Ayam Buah Keluak
Ayam Buah Keluak is a quintessential Peranakan dish, featuring tender chicken simmered in a rich, complex gravy made from the earthy, slightly bitter buah keluak nut. This labor-intensive dish is a testament to the intricate flavors of Peranakan cuisine, offering a unique taste experience that is both comforting and exotic.
🧂 Ingredients
- 15 pieces Buah keluak nuts(soaked for 5 days, then boiled and kernels extracted)
- 1 kg Chicken(cut into pieces (thighs or drumsticks recommended))
- 50 g Tamarind pulp(dissolved in 250ml water, strained)
- 2 tbsp Vegetable oil
- 5 pieces Candlenuts(or macadamia nuts)
- 1 tsp Turmeric powder
- 10-15 pieces Dried chilies(deseeded and soaked)
- 2 cm knob Galangal(sliced)
- 1 tsp Belacan (shrimp paste)(toasted)
- 3 medium Shallots(chopped)
- 4 cloves Garlic(chopped)
- 1 stalk Lemongrass(bruised)
- 200 ml Chicken stock
- 1 tsp Palm sugar(or to taste)
- to taste Salt
👨🍳 Instructions
- 1
Prepare the buah keluak: Soak the nuts in water for 5 days, changing the water daily. On the last day, boil them for 30 minutes, then carefully extract the kernels. Mash the kernels into a paste.
⏱️ 5 days + 30 minutes - 2
Prepare the spice paste: Blend candlenuts, turmeric powder, soaked dried chilies, galangal, belacan, shallots, and garlic until smooth. Add a little water if needed.
⏱️ 10 minutes - 3
Heat oil in a pot or wok. Sauté the spice paste until fragrant and oil separates. Add the bruised lemongrass stalk.
⏱️ 15 minutes - 4
Add the chicken pieces to the pot and brown them lightly. Stir in the mashed buah keluak paste and cook for a few minutes.
⏱️ 5 minutes - 5
Pour in the tamarind liquid and chicken stock. Bring to a simmer, then reduce heat, cover, and cook for about 45 minutes, or until the chicken is tender.
⏱️ 45 minutes - 6
Stir in palm sugar and salt to taste. Simmer for another 5-10 minutes to allow flavors to meld.
⏱️ 10 minutes - 7
Serve hot with steamed jasmine rice.
💡 Pro Tips
- ✓Properly preparing the buah keluak is crucial; under-soaked or improperly cooked nuts can be toxic.
- ✓Using chicken thighs or drumsticks ensures tender meat.
- ✓The dish benefits from slow simmering to allow flavors to develop.
🔄 Variations
- Some recipes include adding prawns along with the chicken.
- A touch of fermented soybean paste (taucheo) can be added to the spice paste for extra umami.