Soto Ayam Indonesian Chicken Soup

Soto Ayam is a traditional Indonesian chicken soup that's rich in flavor and perfect for a cozy meal. The combination of fragrant spices and wholesome ingredients makes it a beloved dish across the archipelago.

Ingredients

• 500g chicken (preferably whole, cut into pieces)
• 2 liters water
• 2 stalks lemongrass, smashed
• 4 kaffir lime leaves
• 4 slices of galangal (or ginger if unavailable)
• 3-4 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 onion, finely chopped
• 2 teaspoons turmeric powder
• 2 teaspoons salt
• 1 teaspoon pepper
• 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
• 2 hard-boiled eggs, halved (for serving)
• 100g bean sprouts (for garnish)
• 2 green onions, chopped (for garnish)
• Fried shallots (for garnish)
• Lime wedges (for serving)
• Sambal (optional, for a spicy kick)

Cooking Instructions

1. In a large pot, bring the water to a boil, and add the chicken pieces. Boil until the chicken is cooked through, about 20-25 minutes. Remove the chicken and set aside to cool. Reserve the broth.
2. In a separate pot, heat the vegetable oil over medium heat. Sauté the chopped onions and minced garlic until fragrant and golden.
3. Add the turmeric powder, salt, and pepper; stir to combine.
4. Pour the reserved chicken broth into the pot and add the lemongrass, kaffir lime leaves, and slices of galangal. Simmer for about 10 minutes.
5. While the soup is simmering, shred the cooked chicken into bite-sized pieces. Add the shredded chicken to the pot.
6. Let the soup simmer for another 15–20 minutes to allow all the flavors to meld together.
7. Taste and adjust seasoning if necessary.
8. Serve the Soto Ayam hot, garnished with bean sprouts, chopped green onions, and fried shallots. Offer hard-boiled eggs, lime wedges, and sambal on the side for your guests to add as they like!

Flavor Profile

Soto Ayam is a savory, aromatic dish with layers of flavor from the spices and herbs. The richness of the chicken is balanced by the freshness from the lime and the warmth of the spices, making it a satisfying and nourishing meal.

I hope you enjoy making and devouring this comforting Soto Ayam! If you have any questions or want to tweak the recipe, just let me know!