Lemper Ayam (stuffed Cabbage Rolls In Spicy Coconut Milk)

Lemper Ayam is a traditional Sundanese dish consisting of savory stuffed cabbage rolls cooked in a spicy coconut milk sauce. This dish is bursting with flavors and is perfect for a special occasion or a family dinner.

Gluten Free Dairy Free Main Course Sundanese Sundanese Cuisine Cabbage Rolls Coconut Milk Spicy
Lemper Ayam (stuffed Cabbage Rolls In Spicy Coconut Milk)

Ingredients

  • 1 head of cabbage
  • 500g chicken breast, minced
  • 2 cups glutinous rice, soaked in water for 1 hour
  • 4 kaffir lime leaves, thinly sliced
  • 2 lemongrass stalks, bruised
  • 4 cups coconut milk
  • 4 red chilies, finely chopped
  • 4 shallots, finely chopped
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 inch galangal, grated
  • 1 teaspoon turmeric powder
  • Salt to taste
  • Banana leaves for wrapping

Instructions

  1. Boil the whole head of cabbage in a large pot of water until the leaves are soft. Remove and drain. Carefully peel off the leaves and set aside.
  2. In a bowl, mix the minced chicken, soaked glutinous rice, kaffir lime leaves, salt, and a little bit of coconut milk.
  3. Place a spoonful of the chicken and rice mixture onto a cabbage leaf. Roll it up tightly and secure with a toothpick. Repeat with the remaining mixture and cabbage leaves.
  4. In a separate pot, combine the remaining coconut milk, lemongrass, red chilies, shallots, garlic, galangal, turmeric powder, and salt. Bring to a simmer.
  5. Add the stuffed cabbage rolls into the pot, cover, and let it simmer for 30-40 minutes until the rolls are cooked through and the sauce has thickened.
  6. Remove the toothpicks from the rolls and serve the Lemper Ayam hot with the spicy coconut milk sauce.

Cooking & Preparation

Preparation time:
30 minutes
Cooking time:
45 minutes
Total time:
1 hour
Cooking method
Stovetop

Nutritional facts per 1 serving

Calories
300 per serving
Carbohydrates
20g
Protein
15g
Fat
18g

Supplies

Large pot Bowl Knife Cutting board Toothpicks Pot for cooking

Tools

Stove Strainer Grater

Serving suggestions

Serve the Lemper Ayam with steamed white rice and a side of sambal for an authentic Sundanese meal.

Tips & tricks

For a time-saving option, you can use store-bought banana leaves instead of boiling and peeling the cabbage leaves.

Cost

$15