Hello everyone! Today, I want to take you on a journey to my homeland, Indonesia, where the food is as rich and diverse as its culture. Growing up in Indonesia, I was surrounded by the fragrant aromas of spices and herbs used in everyday cooking, and one dish that always brings me back to my childhood is Gulai Ayam, or Sumatran Chicken Curry.
This dish is close to my heart because it perfectly represents the bold flavours of Sumatran cuisine. The blend of coconut milk, lemongrass, turmeric, and chilies creates a warming and comforting curry that’s both aromatic and flavourful. It’s a dish that always brings me memories of family gatherings, especially during special occasions.
Now, I want to share this beautiful recipe with you, so you can experience a little bit of Indonesia in your own kitchen. Sumatran Chicken Curry is simpler to make than you might think, and I’ve adapted my recipe to ensure you can find all the ingredients easily, without compromising the authentic taste.
Why You Should Try This Recipe
If you’ve never tried Indonesian food, this is the perfect dish to start with. It’s a great balance of spice and creaminess, and the chicken becomes so tender as it cooks in the rich coconut milk. Plus, you’ll feel like a chef as you grind spices and create the curry from scratch!
By making this recipe, you’ll not only be enjoying a delicious meal but also connecting with a part of my culture and home. I can’t wait for you to try it!
Recipe: Sumatran Chicken Curry (Gulai Ayam)
Here’s my recipe for this authentic Indonesian dish. I hope you love it as much as I do! Give it a try, and let me know how it turns out in the comments.
Ingredients You Need :
260gr Boneless Chicken (Use mix  Thigh and Breast )
 200gr Mix Vegetable (Red Pepper, Green Beans, baby corn)
200ml Coconut Milk
200ml Water (Mixed with 1 tablespoon Chicken Powder)
1 tablespoon Lime Juice
½ tablespoon Brown Sugar
Salt to taste
Dry Spices :
5cm Cinnamon Stick
1Â Â Fresh Lemongrass (Bruised)
2 Green cardamon
4 Cloves
5 kaffir lime leaf
5cm fresh galangal (Bruised)
Curry Paste :
3 Red Big Chillies (40gr) Deseeded
20gr Red Onion
4 Cloves /30gr Garlic
1cm / 20gr Fresh Ginger
5gr Fresh Turmeric / 1/4 Teaspoon Powder
1 Tbs Coriander Seed (Toasted)
½ Tbs of Cumin seed (Toasted)
¼ Tbs White Pepper powder
30ml Vegetable Oil for fry the paste
To make The Curry Paste :
Follow these simple steps to make a smooth paste:
Combine all paste ingredients – except oil – in a blender.
To ensure a smooth blend, add two tablespoons of water.
Blend until it becomes a very smooth paste.
Keep the paste aside for later use.
How to Make Delicious Curry Chicken with Vegetables in 6 Easy Steps:
Begin by heating a medium-sized pan. Medium heat Add vegetable oil and curry paste, followed by the dry spices. Cook for one minute.Â
Add chicken and mix well until coated with the paste. Pour in 60ml of coconut milk and cook for an additional 3-4 minutes.Â
Add the remaining coconut milk and stir constantly to prevent curdling. Simmer for 5 minutes.Â
Add water and cook for 15-20 minutes until the chicken is thoroughly cooked. Season with sugar, lime juice, and salt to taste.Â
Finally, add the vegetables and let it simmer for 1 Minute .Â
Your delicious curry chicken with vegetables is ready to be served! Pair it with steamed jasmine rice and a slice of lime for a perfect meal.
Sharing recipes from my home to yours brings me so much joy. Cooking this dish is a way for me to stay connected to my roots, and I hope it helps you explore new flavours and traditions.
If you want to learn how to cook the perfect curry, come join me for my Indonesian cooking class, which runs every Wednesday! We’ll cook together, step by step, and you’ll discover all the secrets to making incredible dishes like this one. Let’s bring a taste of Indonesia into your home – I’d love to cook with you!
Happy cooking!
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