Javanese Chicken Recipes

JAVANESE CHICKEN CURRY (OPOR AYAM)

Steps:

• In a small food processor, whirl coriander seeds until finely ground. Add chili, shallots, garlic, galangal and ginger and process to a smooth paste, adding a tablespoon or so of water if needed. (Ingredients can also be chopped finely, then pounded together in mortar and pestle.)
• Heat oil in a large heavy pot over medium heat. When oil is hot enough to gently sizzle a pinch of paste, add all the paste and cook, stirring often, until golden, 5 to 7 minutes. Reduce heat as needed to prevent browning.
• Using a heavy object like a glass measuring cup, smash lemon grass stalk, crushing lightly just until bendable. Tie in a knot, pulling gently on both ends. Add to pot with cinnamon and lime leaves. Cook 1 minute more, until cinnamon is fragrant.
• Scrape paste to one side and add chicken to pot. Raise heat and brown chicken lightly on both sides, about 10 minutes total. Add 1 cup coconut milk, 1 1/4 cups water and salt, stirring well and scraping up browned bits from bottom of pot. Bring to a gentle simmer and cook uncovered 40 to 50 minutes, until chicken is cooked through and sauce is thickened. Do not boil.
• Add remaining coconut milk and heat through. Taste for salt. Let cool slightly and serve.

JAVANESE DINNER

Steps:

• Line up the above ingredients, in given order, in serving bowls on a counter or buffet table. Your guests take a plate and begin building their "dinner" using the rice as the base, sprinking on as much or little of each layer, finishing with a cherry on top! We were always encouraged to try every layer, leaving off no more than 2 in case there is something you are allergic to or just do not like. It is amazing how good this is and fun to make.

JAVANESE FRIED CHICKEN

Steps:

• Combine the spices, tamarind, salt and garlic cloves. Add enough water to make a moist paste.
• Add the chicken to the paste and massage into the chicken flesh. You make want to wear gloves as the tumeric can stain your skin.
• Marinade for a couple of hours in the fridge.
• Pour the coconut milk over chicken and place in a dish in a single layer.
• Place in a steamer and steam for 20 minutes.
• Remove and grill turning to brown evenly.

ONE-POT JAPANESE CURRY CHICKEN AND RICE

Steps:

• Heat oven to 375 degrees. Rub chicken with 1 tablespoon oil, and season with salt and pepper.
• In a large Dutch oven or heavy pot, heat remaining 1 tablespoon oil with 1 tablespoon butter over medium until butter is melted. Working in two batches, brown chicken 3 to 4 minutes per side, and transfer to a plate.
• Add onion to the pot, season with salt and pepper and cook, stirring, until softened, 2 minutes. Add curry powder, garlic, ginger, nutmeg and the remaining 2 tablespoons butter, and stir until butter is melted and spices are fragrant, 1 minute.
• Add rinsed rice and stir until evenly coated in spices. Add potato, carrots, broth and Worcestershire sauce, scraping bottom of pot to lift up any browned bits. Season broth generously with salt and pepper. Arrange chicken (and any accumulated juices) on top, skin-side up, and bring to a boil over high. Cover and bake for 20 minutes. Uncover and bake until most of the liquid is absorbed and chicken is golden and cooked through, about 10 minutes longer.
• Divide chicken and rice among bowls, and garnish with scallions. Serve with any combination of pickles, kimchi and hot sauce.