Zesty Indonesian Ayam Woku with Basil and Chilies

Ayam Woku: A Flavorful Indonesian Chicken Stew

Indulge in the vibrant flavors of Indonesian cuisine with this delightful Ayam Woku recipe. Known for its aromatic spices and zesty ingredients, Ayam Woku is a classic Manado dish that promises to tantalize your taste buds. This recipe combines tender chicken with a fragrant blend of spices and fresh herbs, creating a truly unforgettable meal. Here’s how you can recreate this delicious dish at home.

Ingredients

• Chicken: 1/2 chicken, cut into small pieces (traditional Manado style)
• Lime: 1 lime, juiced
• Kaffir Lime Leaves: 4 leaves
• Bay Leaves: 3 leaves
• Lemongrass: 2 stalks, bruised
• Galangal: 2 cm piece, bruised
• Tomato: 1 large, cut into wedges
• Bird’s Eye Chilies (Red): 6, whole
• Bird’s Eye Chilies (Green): 8, whole
• Kemangi (Basil): 3 bunches
• Spring Onions: To taste, chopped
• Seasoning: To taste (salt and flavor enhancer)
• Water: As needed

Ground Spices

• Shallots: 7 cloves
• Garlic: 5 cloves
• Bird’s Eye Chilies (Red): 7
• Red Chilies: 5, dried or fresh
• Candlenuts: 2
• Black Pepper: 1 teaspoon
• Salt: 1/2 teaspoon

Instructions

1. Prepare the Chicken: Clean the chicken thoroughly and cut it into small pieces, as is traditional for Manado cuisine. Squeeze the lime juice over the chicken and sprinkle with a little salt. Allow it to marinate for a few minutes.

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2. Blend the Spices: In a blender, combine the shallots, garlic, red bird’s eye chilies, red chilies, candlenuts, black pepper, and salt. Blend until smooth.

3. Cook the Spice Paste: Heat a little oil in a pan over medium heat. Add the blended spice paste, along with the bruised lemongrass, galangal, bay leaves, and kaffir lime leaves. Sauté until fragrant.

4. Add the Chicken: Add the marinated chicken pieces to the pan. Stir to coat the chicken with the spice paste.

5. Simmer: Pour in enough water to cover the chicken. Add the tomato wedges and whole bird’s eye chilies (both red and green). Allow the mixture to simmer until the chicken is tender and the flavors are well absorbed.

6. Season: Taste and adjust the seasoning with salt and a flavor enhancer, if desired. Stir in the chopped basil and spring onions. Let it cook for just a few more minutes to allow the flavors to meld.

7. Finish and Serve: Remove from heat. Serve the Ayam Woku hot with steamed rice and enjoy the rich, aromatic flavors of this Indonesian classic.

This Ayam Woku recipe is sure to bring a burst of authentic Indonesian flavor to your table, perfect for a hearty and satisfying meal. Enjoy!