Chicken soup, or ‘sop ayam’ as it’s known in Indonesian, is a comforting dish enjoyed across many households. With its warm broth, tender chicken pieces, and variety of vegetables, sop ayam is both nourishing and delicious. Whether you’re cooking for a family dinner, recovering from a cold, or just craving a light yet satisfying meal, knowing how to make chicken soup at home is a valuable skill. Sop ayam is relatively simple to prepare and uses common ingredients found in most kitchens, making it a practical choice for any cook.
Ingredients for Traditional Sop Ayam
To make authentic Indonesian chicken soup, you’ll need a balance of spices, fresh vegetables, and, of course, chicken. Here’s a breakdown of the basic ingredients:
- 500 grams of chicken (bone-in pieces like thighs or drumsticks work well)
- 2 liters of water
- 2 carrots, sliced into rounds
- 2 potatoes, peeled and chopped into cubes
- 100 grams of green beans, cut into 2-inch lengths
- 1 tomato, cut into wedges
- 1 stalk of celery, chopped
- 1 stalk of spring onion, chopped
- 1 tablespoon of fried shallots (optional, for garnish)
Spice Paste (Bumbu Halus)
- 5 cloves of garlic
- 6 shallots
- 1 teaspoon of ground white pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon of ground nutmeg
- 1 teaspoon of salt
Additional Seasoning
- 1 tablespoon of oil (for sautéing)
- 1 bay leaf
- 1 inch of galangal, bruised
- 1 chicken bouillon cube (optional, for deeper flavor)
Steps to Make Sop Ayam
Making sop ayam is a multi-step process, but it’s quite manageable once you understand the flow. The key is balancing the flavors between the broth, the spices, and the vegetables. Follow these steps to create a flavorful, home-cooked chicken soup.
1. Prepare the Spice Paste
Blend or grind the garlic, shallots, white pepper, nutmeg, and salt into a smooth paste using a mortar and pestle or a food processor. This paste forms the aromatic base of the soup.
2. Sauté the Spices
In a large soup pot, heat the oil over medium heat. Add the spice paste and sauté until fragrant, about 23 minutes. Stir constantly to prevent burning. Then, add the bay leaf and galangal. Continue sautéing for another minute to bring out the full aroma of the spices.
3. Add the Chicken
Place the chicken pieces into the pot and stir to coat them with the sautéed spices. Let them cook for about 5 minutes until the meat is lightly browned and has absorbed the seasoning.
4. Pour in the Water
Pour 2 liters of water into the pot and bring it to a boil. Skim off any foam or impurities that rise to the surface. Reduce the heat to a simmer and let the chicken cook for about 3040 minutes until tender. If using a bouillon cube, add it now for extra depth of flavor.
5. Add the Vegetables
Start by adding the carrots and potatoes, as they take longer to cook. Simmer for 10 minutes. Then, add the green beans and tomato. Continue to cook for another 57 minutes until all vegetables are tender but not mushy. Check the seasoning and adjust with more salt or pepper if needed.
6. Final Touches
Just before serving, stir in the chopped celery and spring onion. These add a fresh note and a bit of color to the finished dish. Ladle the soup into bowls and top with fried shallots if desired. Serve hot with steamed rice or crackers (kerupuk) on the side.
Tips for Making the Best Chicken Soup
Even though sop ayam is simple, a few helpful tips can elevate your soup to restaurant-quality levels:
- Use bone-in chicken It enhances the flavor of the broth and adds richness.
- Don’t rush the simmering process Slow cooking allows the flavors to blend well and the chicken to become tender.
- Choose fresh vegetables Fresh carrots, potatoes, and beans hold their shape better and contribute to a better texture.
- Adjust seasoning at the end Taste the soup before serving and fine-tune the salt or pepper for balance.
Variations of Sop Ayam
Indonesian chicken soup has many regional twists. Here are a few popular variations that you can experiment with:
1. Sop Ayam Kampung
Made with free-range native chicken, this version has a stronger flavor and firmer meat. It’s commonly found in rural areas and considered more nutritious.
2. Sop Ayam Bening
This version features a clear, light broth and fewer spices. It’s perfect for those who prefer a mild, clean-tasting soup.
3. Sop Ayam Susu
A modern take that incorporates milk or cream into the broth, creating a richer and creamier flavor profile. It’s not traditional but is becoming popular in fusion kitchens.
4. Spicy Sop Ayam
For those who enjoy heat, add a few slices of bird’s eye chili or sambal to the soup. It gives the dish a spicy edge and enhances the overall flavor.
Health Benefits of Sop Ayam
Sop ayam is not only tasty but also full of health benefits. It’s often served to people who are sick because it’s easy to digest and provides warmth and hydration. Here are some reasons why it’s considered a healthy choice:
- Rich in protein Chicken is a great source of lean protein, supporting muscle repair and immune function.
- Loaded with vitamins Vegetables like carrots, potatoes, and beans offer fiber, vitamin C, and potassium.
- Anti-inflammatory spices Garlic, shallots, and galangal have natural anti-inflammatory properties that may help with recovery and digestion.
Serving Suggestions
Sop ayam is usually served with steamed rice, but you can also enjoy it with:
- Rice vermicelli (bihun)
- Fried shallots for garnish
- Fresh lime wedges for a citrusy twist
- Emping or kerupuk (Indonesian crackers)
- Sambal or chili paste on the side for extra heat
Cara buat sop ayam is a valuable recipe to know whether you’re cooking for health, comfort, or simply craving something homemade and delicious. With a good balance of spices, tender chicken, and wholesome vegetables, sop ayam is both easy and rewarding to make. This dish is perfect for a weeknight meal or a weekend gathering with family. With simple ingredients and a straightforward process, you can prepare a flavorful bowl of chicken soup that feels like home in every bite.