Ingredients with Measurements:
- 6-8 pieces of chicken thighs, bone-in and skin-on
- 10-12 pieces of buah keluak nuts, soaked in water for 2-3 days and cracked open
- 2 tablespoons of tamarind paste
- 2 tablespoons of palm sugar
- 2 tablespoons of vegetable oil
- 2 cups of water
- Salt to taste
For the Sambal Ikan Bilis:
- 1 cup of dried anchovies (ikan bilis)
- 4-5 shallots, sliced
- 3-4 red chili peppers, sliced
- 2 tablespoons of vegetable oil
- 1 tablespoon of tamarind paste
- 1 tablespoon of palm sugar
- Salt to taste
Special equipment needed:
- Mortar and pestle or food processor
Step-by-step instructions:
For the Ayam Buah Keluak:
1. In a large pot, heat the vegetable oil over medium-high heat.
2. Add the chicken thighs and cook until browned on both sides, about 5-7 minutes.
3. Add the water, tamarind paste, palm sugar, and salt to the pot.
4. Stir well and bring to a boil.
5. Reduce the heat to low, cover the pot, and simmer for 30-40 minutes.
6. Add the cracked buah keluak nuts to the pot and continue to simmer for another 30-40 minutes, or until the chicken is tender and the nuts are soft.
7. Serve hot with steamed rice and sambal ikan bilis.
For the Sambal Ikan Bilis:
1. In a mortar and pestle or food processor, grind the shallots, red chili peppers, tamarind paste, palm sugar, and salt into a paste.
2. In a pan, heat the vegetable oil over medium-high heat.
3. Add the dried anchovies and fry until crispy, about 2-3 minutes.
4. Add the spice paste to the pan and stir well.
5. Cook for another 2-3 minutes, or until fragrant.
6. Serve the sambal ikan bilis alongside the ayam buah keluak.
Time:
Preparation time: 30 minutes
Cooking time: 1 hour 20 minutes
5. Temperature:
Medium-high heat for the chicken and sambal ikan bilis
Serving size:
4-6 servings
Nutritional information:
Calories per serving: 450
Fat: 25g
Protein: 35g
Carbohydrates: 20g
Fiber: 3g
Sodium: 500mg
Substitutions for ingredients:
- Chicken thighs can be substituted with chicken drumsticks or chicken breasts.
- Buah keluak nuts can be substituted with black beans or black olives.
- Tamarind paste can be substituted with lime juice or vinegar.
- Palm sugar can be substituted with brown sugar or honey.
- Dried anchovies can be substituted with dried shrimp or fish sauce.
Variations:
- Add vegetables such as potatoes, carrots, or green beans to the pot with the chicken.
- Use different types of nuts or beans in place of the buah keluak nuts.
- Add lemongrass or ginger to the pot for extra flavor.
Tips and tricks:
- Soak the buah keluak nuts in water for at least 2-3 days before cracking them open.
- Wear gloves when handling the buah keluak nuts as they can stain your hands.
- Use a mortar and pestle or food processor to grind the spices for the sambal ikan bilis.
Storage instructions:
Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Reheating instructions:
Reheat in a pot over medium heat until heated through.
Presentation ideas:
Serve the ayam buah keluak in a large serving dish with the sambal ikan bilis on the side. Garnish with fresh herbs such as cilantro or parsley.
Garnishes:
Fresh herbs such as cilantro or parsley.
Pairings:
Steamed rice, cucumber salad, or pickled vegetables.
Suggested side dishes:
Steamed rice, cucumber salad, or pickled vegetables.
Troubleshooting advice:
- If the buah keluak nuts are still hard after cooking, continue to simmer until they are soft.
- If the chicken is not tender, continue to simmer until it is cooked through.
Food safety advice:
Make sure to soak the buah keluak nuts in water for at least 2-3 days before using them. Wear gloves when handling the nuts as they can stain your hands.
Food history:
Ayam buah keluak is a traditional Peranakan dish that originated in Indonesia and is popular in Singapore and Malaysia. Buah keluak nuts are a key ingredient in the dish and are known for their unique flavor.
Flavor profiles:
The ayam buah keluak has a rich and savory flavor with a slightly bitter taste from the buah keluak nuts. The sambal ikan bilis is spicy and tangy with a hint of sweetness.
Serving suggestions:
Serve the ayam buah keluak with steamed rice and sambal ikan bilis for a complete meal.
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Region: Singaporean