Semur ayam - chicken stew

semur_ayam_-_chicken_stew

Indonesia is a country with rich culture and cuisine that reflects its diverse history and influences. One of the most popular dishes in Indonesian cuisine is Semur ayam, which is a flavorful chicken stew that combines various spices and herbs to create a rich and aromatic dish. Semur ayam is a staple food in many households in Indonesia and is often served during special occasions, family gatherings, and festivities.

The dish has its roots in the Middle Eastern cuisine, which was brought to Indonesia by Arab traders and merchants. The dish was then adopted and adapted to suit the Indonesian palate, resulting in a unique and delicious dish that brings together the best of both worlds. Semur ayam is known for its tender and juicy chicken pieces, which are slow-cooked in a rich and flavorful sauce that contains a variety of ingredients such as sweet soy sauce, kecap manis, garlic, ginger, and other spices.

The dish is traditionally prepared using chicken thighs and drumsticks, which are first seared in a pan until golden brown before being simmered in the sauce. The sauce is made by sautéing onions, garlic, and ginger in oil until fragrant before adding the sweet soy sauce, water, and other spices. The chicken is then added to the sauce and left to simmer for an hour or more until the flavors are fully absorbed.

Semur ayam is an incredibly versatile dish that can be served with various accompaniments such as rice, noodles, or bread. It can also be customized to suit different tastes and preferences by adjusting the ingredients and spices used in the sauce. Some people like to add potatoes, carrots, or other vegetables to make the dish more wholesome and nutritious.

Semur ayam is a dish that is loved by many, not just in Indonesia, but also in other parts of the world. Its popularity can be attributed to its unique blend of flavors, which is both comforting and satisfying. The dish is also easy to prepare and can be made in large batches, making it an ideal choice for feeding a crowd.

In conclusion, Semur ayam is a delicious and aromatic chicken stew that is loved by many for its rich blend of spices and flavors. It is a staple food in many households in Indonesia and is often served during special occasions, family gatherings, and festivities. The dish has its roots in Middle Eastern cuisine and has been adapted to suit the Indonesian palate, resulting in a unique and flavorful dish that is enjoyed by people all over the world. Whether served with rice, noodles, or bread, Semur ayam is a dish that never disappoints and is sure to impress even the most discerning of foodies.

Ingredients:

  • 1 kg chicken, cut into serving pieces
  • 2 tbsp oil
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 3 shallots, chopped
  • 2 tbsp sweet soy sauce (kecap manis)
  • 2 tbsp soy sauce
  • 2 tbsp tomato paste
  • 1 tbsp tamarind paste dissolved in 1/2 cup water
  • 2 cups water
  • 2 bay leaves
  • 1 cinnamon stick
  • 2 star anise
  • Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

  1. Heat oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add garlic and shallots and sauté until fragrant.

  2. Add chicken to the pot and sauté until browned on all sides.

  3. Add sweet soy sauce, soy sauce, and tomato paste. Stir until chicken is coated with the sauce.

  4. Add tamarind water, water, bay leaves, cinnamon stick, and star anise. Bring to a boil.

  5. Reduce heat to low and simmer for 30 minutes or until chicken is cooked through and tender.

  6. Season with salt and pepper to taste.

  7. Serve hot with steamed rice.

Enjoy your Indonesian Semur ayam - chicken stew!