Dive into the heartwarming flavors of Indonesia with Bubur Ayam, a traditional comfort food that combines creamy rice porridge with tender shredded chicken. This beloved dish is often garnished with crispy fried shallots, spring onions, and a drizzle of savory soy sauce, offering a delightful blend of textures and flavors in every spoonful. Perfect for any time of day, Bubur Ayam is sure to satisfy your cravings for a hearty and comforting meal.

Here's a recipe for Indonesian Bubur Ayam:

Ingredients:

 - 1 cup jasmine rice

 - 6 cups water

 - 1 stalk lemongrass, smashed

 - 2 salam leaves (Indonesian bay leaves), or substitute with regular bay leaves

 - 1inch galangal, smashed

 - 2 cloves garlic, smashed

 - 1 tsp salt

 - 1/2 tsp white pepper

 - 1 cup shredded chicken breast

 - 4 cups chicken broth

 - 2 tbsp fried shallots, plus more for garnish

 - 2 hard-boiled eggs, halved

 - 2 green onions, thinly sliced

 - Sweet soy sauce, to taste

 - Indonesian shrimp crackers (optional), for serving

Instructions:

1- Rinse the rice under cold water until the water runs clear. Drain and set aside.

2- In a large pot, combine the water, lemongrass, salam leaves, galangal, garlic, salt, and white pepper. Bring to a boil over high heat.

3- Add the rice to the pot, reduce the heat to low, and simmer, stirring occasionally, until the rice is very soft and the mixture has thickened to a porridge-like consistency, about 1 to 1.5 hours. Add more water if needed.

4- While the rice is cooking, poach the chicken breast in the chicken broth until cooked through, about 15-20 minutes. Remove the chicken from the broth, shred it using two forks, and set aside.

5- Once the rice is cooked, remove the lemongrass, salam leaves, galangal, and garlic from the pot.

6- Stir in the shredded chicken and fried shallots. Cook for another 5 minutes to heat the chicken through.

7- To serve, ladle the bubur ayam into bowls. Top each bowl with a halved hard-boiled egg, sliced green onions, fried shallots, and a drizzle of sweet soy sauce. Serve with Indonesian shrimp crackers on the side, if desired. Enjoy your Indonesian Bubur Ayam!

Nutritional Values :

Here are the approximate nutritional values for the main ingredients in Indonesian Bubur Ayam per serving (excluding garnishes and optional items):

Jasmine Rice (1 cup, uncooked):

- Calories: 320 kcal

- Fat: 0.6g

- Carbohydrates: 72g

- Protein: 6g

Benefits:

 - A good source of carbohydrates, providing energy.

 - Contains small amounts of protein and some B vitamins.

 - Easy to digest and has a pleasant aroma when cooked.

Water (6 cups):

- Calories: 0 kcal

Benefits:

 - Essential for cooking rice and making broth.

 - Helps maintain proper hydration in the body.

 - No caloric value, making it a neutral ingredient in terms of nutrition.

Lemongrass (1 stalk, smashed):

- Calories: 5 kcal

- Fat: 0g

- Carbohydrates: 1g

- Protein: 0.1g

Benefits:

 - Adds a citrusy flavor and aroma to the dish.

 - Contains compounds that may help reduce inflammation and improve digestion.

 - Often used in traditional medicine to relieve stress and anxiety.

Salam Leaves (Indonesian Bay Leaves, 2 leaves) or Regular Bay Leaves:

- Nutritional Value: Negligible

Benefits:

 - Imparts a subtle, earthy flavor to the dish.

 - Traditionally used to enhance the flavor of soups and stews.

 - Contains small amounts of antioxidants that support overall health.

Galangal (1-inch piece, smashed):

- Calories: 5 kcal

- Fat: 0g

- Carbohydrates: 1g

- Protein: 0.1g

Benefits:

 - Adds a sharp, peppery flavor with a hint of citrus.

 - Contains antioxidants and anti-inflammatory compounds, which may boost immunity and reduce pain.

