Recipe: Ayam Buah Keluak

Ayam Buah Keluak

1 cup or 1 portion of garam assam spice mix (see Garam Assam Spice Mix recipe)
2-4 tbsp of oil
½ chicken, cut into 2-inch pieces
10-12 buah keluak nuts, soaked for 2 days
400 ml of water
250 ml of assam water (mixed from 1 tbsp of assam seed)
1 tomato, chopped into 4
1 red chili, cut into half
3 tsp of salt
1 tsp of sugar
8-10 laksa leaves

1. After the buah keluak has soaked in water for a couple of days, drain them and cut a small opening at the wider ends and put aside.
2. Heat the oil in a medium sized pot, and pan fry the garam assam spice mix until fragrant.
3. Add the chicken and buah keluak nuts, and stirfry until they are evenly coated.
4. When the chicken is almost cooked, add the tomato and chili and 250 ml of the water and let it simmer for a couple of minutes, before adding the assam water.
5. Next, add the laksa leaves, salt and sugar. Stir and simmer for 20 – 25 mins.
6. Adjust taste and consistency according to your preference by adding more sugar, salt and remaining 150 ml of water. Gravy will thicken on standing.
7. When satisfied with taste, turn off heat and serve with white rice.
   
   Serves 4