Introduction

Opor ayam is a traditional Indonesian dish that is widely enjoyed across the country. This dish consists of chicken cooked in a rich and creamy coconut milk-based sauce, flavored with various spices and herbs. Opor ayam Jawa, in particular, is a version of the dish that originates from the island of Java. It is known for its fragrant aroma and complex flavor profile, making it a favorite among many Indonesians.

Ingredients

To make opor ayam Jawa, you will need the following ingredients: – 1 whole chicken, cut into pieces – 4 cups of coconut milk – 2 cups of water – 5 kaffir lime leaves – 2 lemongrass stalks, bruised – 2 bay leaves – 2 tablespoons of vegetable oil – 2 tablespoons of tamarind paste – 2 tablespoons of palm sugar – Salt to taste For the spice paste: – 10 shallots – 8 garlic cloves – 5 red chilies – 5 dried chilies, soaked in hot water – 1 tablespoon of coriander seeds – 1 tablespoon of cumin seeds – 1 teaspoon of fennel seeds – 1 teaspoon of turmeric powder

Instructions

1. Begin by making the spice paste. In a blender or food processor, blend together the shallots, garlic, red chilies, soaked dried chilies, coriander seeds, cumin seeds, fennel seeds, and turmeric powder until smooth. 2. Heat the vegetable oil in a large pot over medium-high heat. Add the spice paste and sauté until fragrant, about 3-5 minutes. 3. Add the chicken pieces to the pot and stir to coat them in the spice paste. Cook for 5-7 minutes until the chicken is slightly browned. 4. Add the coconut milk, water, kaffir lime leaves, lemongrass stalks, and bay leaves to the pot. Stir to combine. 5. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to low and let simmer for 30-40 minutes until the chicken is cooked through and tender. 6. Add the tamarind paste, palm sugar, and salt to taste. Stir to combine and let simmer for an additional 5-10 minutes until the sauce has thickened slightly. 7. Serve hot with steamed rice and your favorite side dishes.

Nutrition

One serving of opor ayam Jawa (based on a recipe that serves 4) contains approximately: – 550 calories – 40g fat – 30g protein – 20g carbohydrates – 5g fiber As with any dish that contains coconut milk and palm sugar, opor ayam Jawa is a high-calorie and high-fat meal. However, it is also a good source of protein and fiber. To make this dish a bit healthier, you can use light coconut milk and reduce the amount of palm sugar used in the recipe.

Conclusion

Opor ayam Jawa is a delicious and hearty dish that is perfect for any occasion. The combination of aromatic spices and creamy coconut milk creates a complex and satisfying flavor profile that will leave you wanting more. While it may not be the healthiest meal, it is definitely worth indulging in from time to time. Give this recipe a try and see for yourself why opor ayam Jawa is a beloved Indonesian dish.