garang Asem Ayam Without Banana Leaves and Steaming

Ingredients:

• 1/2 kg Chicken
• 5 Shallots, thinly sliced
• 4 Garlic cloves, thinly sliced
• 3 Bay leaves
• 4 Kaffir lime leaves
• 2 Lemongrass stalks, bruised
• 3 cm Galangal, bruised
• 2 Bird’s eye chilies (adjust to taste)
• 1 Tomato, chopped
• 5 Bilimbi fruits (or substitute with lime juice or tamarind water)
• Salt, pepper, mushroom broth powder (to taste)
• 2 tablespoons Coconut milk powder

Instructions:

1. Boil the Water:
   Start by boiling water in a pot. Once the water is hot, add the thinly sliced shallots and garlic, bay leaves, lemongrass, and galangal. Let this mixture boil until it becomes aromatic and the flavors are well-infused.

2. Add the Chicken and Vegetables:
   Next, add the chicken pieces, chopped tomato, and bilimbi fruits to the pot. Season with salt, pepper, and mushroom broth powder. Let it cook until the chicken is tender and the flavors meld together.

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3. Incorporate Coconut Milk and Chilies:
   Finally, add the coconut milk powder and bird’s eye chilies. Stir well to combine and adjust the seasoning to taste. If you do not have bilimbi fruits, you can substitute with lime juice or tamarind water for the desired tanginess.

4. Adjust for Spice Preferences:
   The amount of bird’s eye chilies and coconut milk can be adjusted according to your preference. For a milder version, you can add the chilies at the end of the cooking process. This way, you can separate the dish into two portions – one without chilies for the kids and one with chilies for those who enjoy a spicier meal.

5. Serve and Enjoy:
   Once the dish is ready, serve it hot with steamed rice. Enjoy the tangy and savory flavors of Garang Asem Ayam!

Tips:

• If you can’t find bilimbi fruits, substitute with lime juice or tamarind water.
• Adjust the amount of bird’s eye chilies based on your spice tolerance.
• Adding the chilies at the end allows you to customize the spice level for different portions of the dish.

This delightful Garang Asem Ayam is perfect for those looking to enjoy a traditional Indonesian dish without the need for banana leaves or steaming. The combination of tangy and savory flavors, along with the aromatic herbs and spices, makes it a comforting and delicious meal.