Ayam Betutu - traditional Balinese dish consisting of chicken seasoned

Ayam Betutu is a traditional Balinese dish consisting of chicken seasoned with a rich blend of spices, wrapped in banana leaves, and then slow-cooked until tender. Here's a recipe to make Ayam Betutu:


Ingredients:

For the spice paste (Base Genep):

  • 10 shallots
  • 8 cloves of garlic
  • 5 candlenuts (or macadamia nuts)
  • 5 red chili peppers (adjust according to your spice preference)
  • 5 bird's eye chili peppers (adjust according to your spice preference)
  • 5 cm (about 2 inches) ginger, peeled
  • 5 cm (about 2 inches) turmeric, peeled
  • 5 cm (about 2 inches) galangal, peeled
  • 2 stalks lemongrass, white part only, thinly sliced
  • 5 kaffir lime leaves, thinly sliced
  • 1 tablespoon shrimp paste (terasi)
  • 1 tablespoon tamarind paste
  • 1 teaspoon black peppercorns
  • 1 teaspoon coriander seeds
  • 1 teaspoon cumin seeds
  • 1 teaspoon salt

For the chicken:

  • 1 whole chicken (about 1.5 kg or 3 lbs), cleaned and cut into pieces
  • Banana leaves, for wrapping
  • Cooking twine or toothpicks, for securing the banana leaves
  • Oil for frying
  • Water, as needed

Instructions:

  1. Prepare the spice paste (Base Genep):

    • In a blender or food processor, combine all the ingredients for the spice paste and blend until smooth. This mixture is called Base Genep and forms the flavor base for Ayam Betutu.
  2. Marinate the chicken:

    • Rub the chicken pieces with the Base Genep spice paste, making sure they are thoroughly coated. You can marinate the chicken for a few hours or overnight in the refrigerator for deeper flavor.
  3. Wrap the chicken:

    • Preheat the oven to 180°C (350°F).
    • Place each marinated chicken piece onto a piece of banana leaf.
    • Wrap the banana leaf around the chicken, folding it securely. Use cooking twine or toothpicks to secure the banana leaf parcel.
  4. Cook the chicken:

    • Heat some oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
    • Carefully sear the banana leaf-wrapped chicken parcels on both sides until lightly browned.
    • Transfer the seared chicken parcels to a baking dish.
    • Add a little water to the baking dish to create steam.
    • Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil and bake in the preheated oven for about 2-3 hours, or until the chicken is tender and cooked through. You can also cook Ayam Betutu in a traditional underground oven if available.
  5. Serve:

    • Once cooked, carefully open the banana leaf parcels and transfer the chicken pieces to a serving platter.
    • Serve Ayam Betutu hot with steamed rice and your favorite side dishes.

Enjoy the rich and flavorful taste of Ayam Betutu, a classic Balinese dish that's perfect for special occasions or gatherings!

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