Soto Madura: A Spicy and Flavorful Indonesian Chicken Soup from Madura Island

Soto Madura is a popular Indonesian chicken soup that originated from Madura Island, located in the East Java province of Indonesia. This soup is known for its rich and spicy flavor, thanks to its use of a variety of aromatic herbs and spices, such as galangal, lemongrass, and turmeric. Soto Madura is typically served with rice, sliced boiled egg, and shredded chicken meat.

The soup is made by boiling chicken meat and bones in a broth made from herbs and spices. The broth is then seasoned with kecap manis (sweet soy sauce), salt, and pepper. The soup is then garnished with fried shallots, celery leaves, and sliced green onions.

Soto Madura is a hearty and satisfying soup that is perfect for a chilly day. It is also a popular dish during special occasions and celebrations in Indonesia, such as weddings and religious holidays.

Ingredients:

• 500 grams chicken thighs, cut into bite-sized pieces
• 1 liter water
• 2 lemongrass stalks, bruised
• 4 kaffir lime leaves
• 2 bay leaves
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 3 shallots, minced
• 2 teaspoons ground coriander
• 1 teaspoon ground cumin
• 1 teaspoon turmeric powder
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon white pepper
• 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
• 2 tablespoons sweet soy sauce
• 1 tablespoon tamarind paste
• 1 tablespoon palm sugar
• 2 red chilies, sliced
• 1 lime, cut into wedges
• 2 tablespoons chopped cilantro

Instructions:

1. In a pot, bring the water to a boil. Add the chicken, lemongrass, kaffir lime leaves, and bay leaves. Reduce the heat to low and let simmer for 30 minutes.
2. In a pan, heat the oil over medium heat. Add the garlic and shallots and sauté until fragrant.
3. Add the coriander, cumin, turmeric, salt, and white pepper. Stir until the spices are well combined with the garlic and shallots.
4. Add the spice mixture to the pot with the chicken. Add the sweet soy sauce, tamarind paste, and palm sugar. Stir until the ingredients are well combined.
5. Add the sliced red chilies and let the soup simmer for another 10 minutes.
6. Serve the soto madura hot, garnished with chopped cilantro and lime wedges on the side.

Soto Madura is a hearty and flavorful Indonesian chicken soup that originates from the Madura Island in East Java. The soup is made with a blend of aromatic spices such as lemongrass, kaffir lime leaves, and bay leaves, which are simmered with chicken for a flavorful and comforting broth. The soup is then finished with a blend of sweet and savory flavors from sweet soy sauce, tamarind paste, and palm sugar, and a kick of heat from the sliced red chilies. This soup is perfect for warming up on a chilly day, and can be served as a main dish with a side of steamed rice.