Embark on a culinary journey to the tropics with our exquisite Chicken and Coconut in Banana Leaves recipe. This traditional dish from Southeast Asia tantalizes the taste buds with its harmonious blend of savory and sweet flavors. Tender chicken is marinated in a fragrant mixture of coconut milk, lemongrass, galangal, and aromatic spices, infusing it with delectable flavors. Carefully wrapped in banana leaves, the chicken is steamed to perfection, resulting in succulent and juicy meat that falls off the bone. The accompanying recipes in this article offer variations on this classic dish, catering to diverse preferences and dietary choices. We present a vegetarian version featuring tofu instead of chicken, a spicy rendition with the addition of fiery chilies, and a delightful gluten-free alternative using tamari sauce. Each recipe promises a unique and unforgettable culinary experience, allowing you to savor the vibrant flavors of Southeast Asia.
Here are our top 4 tried and tested recipes!
MOROCCAN-SPICED CHICKEN IN BANANA LEAF
Banana leaves offer an amazing and stunning way to grill food. As a girl, I lived in Hawaii and experienced the beauty and ease of banana leaf cooking for the first time. I created this recipe to combine my love of the banana leaf with my mom's North African style of cooking at home.
Provided by Food Network
Categories main-dish
Time 1h5m
Yield 6 servings
Number Of Ingredients 19
Steps:
- Prepare a grill for medium heat.
- In a large bowl, mix together the crushed tomatoes, chicken broth, olives, cardamon, garlic, carrots, bell pepper, onion, 1 tablespoon of the granulated garlic, 1/4 teaspoon of the cayenne and 1 teaspoon salt. Add to a cast-iron pan and put on the grill over direct heat. Bring to a rapid boil, close the lid and boil for 2 to 3 minutes. Remove from the heat and let cool to room temperature.
- Toss the chicken pieces in a bowl with the olive oil, then add the ras el hanout, cumin, cinnamon, remaining 1 tablespoon granulated garlic, remaining 1/4 teaspoon cayenne and 1 teaspoon salt and mix until uniformly covered.
- Arrange the banana leaves on a baking sheet. Place 2 to 3 pieces of chicken on each leaf. With a slotted spoon or fork, cover the chicken with the sauce. Sprinkle a teaspoon each of the lemon zest and cilantro on top of each portion. Fold each banana leaf like an envelope and secure with cook's twine or toothpicks.
- Place the baking sheet with the banana envelopes on the grill over direct heat and cook until the chicken is cooked through but still juicy, 30 to 35 minutes. Serve immediately.
CHICKEN & COCONUT IN BANANA LEAVES
An American version of a tradional Papua New Guinean technique of wrapping parcels of food in banana leaves. Serve with beer or a crisp, white wine.
Provided by ElleFirebrand
Categories Poultry
Time 1h45m
Yield 2 serving(s)
Number Of Ingredients 9
Steps:
- Preheat oven to 350 degrees F.
- Whisk together soy sauce, barbecue sauce, ginger and coconut milk.
- Place chicken drumsticks, thighs, plantain, and sweet potato in a bowl and pour over the marinade. Marinate 30 minutes.
- Gently warm the whole banana leaf over a fire or gas burner until the leaf is pliable but not burnt, 3 to 4 minutes.
- Cut the leaf into four large squares, measuring at least 30 x 30 cm. Carefully cut four long, thin strips from the rib of the leaf, these will be used as 'string' to tie the packets later.
- Place a piece of chicken onto each banana leaf square and evenly divide the vegetables on top. Pour in any remaining marinade and fold the leaves around the chicken like you are wrapping a present.
- Securely tie with the rib strips and place the packets onto a baking sheet.
- Bake in preheated oven until the chicken is tender and no longer pink in the center, about 1 hour. Check the packets occasionally to make sure they do not burn.
CURRIED CHICKEN STEAMED IN BANANA LEAVES
Provided by Molly O'Neill
Categories lunch, main course
Time 45m
Yield 4 servings
Number Of Ingredients 13
Steps:
- To make the sauce, heat the canola oil over medium heat in a medium saucepan and add the onion, garlic and ginger. Cook, stirring, until the onion softens, about 3 minutes. Add the garam masala and turmeric and cook for 2 minutes more. Add the chilies and coconut milk, lower the heat and simmer, uncovered, for 10 minutes. Season to taste with salt.
