Ayam Bakar: Indonesian Grilled Chicken with Norman Musa

Ayam bakar, or Indonesian grilled chicken, is a popular dish throughout the country. It is typically made with chicken that is marinated in a mixture of spices and then grilled over charcoal. The result is a flavorful and juicy dish that can be enjoyed with a variety of sides.

In this episode of the BBC Good Food Podcast, Norman Musa, chef and owner of the acclaimed Indonesian restaurant Nusa Dua in London, shares his recipe for ayam bakar. Musa's recipe uses a combination of kecap manis (sweet soy sauce), tamarind, and galangal to create a marinade that gives the chicken a rich and complex flavor.

Musa also provides tips on how to grill the chicken perfectly, so that it is cooked through but still moist and tender. He recommends using a charcoal grill for the best flavor, but says that a gas grill can also be used.

If you are looking for a delicious and easy-to-make Indonesian dish, then you should definitely give ayam bakar a try. Musa's recipe is simple to follow and the results are sure to impress.

Ingredients:

* 1 whole chicken, cut into 8 pieces
* 1/2 cup kecap manis (sweet soy sauce)
* 1/4 cup tamarind paste
* 1/4 cup galangal, finely chopped
* 1 teaspoon turmeric powder
* 1 teaspoon coriander powder
* 1/2 teaspoon cumin powder
* 1/2 teaspoon salt
* 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
* 1 tablespoon vegetable oil

Instructions:

1. In a large bowl, combine the chicken, kecap manis, tamarind paste, galangal, turmeric powder, coriander powder, cumin powder, salt, and black pepper. Mix well to coat the chicken evenly.
2. Cover the bowl and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes, or up to overnight.
3. Preheat a charcoal grill to medium-high heat. If using a gas grill, preheat to medium-high heat.
4. Brush the grill grates with vegetable oil to prevent sticking.
5. Remove the chicken from the marinade and shake off any excess. Grill the chicken for 10-15 minutes per side, or until cooked through.
6. Serve the ayam bakar with your favorite sides, such as nasi goreng (fried rice), gado-gado (vegetable salad), or sambal (chili sauce).