Monday, December 31, 2012

Sambal Ayam Serai (Chicken In Lemongrass Sauce)

I love my serai, aka, lemongrass. In fact, I must proudly profess that serai one of my favourite local herbs. I think I told you before? Unless and until, I want to spend on imported ingredients which by far is only seldom or every now and then (Baked Lemon Chicken). Otherwise, its all about our easily grown, even in our small plot of land or in pots local herbs. The easiest, shall I say is lemongrass?  Most probably. So, for this sambal dish, yep, me and my sambal, do I have to say, its serai again (Sambal Udang Petai, Curry Chicken Noodles, Laksam Kelantan & Easy Chicken Kebab). Crushed or smashed serai cooked alongside a chilli based gravy and in which you will find juicy and succulent chicken pieces (Ayam Goreng Berempah, Rendang Ayam & Asam Pedas Ikan). Mouthwatering and such a pride to our eyes right? You tell me.

Ingredients
1/2 chicken (about 400g) - cut into medium size pieces
2 sticks lemongrass/serai - crushed
3-4 kaffir lime leaves - tear into pieces
Juice of half lime
1 1/2 tsp turmeric powder
Oil as needed
Sugar and salt for taste

For the sambal paste (ground/blend/pulse) 
1 inch galangal/lengkuas
1 medium size tomato
5 garlic
5 shallots
10 dried red chilies (or as per taste)
3 red chilies (or as per taste)
Method
Marinate chicken with turmeric powder and a little salt.
Heat wok with enough oil and deep fry chicken. 
Remove and keep aside.
Leave 3-4 tbsp of oil in the same wok.
Add sambal paste and crushed lemongrass. 
Simmer and fry till aromatic and oil splits.
Put in chicken, lime leaves, lime juice, sugar and salt. 
Stir to combine chicken in the sambal. 
Remove from heat.
(Note: for more gravy, you can add water before adding chicken)


9 comments:

  1. hi nava, HAPPY NEW YEAR TO YOU AND FAMILY. HAVE A WONDERFUL 2013..
    sure it is homne sweet home,your chicken sambal especially with serai added flavor looks so delicious- what a lovely treat for new year. take care and all the best

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  2. This recipe look's yummy ms.nava i'm gonna try this for real...



    Anyway happy new year 2013 to you and family may this prosperous year bring us all happiness... :-)

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  3. Hi nava .. I wish you and your family a very happy new year...
    I agree that Malaysia is still the best...

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  4. i love lemon grass...or anything with lemon grass. This sounds like a delish eat more rice dish!

    Blessed 2013 to you and your loved ones!

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  5. This looks fantastic! I love these sort of dishes, just like Ayam Masak Merah! Malay food is also one of my favourites, always competing with Italian food!

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  6. Wow, i can feel the aroma just looking at the picture... great combination :)

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  7. Oh love the colour n yumminess assured....

    ReplyDelete

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