Opor ayam is a traditional Indonesian dish that is often served during festive occasions such as Eid al-Fitr and weddings. This dish is made from chicken cooked in a fragrant coconut milk-based sauce with various spices. One of the most popular versions of opor ayam is bumbu putih, which literally means “white spice”. In this article, we will share with you a recipe for making opor ayam bumbu putih that you can try at home.
Ingredients
To make opor ayam bumbu putih, you will need the following ingredients:
1 whole chicken, cut into 8 pieces
1 liter thick coconut milk
4 kaffir lime leaves
2 lemongrass stalks, bruised
3 bay leaves
1 teaspoon salt, or to taste
2 teaspoons sugar, or to taste
2 tablespoons oil
For the spice paste, you will need:
10 shallots
6 garlic cloves
7 candlenuts
3 teaspoons coriander seeds
2 teaspoons cumin seeds
1 teaspoon fennel seeds
5 white peppercorns
1 inch ginger
1 inch galangal
3 red chilies, or to taste
Preparation
Here are the steps to make opor ayam bumbu putih:
Grind all the spice paste ingredients in a food processor or mortar and pestle until you get a smooth paste.
Add the chicken pieces and stir well until they are coated with the spice paste.
Add the kaffir lime leaves, lemongrass stalks, and bay leaves, and stir well.
Add the thick coconut milk, salt, and sugar, and stir well.
Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to low and simmer for about 30-40 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and tender.
Remove the pot from the heat and let it rest for a few minutes.
Remove the chicken pieces from the pot and set them aside on a plate.
Return the pot to the heat and let the sauce simmer for another 10-15 minutes, or until it thickens and turns creamy white.
Remove the pot from the heat and discard the lemongrass stalks, kaffir lime leaves, and bay leaves.
Tips
Here are some tips to make the perfect opor ayam bumbu putih:
Use fresh and high-quality ingredients to get the best flavor.
Adjust the amount of sugar and salt to your taste preference.
Do not overcook the chicken as it can become tough and dry.
If the sauce is too thick, you can add some water or more coconut milk to thin it out.
You can add some vegetables such as potatoes, carrots, and green beans to the dish for a more nutritious meal.
Serving
Opor ayam bumbu putih is best served hot with steamed rice, fried shallots, and sliced cucumber and tomatoes. You can also garnish it with some chopped cilantro or parsley for extra freshness and flavor.
Conclusion
Making opor ayam bumbu putih may seem daunting at first, but with this recipe and some practice, you can master the art of making this delicious dish. Whether you are celebrating a special occasion or simply craving some Indonesian comfort food, give this recipe a try and impress your family and friends with your culinary skills.
LSI keywords: Indonesian cuisine, coconut milk-based sauce, traditional dish, fragrant, spices
NLP keywords: recipe, home cooking, delicious, comfort food, culinary skills