Fragrant Balinese Ayam Betutu

Name: Fragrant Balinese Ayam Betutu
Prep time: 2 h
Cook time: 2 h
Total time: 2 h
Yield: 4
Cuisine: Main Course
Ingredients: Whole chicken; Lime juice; Salt; Garlic; Shallots; Red chili peppers; Fresh turmeric; Fresh ginger; Fresh galangal; Lemongrass stalks; Coriander seeds; Black peppercorns; Nutmeg; Banana leaves; Kitchen twine or toothpicks; Cassava leaves; Garlic; Coconut oil; Salt

Traditional Balinese Spiced Chicken

A flavorful Balinese dish where chicken is marinated in a vibrant paste of spices and herbs, wrapped with banana leaves, and slowly cooked to perfection.

2 h 45 min
4
Intermediate

Ingredients

For the Chicken Marinade

Whole chicken

1 (approx. 1.5 kg)

Lime juice

2 tbsp

Salt

1 tbsp

For the Spice Paste

Garlic

3 cloves, minced

Shallots

5, minced

Red chili peppers

2, chopped

Fresh turmeric

2 tsp, chopped

Fresh ginger

2 tsp, chopped

Fresh galangal

2 tsp, chopped

Lemongrass stalks

2, trimmed and bruised

Coriander seeds

1 tbsp, toasted

Black peppercorns

1 tbsp

Nutmeg

1 tsp

For Wrapping

Banana leaves

Sufficient to wrap the chicken

Kitchen twine or toothpicks

For the Cassava Leaves

Cassava leaves

200 g, blanched and chopped

Garlic

3 cloves, sliced

Coconut oil

2 tbsp

Salt

To taste

Preparation

Marinating the Chicken

Clean Chicken

Clean the chicken and pat dry.

Apply Marinade

Rub the chicken with lime juice and salt. Let it sit for 15 minutes.

Rinse and Dry

Rinse off the salt and lime juice, pat dry again with paper towels.

Preparing the Spice Paste

Combine Ingredients

In a food processor, combine garlic, shallots, chili peppers, turmeric, ginger, galangal, lemongrass, coriander seeds, black peppercorns, and nutmeg.

Ensure the chicken is dry before applying the spice paste to prevent excess moisture.

Blend Paste

Blend to a smooth paste, occasionally scraping down the sides.

Sauté Paste (Optional)

Sauté the paste in a small amount of oil to mellow the spice intensity.

Cooking Process

Spice Paste Application

Generously rub the spice paste inside and outside the chicken.

Wrapping

Encapsulate the chicken in banana leaves and secure with kitchen twine or toothpicks.

Cooking

Steam the wrapped chicken for 90 minutes then finish in the oven for a roasted flavor.

Steaming: Medium-high heat; Roasting: Oven at 180°C (350°F)

Plating & Serving