- To make the chicken and vegetables, place the chicken breasts between sheets of wax paper and pound them lightly with the back of a small heavy skillet until they are slightly flattened and uniform in thickness. Sprinkle the chicken with salt and lay each half-breast in the center of a banana leaf. Place the diced potatoes and peas in a bowl, season lightly with salt and toss. Top each piece of chicken with 1/4 of the vegetables and pour 1/4 of the sauce over the vegetables. Fold the sides of the banana leaves over the chicken breasts, then fold the top and bottom in toward the center. Secure with toothpicks or tie a very thin strip of banana leaf around each bundle.
- Fill the bottom of a steamer with water almost to, but not touching, the rack and bring to a boil. Place the chicken bundles on the rack (you may have to make 2 layers) and steam, covered, until the chicken breasts are cooked through and the potatoes are tender, about 20 minutes. To eat, unwrap the leaves to expose the filling. (Do not eat the banana leaves.) Serve with rice on the side.
Nutrition Facts : @context http, Calories 604, UnsaturatedFat 6 grams, Carbohydrate 60 grams, Fat 26 grams, Fiber 7 grams, Protein 38 grams, SaturatedFat 17 grams, Sodium 1264 milligrams, Sugar 18 grams, TransFat 0 grams
CHICKEN WITH COCONUT CHUTNEY IN BANANA LEAVES
This chicken involves a bit of work, but is well worth it. If you are lucky enough to get to visit South India one day, look out for this tasty chicken served in style. You'll be singing happy tunes all the while:)
Provided by Charishma_Ramchanda
Categories Chicken
Time 1h17m
Yield 4 serving(s)
Number Of Ingredients 13
Steps:
- Make 3 slashes on both sides of each chicken breast.
- Then rub the papaya paste on the chicken breasts.
- Keep it aside for 20 minutes.
- In a blender, now puree the mint, corriander, garlic, green chillies, ginger, coconut, lime juice, coconut cream and cumin together.
- Add salt to taste.
- Cut each banana leaf into a 32cm X 32 cm square.
- Boil water in a large pan.
- Hold the banana leaf with tongs and dip each leaf{one at a time} in boiling water.
- Remove the leaf immediately from the water.
- Rinse it in a large bowl of cold water.
- Dry it with a paper towel.
- The leaves should be soft enough to fold.
- Place each chicken breast in the centre of 1 banana leaf.
- Spread the pureed coconut mixture over the top side of the chicken breast.
- Sprinkle the chopped lemon rind over it.
- Fold the opposite sides of the banana leaf over each chicken breast.
- Arrange the banana packets{seam side down} in a single layer in a steamer.
- Place the steamer over a pan of boiling water.
- Cover the steamer.
- Cook for 20 minutes or until the chicken is tender.
- Arrange the unopened banana leaf packets in a serving dish, leaving them to be opened by guests just before eating.
- Enjoy!
Nutrition Facts : Calories 417.1, Fat 27, SaturatedFat 15.7, Cholesterol 92.8, Sodium 122.2, Carbohydrate 11.9, Fiber 4.2, Sugar 5.4, Protein 33.2
Tips:
- Choose the right chicken: Use a whole chicken or chicken pieces with skin and bones for the best flavor. Bone-in, skin-on chicken will help keep the meat moist and juicy during cooking.
- Prepare the banana leaves properly: If using fresh banana leaves, wash them thoroughly and wipe them dry. If using frozen banana leaves, thaw them completely before use. Soften the banana leaves by gently heating them over a flame or in a steamer.
- Marinate the chicken: Marinating the chicken in a mixture of coconut milk, spices, and herbs will add flavor and moisture to the meat. Marinate the chicken for at least 30 minutes, or up to overnight.
- Stuff the chicken: Stuff the chicken with a mixture of vegetables, herbs, and spices. This will add flavor and moisture to the chicken as it cooks.
- Wrap the chicken in banana leaves: Wrap the chicken tightly in banana leaves, securing them with toothpicks or kitchen twine. This will help keep the chicken moist and juicy during cooking.
- Steam or bake the chicken: You can either steam or bake the chicken wrapped in banana leaves. Steaming will result in a more tender and moist chicken, while baking will give the chicken a crispy skin.
Conclusion:
Chicken and coconut in banana leaves is a delicious and flavorful dish that is perfect for a special occasion. The chicken is tender and moist, the coconut milk adds a creamy richness, and the banana leaves impart a unique flavor. This dish is sure to impress your guests and is a great way to enjoy the flavors of the Philippines. Serve with rice and your favorite sides for a complete meal.
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