Ingredients

1 whole chicken , cut into 8 pieces
1 teaspoon ground turmeric
salt to taste
1/4 cup dried red chile peppers
3 fresh red chile pepper , finely chopped
4 cloves garlic , minced
1 red onion , chopped
1 slice fresh ginger root
2 tablespoons sunflower seed oil
1 cinnamon stick
2 whole star anise pods
5 whole cloves
5 cardamom seeds
2 tomatoes , sliced
2 tablespoons ketchup
1 teaspoon white sugar , or to taste
1/2 cup water
Spicy Tomato Chicken (Ayam Masak Merah) is a traditional Malaysian dish that originated from the Malay culture. It is a popular recipe that has been passed down from generation to generation, often enjoyed during festive occasions such as weddings, Eid ul-Fitr, and Malay New Year. The dish is known for its bold flavors and vibrant colors, as well as its ability to bring people together to share a meal. It is often served with steaming white rice, which helps balance out the heat from the chilies, and garnished with fresh herbs or sliced cucumbers for added freshness. Spicy Tomato Chicken (Ayam Masak Merah) is a must-try dish for anyone who loves bold flavors and authentic Malay cuisine.

Instructions

1.Rub the chicken with turmeric and salt. Set aside.
2.In a blender, combine the dried red chilies and fresh red chilies. Add a little water and blend into a smooth paste.
3.Heat the oil in a large pot and add the cinnamon stick, cloves, star anise, and cardamom. Stir-fry for a few minutes until fragrant.
4.Add the onion and ginger. Stir-fry for 1-2 minutes until the onion turns golden brown.
5.Add the garlic and stir-fry for another 30 seconds.
6.Add the chicken and stir-fry for 3-4 minutes until the chicken is lightly browned.
7.Add the chili paste and stir well.
8.Add the tomatoes, ketchup, sugar, and water. Stir well.
9.Bring the mixture to a boil and reduce heat to low. Cover the pot and let it simmer for 30-45 minutes, or until the chicken is tender and the sauce has thickened.
10.Taste and adjust seasoning if necessary.
11.Serve hot with rice.

PROS

Spicy Tomato Chicken (Ayam Masak Merah) is loaded with bold flavors and vibrant colors.
It is a crowd-pleaser, perfect for a family dinner, a potluck party, or any special occasion.
The dish is easy to make with simple ingredients, making it great for novice cooks.
It is also a healthy option, containing lean protein from chicken, essential nutrients and antioxidants from chilies and tomatoes, and anti-inflammatory properties from ginger.

CONS

Spicy Tomato Chicken (Ayam Masak Merah) is a spicy dish that may not be suitable for everyone’s taste buds.
It contains dried and fresh red chilies, which can cause discomfort for people with acid reflux, gastritis, or other gastrointestinal problems.
It also contains a moderate amount of added sugar from ketchup, which may not be ideal for individuals with diabetes or those watching their sugar intake.

HEALTH & BENEFITS

Spicy Tomato Chicken (Ayam Masak Merah) has several health benefits. Chicken is a good source of lean protein, which is essential for building and repairing muscles, bones, and skin. Chilies contain capsaicin, a compound that can boost metabolism, relieve pain, and reduce inflammation. Tomatoes are low in calories and high in vitamins A and C, which can improve vision, skin health, and immune function. Ginger has anti-inflammatory properties that can reduce pain and swelling, lower blood pressure, and improve digestion and nausea.

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