The Secret of Special Chicken Opor for Eid, Delicious and Practical for a Special Dish!

Kapanlagi.com - Chicken opor, an iconic dish that always livens up the atmosphere of Eid in Indonesia, never fails to captivate the hearts of its enthusiasts.

The rich coconut milk broth and the enticing aroma of spices make chicken opor one of the most awaited dishes during Eid al-Fitr.

In this article, we will share a special Eid chicken opor recipe that is not only delicious but also easy to prepare at home.

Prepare yourself to create special moments at the dining table with this tempting dish, as reported by Kapanlagi.com from various sources, Friday (03/01/2025).

1. Understanding and History of Opor Ayam

Opor ayam, an iconic Indonesian dish, is a perfect blend of chicken pieces cooked in thick coconut milk and tantalizing spices.

The word "opor" comes from Javanese, meaning "coconut milk soup dish," and this dish offers a savory, creamy taste along with a distinctive spice aroma.

Its history is inseparable from Javanese culinary traditions, where opor ayam first appeared as a palace dish during the Islamic Mataram kingdom in the 17th century.

Over time, opor ayam has transformed into a special dish that is a must-have during celebrations or important events, especially during Eid, where its soft and tempting deliciousness makes it loved by all.

Typically, opor ayam is served with ketupat or lontong, enhancing the enjoyment in every bite.

2. Ingredients for Making Opor Ayam

Here is a special chicken opor recipe that you can try to celebrate the special moment of Eid:

Ingredients:
- 1 whole free-range chicken, cut into 8-10 pieces
- 1 liter of thick coconut milk from fresh coconuts
- 2-3 pieces of bay leaves
- 2 stalks of lemongrass, smashed
- 3-4 pieces of kaffir lime leaves
- 3 cm of galangal, smashed
- **Ground Spices:**
- 6 shallots
- 4 cloves of garlic
- 4 candlenuts, roasted
- 2 cm of turmeric, burned
- 2 cm of ginger
- 1 tsp of coriander
- 1/2 tsp of cumin
- 1/2 tsp of pepper
- Salt, sugar, and broth powder to taste
- Fried shallots for garnish
- Ketupat or lontong as a complement

3. How to Make Special Chicken Opor for Eid

Cooking Instructions:
1. Prepare the Chicken: Clean the chicken pieces thoroughly, drain.
2. Make the Ground Spices: Blend all the ground spice ingredients using a blender or mortar until very smooth.
3. Sauté the Spices: Heat a little oil in a pot, sauté the ground spices along with bay leaves, lemongrass, kaffir lime leaves, and galangal until fragrant.
4. Cook the Chicken: Add the chicken pieces into the pot, stir well until the chicken changes color.
5. Add Coconut Milk: Pour the thick coconut milk into the pot, stir gently to prevent the coconut milk from breaking. Cook over low heat until the chicken is tender and the spices are absorbed, about 30-40 minutes.
6. Adjust the Flavor: Add salt, sugar, and broth powder to taste. Stir well and cook for a few more minutes.
7. Serving: Remove the chicken opor and serve in a bowl. Sprinkle with fried shallots on top and serve with ketupat or lontong.

Enjoy your special chicken opor and may your Eid moment be even more memorable!

4. Tips for Making Delicious Chicken Opor

To create a mouthwatering chicken opor, there are several effective tricks you can try!

First, choose free-range chicken known for its savory flavor and free from any fishy smell. Next, sauté the ground spices until perfectly cooked to eliminate any unpleasant aroma.

Cook over low heat while stirring gently, so the coconut milk remains smooth and does not separate.

Don't forget to add a little tamarind water to give a touch of refreshing flavor that tempts the palate.

And most importantly, let this chicken opor soak overnight in the refrigerator so that all the spices are perfectly absorbed.

Happy cooking!

5. Variations of Chicken Opor Recipes

Besides the classic chicken opor that always tempts the appetite, there are several enticing variations worth trying!

First, enjoy Spicy Chicken Opor by adding 5-10 crushed bird's eye chilies, giving a fiery spicy sensation.

Or, create Yellow Chicken Opor that is rich in color with more turmeric, resulting in a bright and tempting broth.

For texture lovers, Chicken Opor with pieces of white or yellow tofu can be an interesting choice.

If you want to explore flavors, try Pineapple Chicken Opor with chunks of pineapple that add a refreshing sweet and sour touch.

And don't forget, Potato Chicken Opor paired with half-cooked fried potatoes is ready to satisfy your hunger!

6. Tradition of Serving Chicken Opor during Eid

7. How to Store and Reheat Chicken Opor

Chicken opor has become a symbol of warmth and togetherness during the Idul Fitri celebration in Indonesia. This delicious dish is not just a meal but also serves as a bridge for social connections when hosting guests who come to visit.

In the spirit of sharing, chicken opor is often distributed to neighbors, spreading happiness around. When gathering with extended family, the enticing aroma of chicken opor enhances intimacy and joy.

Moreover, chicken opor is also cooked in large portions to be enjoyed together at mosques or prayer halls, emphasizing the importance of values such as togetherness, sharing, and gratitude that envelop the festive atmosphere.

(kpl/rao)