Soto Pacitan: The Soulful Chicken Soup from Pacitan
Indonesia is home to a rich variety of regional soto dishes, and one that stands out with its comforting flavor and unique blend of spices is Soto Pacitan. Originating from the serene coastal town of Pacitan in East Java, this chicken soup combines tender cuts of chicken with a vibrant broth infused with herbs and spices — resulting in a dish that’s both warming and deeply satisfying.
#.Ingredients:
Main Ingredients:
- ½ kg chicken, cut into pieces
- 2 liters of water
- 2 stalks lemongrass, bruised
- 3 bay leaves
- 2 kaffir lime leaves
- 1 thumb-sized piece of ginger, bruised
- 1 thumb-sized piece of galangal, bruised
- 1 tsp salt
-1 tsp sugar
- ½ tsp ground white pepper
- 2 tbsp cooking oil
#.Ground Spices:
- 4 cloves garlic
- 6 shallots
- 1 tsp coriander seeds
- ½ tsp cumin seeds
#.Toppings and Garnish:
Vermicelli (soaked)
Bean sprouts
Chopped scallions
Fried shallots
Sambal (spicy chili paste)
#.How to Make Soto Pacitan:
1. Prepare the Chicken:
Boil the chicken pieces in water until it reaches a boil. Discard the first boil to remove impurities, then drain and set the chicken aside.
2. Sauté the Spices:
In a pan, sauté the ground spices until fragrant. Add lemongrass, bay leaves, kaffir lime leaves, ginger, and galangal. Continue sautéing until the herbs are wilted and aromatic.
3. Simmer the Broth:
Add the chicken back into the pan with the sautéed spices. Pour in 2 liters of water, and bring to a boil. Simmer until the chicken is tender and infused with flavor.
4. Season the Soup:
Add salt, sugar, and ground pepper. Stir well and adjust to taste.
5. Serve:
In a bowl, arrange vermicelli, bean sprouts, and chopped scallions. Pour hot broth and chicken over the top. Garnish with fried shallots and serve with sambal on the side.
-Tips for the Best Soto Pacitan:
Use fresh chicken for the best flavor and texture.
Pre-boiling the chicken helps eliminate any unpleasant odor.
Feel free to adjust the spice levels to suit your taste — Soto Pacitan is flexible!
-Soto Pacitan is Ready to Enjoy!
Serve it hot and share with your loved ones. Whether it’s a rainy day or a family gathering, this dish brings warmth, flavor, and tradition to every meal. It's more than just soup — it’s a taste of Pacitan’s cultural richness in every spoonful.
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