Ingredients

1 tablespoon annatto seeds or 1 tablespoon chili powder
1 teaspoon whole black peppercorn
4 whole allspice
1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
1/2 teaspoon cumin seed
1 teaspoon finely shredded orange peel
1/4 cup orange juice
1/4 teaspoon salt
2 garlic cloves , minced
1 cup chopped onion
2 1/2 - 3 lbs chicken thighs ( with bone ) or 2 1/2-3 lbs chicken drumsticks , skinned
banana leaf
1 lb red onion , sliced and separated into rings ( about 3 1/2 cups )
1/4 cup white vinegar
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon dried oregano , crushed
1/4 teaspoon cracked black pepper
2 garlic cloves , minced
Chicken baked in banana leaves with pickled onions, the name invokes a tropical vibe that's perfect for summer. This recipe elevates the flavors in the chicken, and the pickled onions pair beautifully to create a delicious balance between sweet, savory, and tangy. The dish is native to Mexico and also prevalent in some countries in South America. It’s a must-try for those who love unique flavors and new culinary experiences.

Instructions

1.Preheat the oven to 375°F.
2.In a spice grinder, grind annatto seeds, black peppercorn, allspice, oregano, and cumin seed to a fine powder.
3.In a medium bowl, mix together the ground spices, orange peel, orange juice, salt, garlic and onion. Add the chicken pieces and toss until they are coated well. Let marinate for at least 30 minutes or overnight in the refrigerator.
4.Take a banana leaf and put one chicken piece in the center and fold the banana leave over the chicken piece to create a small package or parcel. Use a toothpick to keep the leaf folded. Repeat this process until you have used all the chicken pieces.
5.Arrange the wrapped chicken in a baking dish. Bake the chicken for 50-55 minutes.
6.Meanwhile, in a bowl mix red onion rings with vinegar, salt, oregano, black pepper, and garlic. Toss well and let it marinate for 30 minutes.
7.Once the chicken is cooked, unwrap the banana leaves and transfer chicken pieces to a serving plate.
8.Serve the chicken with pickled onions on the side.

PROS

Chicken is one of the most favorite proteins for many people, and the combination of flavors in this dish is unique and scrumptious.
The dish is baked in banana leaves, infusing it with a unique flavor, while the onions add a tangy side, that provides a refreshing taste to the dish.

CONS

The banana leaves are not widely available and have to be purchased from specialty food stores.
Additionally, the preparation process may be a bit lengthy, and the dish is not recommended for individuals that are on a low-fat diet.

HEALTH & BENEFITS

Chicken is a high protein meat that helps in building healthy muscles, bones and supporting overall health. It also contains essential nutritional elements such as vitamins, potassium, iron, and zinc. Banana leaves are not consumed in the dish itself, but are used for cooking, and they infuse nutrients, such as antioxidants and vitamins, into the food.

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published.