foto: YouTube/Resep Sehat Soraya
Brilio.net - Opor ayam is one of Indonesia's signature dishes that is always present at various special moments, such as Eid al-Fitr, Eid al-Adha, weddings, and other family events. With a savory coconut milk sauce, this dish is usually eaten with ketupat , lontong, or white rice. For lovers of savory food, opor ayam is certainly hard to resist.
However, chicken opor is often considered a high-cholesterol food because of the use of quite a lot of coconut milk. Reported from betterhealth.vic.gov.au, consuming high-cholesterol foods can increase the risk of heart disease. Therefore, many people are looking for ways to still enjoy chicken opor without worrying about increasing cholesterol levels.
It turns out, there is a special trick that you can try to keep chicken opor delicious and savory without increasing cholesterol levels. A netizen named Soraya shared how to cook chicken opor with coconut milk that remains low in cholesterol. Let's see the steps!
Tricks for Cooking Low Cholesterol Chicken Opor1. Cook the Chicken with Seasonings First
Before adding the coconut milk, cook the chicken with the ground spices, aromatic spices, and powdered spices. Add enough water, then turn on the stove. Stir occasionally so that the spices are perfectly absorbed.
photo: YouTube/Resep Sehat Soraya
2. Cover the pan during cooking
When the water starts to boil, cover the pan so that the heat is evenly distributed and the chicken is quickly tender. If the water starts to reduce, add a little more water, stir, and cover again until the chicken is completely cooked.
photo: YouTube/Resep Sehat Soraya
3. Add coconut milk at the end of the cooking process
Soraya explains that the key to keeping chicken opor low in cholesterol is to add coconut milk at the final stage of cooking. Use instant coconut milk or fresh coconut milk from real coconuts for more natural results and free of preservatives.
Add about 6 tablespoons of coconut milk to the dish, then stir until evenly mixed with the opor sauce.
photo: YouTube/Resep Sehat Soraya
4. Don't cook coconut milk for too long
Once the coconut milk is in, turn off the heat immediately after the sauce starts to boil. If coconut milk is cooked too long, its content can turn into saturated fat known as low-density lipoprotein (LDL) or bad cholesterol.
As reported by mayoclinic.org, consuming too much saturated fat can increase cholesterol levels in the blood and pose a risk of causing health problems.
By applying this trick, you can still enjoy delicious chicken opor without worrying about increasing cholesterol. So, don't hesitate to serve chicken opor at the dining table, especially during special moments with family!
FAQ (Frequently Asked Questions)1. Can chicken opor be made without coconut milk?
Yes, chicken opor can be made without coconut milk by replacing it with low-fat milk, plain yogurt, or coconut milk from nuts such as almonds and soybeans.
2. How to choose healthier chicken for opor?
Use free-range chicken because it is lower in fat than broiler chicken. If using broiler chicken, remove the skin to reduce the fat content.
3. Is instant coconut milk healthier than fresh coconut milk?
Fresh coconut milk is more natural and free of preservatives, but instant coconut milk can be a practical alternative. Make sure to choose instant coconut milk without added sugar or excessive preservatives.
4. What is a substitute for coconut milk that still produces a savory taste?
You can use low-fat milk mixed with a little cornstarch or vegetable milk such as almond milk and soy milk.
5. How long is the ideal time to cook coconut milk so that it doesn't turn into saturated fat?
Coconut milk should not be cooked for more than 3-5 minutes after boiling. After that, immediately turn off the heat to maintain its quality.
(brl/tin)
