Gulai Ayam (Chicken in Chili Gravy)

Ingredients :

• 3 tbsp Oil
  
• 1 stalk Lemon grass, bruised
  
• 3 Kaffir Lime Leaves
  
• 3 cm Cinnamon Stick
  
• 2 Cloves
  
• 1/2 Nutmeg
  
• 2 Cardamoms, bruised
  
• 1 kg Chicken, cut into 8 pieces
  
• 50g Shredded coconut, roasted, pounded
  
• 1 lt Coconut milk from 3/4 coconut
  
• 1 piece Asam Gelugur or 1 tbsp tamarind juice
  
  

Spices (ground):

• 10 Red Chillies
  
• 1 tsp Peppercorns
  
• 1 tbsp Coriander, roasted
  
• 1/2tsp Cummin, roasted
  
• 1/4tsp Aniseed
  
• 2 tsp Chopped turmeric
  
• 2 tsp Chopped ginger
  
• 1 tsp Chopped galangal
  
• 4 cloves Garlic
  
• 8 Shallots
  
• Salt
  
  

Method:

• Heat oil and sauté ground spices with lemon grass, kaffir lime leaves, cinnamon, cloves, nutmeg and cardamoms until fragrant.
  
• Add the chicken pieces.
  
• Add shredded coconut and mix well.
  
• Then pour in coconut milk and asam gelugur.
  
• Cook until the chicken is tender and the gravy has thickened.
  
• If you prefer, add 300 grams peeled and quartered potatoes to the gravy along with the chicken.
  
• Serve hot.