Hello, Safarfriendly friends! If you’re feeling nostalgic for the atmosphere of Bali or craving the deliciousness of the island’s signature dish, Ayam Betutu, then you absolutely must try making it at home. This traditional dish is known for its strong spices and spiciness that penetrates deep into the meat. No wonder Ayam Betutu has become one of Bali’s iconic dishes, sought after by both local and international food lovers.
Now, Safarfriendly will share the authentic ayam betutu recipe that you can easily make at home. It’s easy, and the best part is, the taste is guaranteed to be amazing! Let’s get started!
What is Ayam Betutu?
Image source: kompas.com
Ayam Betutu is a traditional Balinese dish made from a whole chicken cooked with a complete blend of spices. The word “Betutu” comes from the words tunu (to roast) and tutu (covered with hot ash). Traditionally, Ayam Betutu was wrapped in banana leaves and buried in hot coals for hours until tender and flavorful.
Today, the cooking method has become more practical, but the authentic flavor can still be achieved at home. Let’s take a look at the ingredients and how to make it!
Ingredients for Authentic Ayam Betutu Bali
Image source: kompas.com
Main Ingredients:
- 1 whole free-range chicken (about 1 kg), cleaned
- 2 tbsp lime juice
- Salt to taste
- Banana leaves for wrapping (optional)
- Aluminum foil (if not using banana leaves)
Spice Blend (Base Genep Bali):
- 10 shallots
- 7 cloves of garlic
- 5 candlenuts, toasted
- 2 pieces of turmeric, roasted
- 2 pieces of ginger
- 2 pieces of galangal
- 2 stalks of lemongrass (use the white part)
- 1 tbsp coriander seeds
- 1 tsp black peppercorns
- 1 tsp roasted shrimp paste
- 5 large red chilies
- 10 bird’s eye chilies (adjust to taste)
- Salt and sugar to taste
- Oil for sautéing
How to Make Authentic Ayam Betutu Bali
Image source: sasa.co.id
- Marinate the Chicken
Rub the chicken with lime juice and a little salt. Let it sit for about 15 minutes to remove any odor. - Make the Spice Paste
Grind all the spice ingredients using a blender or mortar and pestle. Sauté the spices with a little oil until fragrant and cooked. - Stuff and Coat the Chicken
Take some of the spice paste and stuff it into the chicken’s cavity. Use the remaining paste to coat the entire surface of the chicken. Don’t forget to apply the spices between the wings and thighs for more flavor! - Wrap and Steam
Wrap the chicken with banana leaves and then wrap it again with aluminum foil. Steam the chicken for 1.5 to 2 hours until it is tender and the spices are fully absorbed. - Grill (Optional)
If you prefer a smoky and aromatic taste, after steaming, grill the chicken for 10-15 minutes in an oven or over charcoal. - Serve with Warm Rice and Sambal Matah
Ayam Betutu is best served with warm white rice, plecing kangkung (water spinach), and sambal matah, a Balinese raw chili condiment. Guaranteed to make you want more!
Safarfriendly Tips:
- You can substitute the free-range chicken with broiler chicken for a faster and more tender result.
- For a spicier taste, add more bird’s eye chilies to the spice paste.
- For an authentic flavor, use banana leaves as the wrapping because they will impart a unique, appetizing aroma.
Why Should You Try Making at Home?
Image source: detik.com
Apart from its incredible flavor, making ayam betutu recipe yourself can be a fun culinary experience, Sobat Safarfriendly. It gives us a deeper appreciation of Indonesia’s culinary culture while learning about the wealth of Indonesian spices. This recipe is also perfect for special family gatherings or when celebrating special occasions.
So, that’s the ayam betutu recipe Bali, complete with its thick, savory sauce. With the right spices and cooking process, the result will make anyone who tastes it fall in love.
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