 - Traditionally used in Southeast Asian cuisine to enhance the flavor of soups and curries.

Garlic (2 cloves, smashed):

- Calories: 9 kcal

- Fat: 0g

- Carbohydrates: 2g

- Protein: 0.4g

Benefits:

 - Contains allicin, which has antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory properties.

 - Supports heart health by helping to lower blood pressure and cholesterol levels.

 - Enhances the flavor of savory dishes.

Salt (1 tsp):

- Calories: 0 kcal

- Fat: 0g

- Carbohydrates: 0g

- Protein: 0g

Benefits:

 - Essential for maintaining fluid balance and nerve function.

 - Enhances the flavor of the dish.

 - Should be used in moderation to avoid high blood pressure.

White Pepper (1/2 tsp):

- Calories: 3 kcal

- Fat: 0.1g

- Carbohydrates: 0.7g

- Protein: 0.1g

Benefits:

 - Contains piperine, which may enhance nutrient absorption and support digestion.

 - Adds a mild, spicy flavor to the dish.

 - Has anti-inflammatory properties and may help improve respiratory health.

Shredded Chicken Breast (1 cup, cooked):

- Calories: 231 kcal

- Fat: 5g

- Carbohydrates: 0g

- Protein: 43g

Benefits:

 - High in lean protein, supporting muscle repair and growth.

 - Contains essential vitamins and minerals like B vitamins, selenium, and phosphorus.

 - Low in fat, making it a healthy choice for those looking to manage their weight.

Chicken Broth (4 cups):

- Calories: 60-80 kcal (varies depending on the broth)

- Fat: 2-4g

- Carbohydrates: 2-4g

- Protein: 6-8g

Benefits:

 - Provides a rich source of protein and electrolytes, supporting hydration and recovery.

 - Contains collagen, which is beneficial for skin, joints, and gut health.

 - Adds depth of flavor to the soup, enhancing the overall taste.

Fried Shallots (2 tbsp, plus more for garnish):

- Calories: 60 kcal

- Fat: 3.5g

- Carbohydrates: 6.5g

- Protein: 0.7g

Benefits:

 - Adds a crispy texture and rich flavor to dishes.

 - Contains antioxidants, which support heart health and reduce inflammation.

 - Enhances the overall taste profile of the dish.

Hard-Boiled Eggs (2, halved):

- Calories: 156 kcal

- Fat: 10.6g

- Carbohydrates: 1.2g

- Protein: 12.6g

Benefits:

 - High in protein, essential for muscle repair and growth.

 - Contains essential vitamins and minerals, including vitamin B12, vitamin D, and choline.

 - A versatile ingredient that adds richness and nutritional value to meals.

Green Onions (2, thinly sliced):

- Calories: 10 kcal

- Fat: 0.1g

- Carbohydrates: 2g

- Protein: 0.6g

Benefits:

 - Rich in vitamins A, C, and K, which support immune function and skin health.

 - Contains antioxidants that may help reduce inflammation and support heart health.

 - Adds a fresh, mild onion flavor to dishes.

Sweet Soy Sauce (To taste):

- Calories: 40-60 kcal per tablespoon

- Fat: 0g

- Carbohydrates: 10-14g

- Protein: 1g

Benefits:

 - Adds a sweet and savory flavor to dishes, enhancing the overall taste.

 - Contains antioxidants and may help add depth to the flavor profile of the dish.

 - Should be used in moderation due to its sugar content.

Indonesian Shrimp Crackers (Optional, serving portion):

- Calories: 100-150 kcal (varies depending on portion)

- Fat: 5-10g

- Carbohydrates: 10-15g

- Protein: 1-2g

Benefits:

 - Adds a crunchy texture and savory flavor to the dish.

 - A traditional accompaniment to many Southeast Asian meals.

 - Provides a fun, crispy element that complements the soup.

Please note that these values are approximate and can vary based on specific ingredients and preparation methods.