Indonesian Soto Ayam with Lime and Sambal

Name: Indonesian Soto Ayam with Lime and Sambal
Prep time: 1 h
Cook time: 1 h
Total time: 1 h
Yield: 4
Cuisine: Main Course
Ingredients: Chicken; Lemongrass; Kaffir Lime Leaves; Ginger; Garlic; Water; Salt; Black Pepper; Shallots; Garlic; Turmeric; Candlenuts (or macadamia nuts); Coriander Seeds; Vegetable Oil; Hard-Boiled Eggs; Bean Sprouts; Lime; Fried Shallots; Vermicelli Noodles

A fragrant chicken soup enlivened by fresh herbs and zesty lime

Soto Ayam, a classic Indonesian dish, is a comforting, aromatic chicken soup served with vermicelli and a kick of sambal chili paste.

1 h 30 min
4
Intermediate

Ingredients

For the Chicken Broth

Chicken

1 whole chicken, about 3-4 lbs

Lemongrass

2 stalks, crushed

Kaffir Lime Leaves

4 leaves, torn

Ginger

1-inch piece, sliced

Garlic

4 cloves, minced

Water

8 cups

Salt

to taste

Black Pepper

to taste

For the Spice Paste

Shallots

3, peeled

Garlic

3 cloves, peeled

Turmeric

1-inch piece, peeled

Candlenuts (or macadamia nuts)

5, toasted

Coriander Seeds

1 tsp

Vegetable Oil

2 tbsp

For the Garnishes

Hard-Boiled Eggs

2, halved

Bean Sprouts

100g, blanched

Lime

1, cut into wedges

Fried Shallots

For the Noodles

Vermicelli Noodles

200g

Preparation

Marinating the Chicken

Clean the Chicken

Clean the chicken and pat dry.

Season Chicken

Season the inside cavity with a small pinch of salt and pepper.

Rest

Set the chicken aside while preparing the spice paste.

Preparing the Spice Paste

Combine Ingredients

In a blender, combine shallots, garlic, turmeric, candlenuts, and coriander seeds.

Add Water

Add a splash of water for smooth blending.

Blend

Blend until a fine paste forms.

Ensure the spice paste is smooth to prevent bitterness. Pro Tip: Toast the coriander seeds briefly before blending for added flavor.

Cooking Process

Sautéing the Paste

Heat the oil in a pan and sauté the spice paste until fragrant.

Simmering the Broth

Add the sautéed spice paste, lemongrass, lime leaves, ginger, and chicken to a large pot with water. Simmer until chicken is cooked.

Preparing the Noodles

Soak the vermicelli noodles in hot water until soft. Strain and set aside.

Plating & Serving