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Tuesday 7 May 2013

Ayam Masak Lemak Cili Api, Negeri Sembilan style

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My Ayam Masak Lemak actually has no cili api (bird's eye chili) because firstly, I am not good with spicy foods, secondly hubby has just recovered from a bout of diarrhea and fever so nothing too stomach-churning for him; and thirdly I wanted my son to have a try.

So glad I omitted the fiery ingredient, because my son LOVED it!  I was quite surprised but then again, kids - they surprise you now and then.  My little guy walloped a big bowl of rice with two chicken drumsticks, loads of potatoes and a good serving of the rich yellow gravy.

"Mum, this ayam masak lemak is my favourite food!"

That's the kind of remarks every mum loves to hear :)

Anyhow, thanks to our blogger sifu Wendyinkk whose recipe I adulterated for this.  Finally, I get to make one of my favourite Malay dish.  Had no idea that it is actually so easy to make.  

And to think that I used to go all over town hunting for a good place that serves this.  The best I've had is actually from a hospital canteen at SDMC (Sime Darby Medical Centre).  Think I'll drop by there next month, with an empty food container :P.  Chawan's version is pretty good too, but spicy and pricey.  Make it at home and it costs a fraction of the price, in just about the time it takes you to order and have it served.




Ayam Masak Lemak sans cili api
Source: Table for 2..or more, with minor changes

  • 5 chicken drumsticks, skin on, rinsed and pat dry with kitchen paper
  • 20g turmeric root, peeled, smashed
  • 2 stalks of lemongrass, white and light green parts only, lightly smashed
  • 2 small red onions, peeled and sliced
  • 2 medium size potatoes, scrubbed, peeled and cubed
  • 5 ladyfingers, rinsed and sliced in thick diagonals
  • 1/2 brinjal, cubed
  • 150ml coconut milk
  • 200ml water
  • 1/2 tsp sugar
  • 1/2 tsp chicken stock powder
  • Salt to taste

1.  Wear a pair of disposable gloves before peeling the turmeric root, else it will stain your fingers, stain your knife and chopping board (and just about stain everything else!) 

2.  Blend the turmeric root and the onions into a paste.  Quickly scoop into a glass or ceramic bowl and wash your blender, else the stain will eat in.

3.  Add the water, paste and lemon grass into a non stick pan and bring to a gentle boil.  Add in the chicken drumsticks and potatoes and gently simmer until the chicken is cooked and potatoes have softened.

4.  Add the brinjals and ladyfingers and continue to simmer until vegetables are just cooked.  Add the coconut milk and bring to a gentle simmer.

5.  Add the sugar and stock powder.  Adjust the taste with salt.  Cover and let it rest for about 10min before serving.





22 comments:

  1. Mouth watering, looking at your pictures is making me really hungry.

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  2. Hi,

    Can use tumeric powder instead ?? afraid of the stain...heee..

    Ling.

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    Replies
    1. Hi Ling, haha i was just thinking the same thing. Yes, you can use turmeric powder but the flavour will not be as intense.

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  3. Hi Esther,

    I wish that my son will give spicy food a try. This one without any chilli sounds like a good start for me too.

    Zoe

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    1. Hi Zoe, yea, omitting the cili padi is a good way to get them to try some malay food. My son now eats some rendang and other more " tame" malay food :)

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  4. I can imagine how nice that is with rice. My family will like this dish but will have to put a little bit of chilli. It looks rich yet fresh.

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    Replies
    1. Hi Adora, yes by all means add some cili to it, adults will enjoy that spicy kick.

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  5. Thanks for posting this.This is awesome!!

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  6. This curry looks so inviting especially added the ladyfingers, yummy !

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  7. Hi Esther! The gravy must be very good to go with rice...

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    Replies
    1. Yes Avin, thats the danger, before you knew it, its second helping of rice d :p

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  8. Such a hearty and appetizing dish ! The combination of spices sounds fantastic ! Love the texture and color of okra in this dish . No wonder your little guy loved it :)

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    1. Anne, i think he loves the creamy lemak flavour :)

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  9. Esther, I've not cooked this before and your son's response is a big endorsement for this recipe! I shall try it but mine is sure to have the chilli padi :)

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    1. PH, you the cili queen, sure must add it else no kick rite? :)

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  10. I love chilli api, but I know some people cannot tahan the spicyness, so knowing that this dish still works without the api is great!

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    Replies
    1. Hi Janine, thanks for dropping by. Yes, it works just as well without the cili, good isnt it :). Me and hubby are no good with spicy food, our noses will run like a tap haha!

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  11. Hmmm chicken, lemongrass and coconut milk. YUM. Although I never tried it before I already can imagine how delicious it is!

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  12. nicee... looks so delicious.... yummy...

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