Jakarta-Style Savory Rice Porridge (Bubur Ayam Betawi)

1. Combine broth, water, chicken, chicken hearts and/or gizzards, bay leaves, lime leaves and lemongrass in a large pot. Bring to a simmer over high heat, skimming the surface occasionally. Reduce heat to maintain a simmer and cook for 20 minutes. (If using chicken livers, add them during the last 5 minutes of cooking.)

2. Remove from heat and let stand until the chicken breasts (or thighs) are just cooked through and an instant-read thermometer inserted in the thickest part registers 165 degrees F, 5 to 10 minutes more. Transfer all the chicken parts to a clean cutting board and let cool. Shred the meat and slice the hearts, gizzards and/or livers. Set aside. Strain and reserve the cooking liquid, discarding the solids.

3. Combine rice and 4 cups of the reserved cooking liquid in a medium saucepan. Bring to a boil over high heat. Reduce heat to a strong simmer and cook, stirring occasionally, until the rice breaks down into porridge with a texture resembling slightly soupy oatmeal, 35 to 40 minutes. Stir in 1/2 teaspoon salt, remove from heat, cover and keep warm.

4. Meanwhile, combine shallots, oil, coriander, cumin, turmeric and white pepper in a food processor. Process to form a coarse paste, scraping down the sides once or twice. Transfer the mixture to a large skillet. Cook over medium-low heat, stirring frequently, until very lightly brown and barely sticking to the pan, about 5 minutes. Reduce heat to low and continue cooking, stirring frequently, for 10 minutes more.

5. Pour in the remaining chicken-cooking liquid and bring to a simmer over medium heat. Add coconut cream, the reserved chicken and the remaining 1/2 teaspoon salt. Simmer gently for 5 minutes. Remove from heat.

6. Divide the rice among 6 bowls. Top with about 1 cup of the chicken mixture, 1 tablespoon each peanuts and scallions and 1 teaspoon each kecap manis and sambal oelek.

Tips

Tips: Also known as daun salam, dried Indonesian bay leaves have an earthy, slightly sour flavor. Curry leaves can be used instead. Get them at Asian markets or online.

Kaffir lime leaves (or makrut or Thai lime leaves) lend lemony and floral notes to Southeast Asian dishes. There's no real substitute, but lime zest will work in a pinch. Find the leaves fresh, frozen or jarred in Asian markets and well-stocked supermarkets.

Find lemongrass, a woody, scallion-shaped herb with an aromatic lemon flavor, in the produce section of well-stocked supermarkets. Trim the root end and grassy top. Peel off the outer layer and prepare as directed in the recipe.

Coconut cream is the same as the solid that rises to the top in a can of coconut milk. Don't confuse it with cream of coconut, which is sweetened. Find it with canned coconut milk at most supermarkets.

Kecap manis is a thick, palm sugar-sweetened soy sauce used in Indonesian cooking. Find it at Asian markets or online. You can make a substitute by whisking equal parts molasses and reduced-sodium soy sauce.

Sambal oelek, a mix of chiles, brown sugar and salt, is a condiment found in the Asian section of most supermarkets.