The Art of Making Soto Ayam

>Hello Sohib EditorOnline! Are you a fan of Indonesian cuisine? If you are, then you most likely have heard of the famous dish called “soto ayam”. This savory chicken soup is a staple in Indonesian households and is beloved by both locals and foreigners alike. In this journal article, we will explore the steps on how to make this delicious soup – or as we say it in Bahasa Indonesia, “cara bikin soto ayam”.

Ingredients

Before we start, let’s gather all the ingredients you’ll need for making soto ayam:

Ingredients	Amount
Chicken	1 whole
Water	2 liters
Candlenut	5 pieces
Turmeric	2 fingers
Garlic	5 cloves
Shallots	10 pieces
Bay leaves	2 pieces
Lemongrass	2 stalks
Galangal	2 fingers
Cilantro	1 bunch
Mung bean sprouts	250 grams
Fried shallots	As needed
Rice noodles	300 grams
Limes	4 pieces
Soy sauce	As needed

Now that we have all the ingredients, let’s start cooking!

Step 1: Prepare the Chicken Broth

Start by cleaning the chicken and then place it in a large pot filled with 2 liters of water. Add the bay leaves, lemongrass, and galangal to the pot. Bring it to a boil and then let it simmer for about 45 minutes to an hour, or until the chicken is fully cooked. Take out the chicken and set it aside. Strain the broth to remove any impurities and set it aside as well.

FAQ:

Q: Can I use chicken breast instead of a whole chicken?

A: Yes, you can use chicken breast. However, using a whole chicken will give the broth a richer and more flavorful taste.

Q: How long should I let the chicken simmer for?

A: It should take around 45 minutes to an hour for the chicken to fully cook.

Step 2: Prepare the Spices

Now let’s move on to the spices. Blend the candlenuts, turmeric, garlic and shallots into a smooth paste. Sauté the paste in a pan with some oil until it becomes fragrant. Then, add the paste into the chicken broth.

FAQ:

Q: What are candlenuts?

A: Candlenuts are a type of nut that is commonly used in Southeast Asian cuisine. They add a rich and nutty flavor to dishes.

Q: Can I use store-bought turmeric powder instead of fresh turmeric?

A: Yes, you can use turmeric powder instead of fresh turmeric. However, using fresh turmeric will give the soup a brighter yellow color and a fresher taste.

Step 3: Shred the Chicken

Shred the cooked chicken into small pieces and set it aside. You can also add the chicken bones into the broth to enhance the flavor.

FAQ:

Q: Do I need to use chicken bones?

A: No, you don’t have to use chicken bones. However, using them will add an extra depth of flavor to the broth.

Step 4: Prepare the Garnishes

Wash the cilantro and mung bean sprouts. Cook the rice noodles according to the instructions on the package. Cut the limes into wedges. You can also fry some shallots to use as a topping.

FAQ:

Q: Can I use other herbs besides cilantro?

A: Yes, you can use other herbs such as basil or mint as a garnish.

Step 5: Assemble the Soto Ayam

To assemble the soto ayam, place some rice noodles in a bowl. Add the shredded chicken on top of the noodles. Pour the chicken broth into the bowl, making sure to cover the chicken and noodles completely. Add the mung bean sprouts, cilantro, and fried shallots on top of the soup. Squeeze some lime juice into the soup and add soy sauce according to your preference.

FAQ:

Q: Can I add other ingredients to the soup?

A: Yes, you can add other ingredients such as boiled eggs or potatoes to the soup.

Conclusion

Congratulations! You’ve just learned how to make soto ayam. This delicious soup is perfect for any occasion and is sure to impress your friends and family. Don’t be afraid to experiment with different ingredients and spices to make it your own. Enjoy!

The Art of Making Soto Ayam