Spicy Balinese Sambal Ayam with Sweet Potato Mash
A Fiery Indonesian Chicken Delight with a Creamy Twist
Savor the bold and aromatic flavors of Bali with this spicy sambal chicken paired perfectly with a velvety sweet potato mash.
- 1 h 30 min
- 4
- Intermediate
Ingredients
For the Sambal Ayam
For the Sweet Potato Mash
Preparation
Marinating the Chicken
Combine Chicken
In a large bowl, combine the chicken thighs with salt and set aside.
Blend Sambal Paste
In a blender, blend the red chili peppers, shrimp paste, shallots, and garlic into a smooth paste.
Ensure the shrimp paste is fully dissolved in the sambal to avoid clumps. If you prefer milder heat, remove the seeds from the chili peppers before blending.
Marinate Chicken
Marinate the chicken with the sambal paste for at least 30 minutes.
Preparing the Sweet Potato Mash
Boil Sweet Potatoes
Boil the cubed sweet potatoes in a large pot of salted water until tender, about 20 minutes.
Drain and Mash
Drain and mash the sweet potatoes.
Finish Mash
Stir in the coconut milk, butter, salt, and pepper until smooth and creamy.
Cooking Process
Sautéing the Sambal
In a large skillet, heat the vegetable oil over medium heat and add the sambal paste. Cook until fragrant, about 5 minutes.
Cooking the Chicken
Add the marinated chicken to the skillet and cook over medium-high heat, turning occasionally, until fully cooked and skin is crisp, about 25 minutes.
Finishing the Mash
Return the mashed sweet potatoes to low heat and stir continuously for a further 5 minutes to heat through.
Plating & Serving
Spicy Balinese Sambal Ayam with Sweet Potato Mash
Spicy Balinese Sambal Ayam with Sweet Potato Mash
Plating & Serving
Place a generous scoop of sweet potato mash on each plate, top with sambal chicken and garnish with fresh herbs for an elegant presentation.
Sauce Pairings
Garnishes & Accompaniments
Perfect Sides
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use boneless chicken for this recipe?
Yes, you can use boneless chicken, but bone-in will enhance the flavor.
How long can I store leftovers?
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
Can I make this dish less spicy?
Yes, reduce the number of chili peppers or remove the seeds for a milder version.
Can sweet potatoes be substituted with regular potatoes?
Yes, regular potatoes can be used for a less sweet and more savory mash.
How do I reheat the leftovers?
Reheat gently in a skillet over low heat to prevent drying out the chicken.
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Further reading & resources
Curated links to learn more, find ingredients, or explore related content.