Ambon Manise: The Sweetness of Maluku Islands

admin 1 April 2023pendidikan39 Views

Indonesia is known for its diverse culture and stunning natural beauty. One of the hidden gems of this country is the Maluku Islands, also known as the Spice Islands. The Maluku Islands are famous for their unique cuisine, which is a blend of flavors from different cultures. One of the most popular dishes from Maluku is Ambon Manise, a sweet and savory chicken dish.

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What is Ambon Manise?

Ambon Manise is a chicken dish that originated from Ambon, the capital city of Maluku. It is made by cooking chicken with a blend of spices, including garlic, ginger, turmeric, and lemongrass. The dish is then sweetened with palm sugar and seasoned with tamarind juice, giving it a unique sweet and sour taste.

Ambon Manise is usually served with steamed rice and is a favorite dish among the locals. It is also popular among tourists who visit Maluku to experience the unique flavors of Indonesian cuisine.

The Ingredients

To make Ambon Manise, you will need the following ingredients:

1 whole chicken, cut into pieces
6 cloves of garlic, chopped
2 inches of ginger, chopped
2 stalks of lemongrass, bruised
2 bay leaves
1 teaspoon of salt
1 teaspoon of sugar
1 tablespoon of tamarind juice
1 tablespoon of palm sugar
2 tablespoons of oil
Water

The Cooking Process

Here are the steps to make Ambon Manise:

Heat the oil in a pan and sauté the garlic and ginger until fragrant.
Add the chicken pieces and stir until they are browned on all sides.
Add the lemongrass, bay leaves, salt, and sugar. Mix well.
Add enough water to cover the chicken and bring to a boil.
Lower the heat and simmer for 30 minutes or until the chicken is cooked through.
Add the tamarind juice and palm sugar. Mix well and simmer for another 5 minutes.
Remove from heat and serve hot with steamed rice.

The Health Benefits

Ambon Manise is not only delicious but also has several health benefits. The dish is rich in protein, which is essential for building and repairing muscles. It also contains anti-inflammatory properties due to the presence of ginger and turmeric, which can help reduce inflammation and pain in the body.

The lemongrass in Ambon Manise is also known for its antibacterial and antifungal properties, which can help boost the immune system and fight off infections. Additionally, tamarind juice can help improve digestion and reduce the risk of gastrointestinal disorders.

Conclusion

Ambon Manise is a unique and flavorful dish that represents the rich culture and culinary heritage of Maluku. Its sweet and savory taste is sure to leave a lasting impression on anyone who tries it. So, the next time you visit Maluku or want to try something new in your kitchen, give Ambon Manise a try and experience the sweetness of Maluku Islands.