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Indonesian-Style Chicken and Rice Noodle Soup
Soto ayam is a classic Indonesian chicken and noodle soup. The broth is aromatic with lemon grass and infused with turmeric, which also gives the broth a warm yellow hue. Our version simmers chicken leg quarters in water for rich flavor, and the cooked meat later is shredded and added to the soup. Generous amounts of aromatics and spices yield a bold, intense broth. Bowls of soto ayam customarily are finished with multiple garnishes, including boiled eggs, bean sprouts and fried shallots, but we opted to keep things simple with fresh herbs and colorful sliced radishes. For make-ahead convenience, the strained broth and shredded chicken can be cooled and refrigerated separately for up to two days.
4 to 6
Servings
Tip
Don't forget to bruise the lemon grass, which helps release its flavor. Give each stalk a couple whacks with the flat side of a cleaver, the heel of heavy knife handle or the blunt side of the blade of a chef's knife. If you can't find fresh lemon grass, look for lemon grass paste sold in tubes in the produce section of the supermarket; its flavor comes somewhat close to fresh. Use 2 tablespoons in place of the fresh stalks.
1 hour 40 minutes
30 minutes active
Ingredients
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3
tablespoons grapeseed or other neutral oil
-
1
bunch cilantro, stems chopped, leaves left whole, reserved separately
Directions
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01In a large pot over medium-high, heat the oil until shimmering. Add the cilantro stems, scallion whites, chilies, peppercorns, lemon grass, ginger and garlic. Cook, stirring, until beginning to brown, about 2 minutes. Stir in the turmeric and cumin seeds, then cook until fragrant, about 30 seconds. Add 2 quarts water, bring to a boil, cover, then cook for 15 minutes, adjusting the heat to maintain a simmer.
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I have had soto ayam in Indonesia before. I found the white peppercorns to be overpowering and unpleasant, and not a familiar flavor from my previous enjoyment of the soup. Is 3 tablespoons correct? You can't go wrong with every other ingredient in this recipe, so there is something off here. I've been pleased with EVERY Milkstreet recipe I've ever tried, so I was surprised to be disappointed by this one.
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is 2 tablespoons of tumeric correct? I made this tonight and the tumeric overpowered the entire broth