Best Opor Ayam – Indonesian Chicken Curry
Indonesia, a nation renowned for its rich and diverse culinary heritage, has gifted the world with an array of delicious dishes. Among them, Opor Ayam stands out as a tantalizing and aromatic chicken curry that captures the essence of Indonesian flavors.
Picture this: a cozy kitchen filled with the irresistible aroma of spices dancing in harmony, creating a melody that lingers in the air. Opor Ayam is the star of the show, and we’re about to spill the beans (or should I say, the candlenuts?) on what makes this dish a beloved treasure in Indonesian homes.
But wait, if you’re thinking this is just another curry recipe, think again! Opor Ayam is like that friend who effortlessly blends fun, warmth, and a dash of spice into every gathering. It’s the kind of dish that makes you feel like you’ve just been wrapped in a culinary hug – comforting, satisfying, and downright delicious.
Get ready for a taste sensation! Explore recipes that are so good, they’ll make your taste buds throw a party.
Best Opor Ayam – Indonesian Chicken Curry
Opor Ayam is a harmonious symphony of creamy coconut milk, fragrant spices, and tender chicken, creating a blissful blend of savory, subtly sweet, and aromatic flavors that dance on the palate.
Ingredients
Instructions
Cut the chicken into bite-sized pieces.
Then finely blend shallots, garlic, candlenuts, cumin powder, turmeric powder, and galangal.
Heat the oil in a pan and sauté the blended mixture until it releases its enticing aromas. Add bay leaves, lemongrass, and chicken.
Add water let it boil for sometime then pour the coconut milk. Add salt, a pinch of sugar, and the umami depth of mushroom bouillon. Let it simmer until the curry reduce.
Servings 3
- Amount Per Serving
- Calories 719kcal
- % Daily Value *
- Total Fat 60.8g94%
- Saturated Fat 23.7g119%
- Cholesterol 125mg42%
- Sodium 367.99mg16%
- Potassium 659mg19%
- Total Carbohydrate 11.1g4%
- Dietary Fiber 1.3g6%
- Sugars 1.9g
- Protein 34.8g70%
- Calcium 66 mg
- Iron 6 mg
* The % Daily Value (DV) tells you how much a nutrient in a food serving contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calorie a day is used for general nutrition advice.
Note
- Use good-quality coconut milk for a creamy and indulgent texture. If using canned coconut milk, shake well before opening to ensure a consistent consistency throughout.
Frequently Asked Questions
While traditional recipes often use bone-in chicken for added flavor, you can use boneless chicken if preferred. Adjust the cooking time accordingly to ensure the chicken is cooked through without becoming overcooked.
Opor Ayam is not typically considered a spicy dish. However, you can adjust the spice level to your preference by adding fresh chilies during the preparation.
Yes, Opor Ayam tends to develop even more flavor when allowed to sit, making it a great dish to prepare in advance. Store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator and reheat gently before serving.
Opor Ayam is often served with steamed rice, but it pairs well with other Indonesian sides such as nasi uduk (coconut rice), lontong (compressed rice cakes), or even plain rice.
Yes, Opor Ayam can be frozen for later consumption. Allow it to cool completely before transferring to a freezer-safe container. Thaw in the refrigerator before reheating to maintain the flavors and texture.
Macadamia nuts or cashews are common substitutes for candlenuts. While they may not have the exact flavor profile, they provide a similar creamy texture to the spice blend.
While full-fat coconut milk adds richness to Opor Ayam, you can use light coconut milk for a lighter version. Keep in mind that the final dish may have a slightly different texture and flavor.
The key to a well-balanced Opor Ayam is regular taste testing and adjusting the seasoning as needed. Balancing salty, sweet, and savory elements while considering individual preferences will result in a harmonious and delicious curry.
