Recipe: Gulai Ayam Kampung
Curry was originally from India and it is a complex mixture of spices such as turmeric, cumin, coriander, ginger, and chillies. It was first made known in English cuisine in the 17th century, but the history of curry goes way back to 2600 BCE from Mohenjo-daro. This beautiful blend of spices has travelled across the globe and even has become a staple food, especially in the Southeast Asian region.
Long-time ago, Malaysia was once a prevalent trade route. Curry might have found its way here through the Indian community, but the taste of curry has made an impact on both the Malays and Chinese as well. The Malay curry is rich and milkier in taste due to the use of coconut milk as the base of the broth.
Here in Malaysia, chicken curry or ‘gulai ayam kampung’ is a traditional dish of chicken and commonly eaten with rice. ‘Ayam kampung’ or free-range chicken is the main highlight of the curry. This is a healthier option compared to the ‘normal’ chicken. Gulai ayam kampung is slightly more expensive due to the meat, but the taste is indescribable.
Let’s make gulai ayam kampung with the easy recipe below!
Ingredients (4 servings):
Spices
- 2 red onions
- 3 garlic cloves
- 3 star anises
- 6 cloves
- 2 sticks of cinnamon
- 2 twigs of curry leaves
Chilli paste
- 1 pack of curry powder
- 15 dried chillies
- 1 ½ inch ginger
- 9 red onions
- 1tsp of turmeric powder
- ½ ayam kampung
- 1 ½ cup of coconut milk
- 2 tbs of ground, roasted coconut (kerisik)
- 3 potatoes (cut into halved)
- 5 tbsp of cooking oil
- Salt to taste
- Water
Directions:
- Heat the cooking oil in a pot on medium heat, stir-fry the spices.
- Stir-fry until the spices are is golden yellow and fragrant.
- Blend the chilli paste ingredients all together. Add in the chilli paste to the spices and continue to stir-fry.
- Add in the chicken and potatoes. Mix it all together
- Pour in the coconut milk and water. Let it boil.
- Put in the kerisik and salt.
- Cover the pot and let it cook for about 35 minutes on low heat until the chicken is cooked and tender.
- Remove from heat and enjoy!