Chicken Porridge with Boiled Egg and Scallions: Comfort in a Bowl from the Heart of Indonesia
Chicken Porridge with Boiled Egg and Scallions: Comfort in a Bowl from the Heart of Indonesia
Blog Article
Chicken porridge, or chicken rice porridge, is one of Indonesia’s most beloved comfort foods. Found in nearly every corner of the country—from high-end restaurants in Jakarta to humble warungs (food stalls) tucked away in Semarang—this dish is a warm, hearty bowl of soul-satisfying simplicity. Topped with savory shredded chicken, fragrant scallions, and a soft-boiled egg, Chicken Porridge with Boiled Egg and Scallions isn't just a breakfast staple—it's a culinary hug that transcends mealtimes. slot bisa depo 5000
The Origins and Specialties of Chicken Porridge
Although porridge has roots in Chinese cuisine, Indonesia has adapted it into a local specialty. Chicken Porridge has various versions in each region, including legendary versions from Jakarta, Cirebon, and Bandung. However, Semarang—with its rich spices and Central Javanese touch—adds a unique sweet and savory flavor to its presentation.
One thing that makes chicken porridge special is its versatility. It can be enjoyed plain, with a distinctive yellow sauce, or enhanced with boiled eggs, cakwe, fried soybeans, and crackers. For many, the addition of boiled eggs and spring onions provides an irreplaceable dimension of flavor and texture.
Main Ingredients
To make the perfect Chicken Porridge with Boiled Eggs and Spring Onions, you will need the following ingredients:
Porridge:
1 cup white rice
7 cups water or chicken stock
1 tsp salt
1 bay leaf
1 stalk lemongrass, bruised
Shredded Chicken:
250 grams chicken breast
3 cloves garlic, finely chopped
2 candlenuts, roasted
1 tbsp coriander powder
1 segment turmeric, grated
1 tsp salt
1 tsp sugar
300 ml water
Oil for sauteing
Toppings:
Boiled eggs (half-cooked or cooked to taste)
Thinly sliced spring onions
Chopped celery
Fried soybeans
Fried onions
Chili chili sauce
Crackers and emping
Sweet and salty soy sauce to taste
Cakwe (optional)
How to Make Chicken Porridge with Boiled Eggs and Spring Onions
1. Making Porridge:
Wash the rice until clean, put it in a pan with water or stock.
Add bay leaves and lemongrass. Cook over low heat while stirring occasionally to prevent sticking.
Once the rice starts to crumble and thicken, add salt to taste.
Cook until the porridge reaches the desired consistency—soft and creamy.
2. Cooking Shredded Chicken:
Boil the chicken until cooked, remove and shred finely.
Saute the garlic, candlenuts, turmeric, and ground coriander until fragrant.
Add the shredded chicken, add salt, sugar, and water. Cook until the water reduces and the spices are absorbed.
Set aside.
3. Preparing Boiled Eggs:
Boil the eggs in boiling water for 6-7 minutes for half-cooked results, or 10 minutes for perfectly cooked.
Remove and put in cold water, then peel.
4. Serving:
Pour the hot porridge into a bowl.
Add the shredded chicken, pieces of boiled egg, spring onions, and all other accompaniments.
Drizzle with sweet soy sauce and a little chili sauce for a more delicious taste.
Regional Touch: Semarang Chicken Porridge
Semarang Chicken Porridge usually has a sweeter and savory taste because of the use of free-range chicken broth and additional Javanese spices. Porridge stalls in this city often serve porridge with special green chili sauce, as well as toppings such as pindang eggs and liver and gizzards.
If you want to add a special Semarang touch at home, try replacing the usual broth with free-range chicken broth seasoned with shallots, garlic, and lime leaves. Serve with green chili sauce and melinjo crackers for an authentic taste.
Nutrition and Health Benefits
Chicken Porridge with boiled eggs and spring onions is not only delicious, but also nutritious. Its nutritional content includes:
Carbohydrates from rice porridge: Provides energy that is quickly absorbed by the body.
Protein from chicken and eggs: Supports growth and repair of body tissues.
Vitamins and minerals from spring onions and celery: Natural antioxidants to increase immunity.
Chicken broth: Contains collagen and minerals that are good for the digestive system.
For people who are recovering from illness, chicken porridge is often the food of choice because it is easy to digest and remains rich in nutrients.
Tips and Variations
1. Chicken Porridge Without Coconut Milk:
For a lighter taste, simply use broth without adding coconut milk. This is also suitable for those of you who are on a low-fat diet.
2. Keto Chicken Porridge (Low Carb):
Replace the rice with soft boiled cauliflower rice. Add chicken, egg, and vegetable toppings as usual.
3. Vegetarian Chicken Porridge:
Replace the chicken with shredded oyster mushrooms sauteed with yellow spices. Use vegetable broth as the base of the porridge.
4. Onsen Style Eggs:
Want a more modern look? Replace the boiled eggs with onsen eggs (boil for 7 minutes in 70°C water). The yolk will melt when mixed with hot porridge.
Chicken Porridge and Indonesian Breakfast Traditions
In Indonesia, breakfast with chicken porridge is like a tradition. From street vendors to five-star hotel restaurants
a, this menu is always there. In Central Java, including Semarang, chicken porridge is also often eaten in the afternoon as a light snack to replace dinner.
Not only that, porridge is also often served at various traditional events or family rituals. For example, during kenduri, 7-month pregnancy events, or thanksgiving for a child recovering from illness. Porridge is believed to bring blessings, peace, and gratitude.
Chicken Porridge Creation Inspiration for Culinary Business
Due to its popularity, Chicken Porridge can be a potential culinary business idea. Here are some innovations that you can try:
Modern Chicken Porridge Bowl: Packed in an aesthetic takeaway bowl, suitable for urban markets and online delivery.
Topping Mix & Match: Give customers a choice of toppings such as mushrooms, salted eggs, sambal matah, even grated cheese.
Premium Instant Chicken Porridge: Make ready-to-eat porridge packed with chicken spices and boiled eggs in a vacuum pack.
Local Flavor Collaboration: Mix chicken porridge with local flavors such as rendang chicken porridge or sambal roa chicken porridge.
Conclusion: A Simple Meal Full of Stories
Chicken Porridge with Boiled Egg and Scallions is proof that deliciousness doesn’t have to be complicated. With simple ingredients, we can create a bowl of happiness that warms the heart and fills the stomach.
This meal is more than just breakfast. It is part of the culture, culinary identity, and childhood memories of many Indonesians. For those who have moved away from home, the aroma of chicken porridge may evoke a longing for home. For those who have just tasted it, it opens the door to the rich flavors of the archipelago.
So, the next time you’re looking for a warm and nutritious meal—think of Chicken Porridge with Boiled Egg and Scallions. Its deliciousness is timeless.