Betutu - Indonesian Spiced Stuffed Chicken

Preparing the Chicken Clean the chicken thoroughly, removing any giblets if present. Pat dry with paper towels.

Making the Spice Mixture In a bowl, combine the minced shallots, garlic, grated ginger, chopped red chillies, peanuts, lemongrass, kaffir lime leaves, turmeric, coriander, cumin, salt, and vegetable oil. Mix well to create a fragrant spice paste.

Stuffing the Chicken Carefully stuff the chicken with the prepared spice mixture, ensuring the cavity is well-filled with the aromatic blend. Sew or skewer the opening to secure the stuffing inside.

Marinating the Chicken Rub the outer skin of the chicken with any remaining spice mixture. Allow the chicken to marinate in the refrigerator for at least 4 hours, or preferably overnight, to develop the flavors.

Cooking the Betutu Chicken Preheat the oven to 350°F (180°C). Place the marinated chicken in a roasting pan and cover with aluminum foil. Roast the chicken for approximately 2 hours, removing the foil in the last 30 minutes to allow the skin to crisp up and turn golden brown.

Final Touches Once cooked, remove the Betutu Chicken from the oven and let it rest for 10 minutes before carving. Serve the succulent spiced chicken garnished with lime wedges and fresh cilantro leaves.