#Healthy Under 15 “Semur Ayam – Where Java Meets Amsterdam”

Calling all culinary explorers! ? Buckle up for a delicious journey through time and taste with Semur Ayam. ? This dish is like a flavor mashup of Indonesia, China, and the Netherlands, ?????? and it’s been my forever favorite since way back when. ? Get ready to unravel its unique history (and whip up a batch in your own kitchen!) ?‍?

 Semur Ayam has a seriously cool history. ? Picture this: the Dutch word “smoor” (meaning “to braise”) meets Indonesian spices, ? and boom – a taste explosion is born! ? It’s like if goulash and sweet soy sauce had a baby. ?Imagine tender chicken bathed in a rich, savory, sweet, and spicy sauce. ? This isn’t just dinner; it’s a flavor adventure. ?

 Now, I know what you’re thinking – exotic ingredients alert! ?️ But fear not, my friends. ? I’ve cracked the code to recreate my family’s recipe with some clever substitutes that won’t break the bank (or your taste buds). ? Get ready to become a semur ayam master chef! ?

Cost-Effective Measurements:

• Chicken thighs (500 grams) – approximately CHF 7.80 ( boneless, skinless chicken breasts can be substituted)
• Shallot (1) – approximately CHF 0.50
• Bay leaves (3)
• Garlic (3 cloves) – one bulb is approximately CHF 0.80
• Onion (3 small) – approximately CHF 0.30
• Spring onion (2 small) – approximately CHF 1.50
• Lemongrass (1 stalk)
• Ginger (1 inch piece)
• Sweet soy sauce / Kecap Manis (5 tablespoons)
• Black pepper (1 tablespoon)
• Mushroom powder (1 tablespoon)
• Cinnamon powder/ground cinnamon (1 tablespoon)
• Nutmeg powder (1 tablespoon)
• Pinch of salt

Method for Cooking:

• To ensure the chicken cooks up tender and flavorful, marinate it in a mixture of garlic powder and black pepper for at least 30 minutes to an hour. For an extra depth of flavor, consider marinating overnight. This allows the spices to penetrate the chicken deeply, resulting in a more delicious and satisfying end product.
• Prepare the aromatics by first cutting the spring onion. Separate the white and green parts, as you’ll use them at different times in the recipe.
• Next, make the flavorful spice paste. Simply combine the garlic, onion, and shallot in a food processor and chop them until they form a fine paste. This paste will be the base of your savory sauce.
• Heat a pan over medium heat and add a little oil, about 1 tablespoon. Once the oil is hot, add the spice paste you just made and the white part of the spring onion. Sauté the mixture until it becomes fragrant, releasing the enticing aromas of the spices. This typically takes a few minutes.
• After the aromatics have become fragrant, add the crushed lemongrass to the pan. Cook for an additional 2 minutes, allowing the lemongrass to infuse its citrusy flavor into the sauce.
• Now it’s time to add the star of the dish: the chicken. Add the marinated chicken pieces to the pan and cook for about 5 minutes. This allows the chicken to brown slightly and absorb the delicious flavors of the spice paste.
• To create the rich, savory sauce, pour in the soy sauce and add a bit of water to thin it out. Remember to include your dry spices for added complexity. Finally, add the bay leaf for a touch of floral aroma.
• Stir everything to ensure all the ingredients are well combined and evenly coated in the sauce.
• Bring the mixture to a simmer and cook until the water evaporates and the chicken is cooked through and tender. The exact cooking time will depend on the size of your chicken pieces, but it typically takes around 20-30 minutes.
• Once the chicken is tender and the sauce has thickened slightly, remove from heat. Sprinkle with the reserved green part of the spring onion for a final touch of freshness and flavor. Your delicious Chicken Semur is ready to be served! I hope you enjoy it with steamed rice.

This kid-friendly Semur Ayam recipe is a total crowd-pleaser, perfect for picky eaters and adventurous foodies alike! ?The sweet and savory combo of spices and sweetness is simply addictive. Trust me, you’ll be craving it all week long. ?.This budget-friendly recipe costs less than CHF 15, ? feeds 2-3 people, ?‍?‍?‍? and pairs perfectly with rice, potatoes, or even bread ???. Let me know if you give this recipe a whirl – I can’t wait to hear what you think! ? And remember, food is all about sharing and having fun. ? So, grab your apron, turn up the tunes, and get cooking! ?‍??‍?#semuradventures #tastethefusion

Join the #HealthyUnder15 ? challenge and see how #HealthyIsNotExpensive ?. Share your own #HealthyUnder15 creations, and let’s inspire one another! ? Which other cuisines would you like us to explore next? ?

This isn’t your ordinary chicken stew. Discover the unique blend of spices that makes Chicken Semur so irresistible. Watch the video to learn the recipe! ▶️

Sources :

• https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Semur_(Indonesian_stew)