Ayam penyet - smashed chicken
Ayam Penyet is a famous Indonesian dish that is highly popular in Southeast Asia. In Bahasa Indonesia, Ayam Penyet literally means smashed chicken, but a penyet dish comprises of more than just chicken meat. It is an Indonesian-style fried chicken served with a variety of complimentary side dishes and a special spicy sambal sauce.
Ayam Penyet is an Indonesian cultural dish that is usually eaten as a main meal during lunch hours. The dish originated from East Java province, specifically in the city of Surabaya. However, due to its popularity, it has now spread throughout the nation, and variants of the dish have been adapted in neighboring countries like Malaysia and Singapore.
Usually, the Ayam Penyet recipe uses chicken breast or thighs that are marinated with a blend of spices, including garlic, shallots, coriander, black pepper, and other seasonings. It is said that the traditional recipe also incorporates a special Indonesian herb known as daun salam or bay leaves that gives the dish a unique aroma and taste.
After marinating, the chicken is deep-fried until the outside is crispy and golden brown. The chicken is then taken out of the frying pan and added to a mortar, where it is smashed with a pestle. Indonesians believe that smashing the chicken will help the flavor seep in and create a uniquely tender and juicy texture.
The dish is served with a variety of side dishes that vary according to the region where it is served. It is common to find steamed white rice, fresh vegetable salads, tofu or tempeh, and Kremes or Fried Chicken Skin served alongside the chicken. Kremes, in particular, is a crispy chicken skin that is usually sprinkled on the top of the Ayam Penyet dish, adding an extra layer of crunchiness and flavor.
Ayam Penyet is incomplete without the special sambal sauce that is served with it. The sambal is made from a blend of chili peppers, red onion, garlic, and tomato paste. This sauce is usually mixed with a squeeze of lime juice and a pinch of salt to balance out the spiciness of the sambal. The sambal sauce adds a lot of heat and flavor to the dish and is loved by many.
Over the years, Ayam Penyet has become a popular street food and restaurant dish in Indonesia and other parts of the world. It is an economical dish that is easily available but is packed with a lot of flavor, which has made it a favorite dish among many people.
In conclusion, the uniqueness of Ayam Penyet lies in its simple recipe and the way it is prepared, making it one of the most beloved and sought-after Indonesian dishes. A dish with a crunchy and tender texture of fried chicken, paired with a variety of delectable side dishes and spicy sambal sauce, Ayam Penyet is a mouth-watering Indonesian delicacy that should not be missed.
Ingredients:
1 whole chicken (cut and cleaned) 4 cups water 4 kaffir lime leaves 2 stalks lemongrass (bruised) 1 teaspoon salt 1 teaspoon sugar 1 tablespoon tamarind paste
For the Penyet sambal (chilli paste):
10 dried red chillies (soaked and deseeded) 6 shallots 3 cloves garlic 1 teaspoon salt 1 teaspoon sugar 2 tablespoons oil
Instructions:
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Put the chicken in a pot and pour in enough water to cover the chicken.
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Add the kaffir lime leaves, lemongrass, salt, sugar, and tamarind paste.
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Bring the water to a boil and let it simmer for 30 minutes or until the chicken is cooked.
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Remove the chicken from the pot and let it cool.
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Smear the chicken with the chilli paste and then use a wooden pestle to pound the chicken until it is flattened.
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Heat up a wok or a frying pan with some oil and deep-fry the chicken until it is golden brown.
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Serve with rice and some sliced cucumber and tomatoes on the side.
For the Penyet sambal:
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Blend the soaked and deseeded red chillies, shallots, and garlic until fine.
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Heat up a wok or a frying pan with some oil and fry the blended mixture until fragrant.
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Add salt and sugar to taste.
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Remove from heat and use as a dipping sauce for the Ayam Penyet.