| Prep: 30 mins | Cook: 1 hr 30 mins | Difficulty: Medium | Serves: 6 |
| kcal | fat | saturates | carbs |
| 345 | 17g | 4g | 8g |
| sugars | fibre | protein | salt |
| 3g | 2g | 37g | 1g |
Today, I want to talk about a recipe that struck a cord with me on several levels: The Balinese Roasted Chicken with Lengkuas. Growing up in Montana, I was exposed to robust, hearty meals that highlighted top-grade meat and fresh vegetables. This dish, with its juicy chicken centerpiece and plethora of fragrant spices, felt like a whimsical fusion of my familiarity with well-made poultry dishes and a journey I never knew my palate needed.
Embracing the Unique
One thing I appreciate about the Balinese Roasted Chicken with Lengkuas is its vibrant play on flavors. Drawing on the verdant richness of traditional Balinese cuisine, this poultry dish takes a page out of my own book—melding well-loved American staples with the unexpected. If you’ve savored my bison burgers or huckleberry pies, you would understand the allure of such flavor juxtapositions. This particular recipe, however, stands in a unique category of its own, delicately intertwining the tender wholesome goodness of chicken with the exotic warmth of lengkuas, also known as galangal, a rhizome that bears similarities to ginger. Not only does it add a distinct flavor profile, its antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and potential cancer-fighting properties are notable health benefits.
Versatility at its Best
What’s magnificent about this recipe is its versatility. The spice paste can be adjusted to your liking, amping up or toning down the heat, till you strike a balance that satisfies your palate. Also, like many of my dishes, this recipe pairs amicably with an array of sides. A side of fried rice, a light salad, or some roasted vegetables would round off this meal perfectly. In essence, the Balinese Roasted Chicken with Lengkuas can tadapt to both refined dinner parties and casual family meals, making it one of those recipes you return to time and again.
I must say that if you’ve enjoyed staple roasted chicken dishes, or are accustomed to Asian specialties like Hainanese Chicken or Indonesian Ayam Goreng, this chicken recipe will likely appeal to you. It maintains the universal comfort of a well-cooked chicken while introducing a fresh, tropical twist. So go ahead, give this Balinese Roasted Chicken with Lengkuas a whirl and take your taste buds on an Indonesian getaway.
What You’ll Need
- 1 Whole Chicken (around 3-4 lbs)
- 2 tablespoon of Vegetable Oil
- For the spice paste:
- 6 Small Dried Red Chilies (soaked in warm water)
- 2 inch Fresh Turmeric (peeled)
- 3 sticks Lemongrass (thinly sliced)
- 2 tablespoon Lengkuas/ Galangal paste
- 6 Cloves of Garlic
- 4 Small Shallots
- 2 inch Fresh Ginger (peeled)
- 2 tablespoon Palm Sugar (shredded)
- 1 teaspoon Salt
- For the basting sauce:
- 2 tablespoon Sweet Soy Sauce
- 2 tablespoon Coconut Oil
- For garnish (optional):
- 1 Fresh Lime (cut into wedges)
- Fresh Cilantro leaves
- Sliced Chili
Method
Step One
Start by preparing the chicken. Clean it thoroughly and dry with paper towels. Ensure the chicken is dry before you proceed to the next step. This is essential for the best results.
Step Two
Next, proceed to prepare the spice paste. In a food processor, combine the soaked dried red chilies, fresh turmeric, lemongrass, galangal paste, garlic, shallots, fresh ginger, palm sugar, and salt. Process until you get a smooth paste.
Step Three
In a large pan, heat the vegetable oil over medium heat. Add the spice paste and sauté until it becomes fragrant. This step is essential for releasing the flavors of the spices.
Step Four
Rub the sautéed spice paste all over the chicken, ensuring that it is well coated. Let it marinate for at least an hour (or overnight in the refrigerator for the best flavor).
Step Five
Preheat your oven to 180°C (350°F). Place the chicken on a roasting rack in a roasting pan. Roast for approximately 1 hour and 30 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through. The exact cooking time will depend on the size of the chicken, so it’s best to use a meat thermometer to check for doneness.
Step Six
While the chicken is roasting, prepare the basting sauce. Simply combine the sweet soy sauce and coconut oil in a small bowl. About halfway through the roasting time, start basting the chicken with this sauce every 15 minutes. This will give the chicken a nice, glossy finish and enhance the flavor.
Step Seven
Once the chicken is done roasting, remove it from the oven and let it rest for a few minutes before carving. Serve with optional fresh lime wedges, cilantro leaves, and sliced chili for garnish, if desired. Enjoy your Balinese roasted chicken with lengkuas!
