#259 Ayam Betutu or Balinese Chicken in Banana Leaves

Achiote marinated chicken wrapped in banana leaves or ‘Pollo Pibil’ is a Latin dish whereas sticky rice and spiced chicken cooked the same way is called “Lemper Ayam’ in Asia. All these dishes have one thing in common seasoned meat or fish is wrapped in banana leaves and pan fried or steamed to absorb the flavor of the leaf. So no matter what flavors you create in the protein, the added flavor of banana leaf takes it to another level of taste and aroma.

A Kerala delicacy Meen Pollichathu calls for the same technique of wrapping spiced fish within a plantain leaf and then pan fried. So I’ve introduced myself to a somewhat familiar dish from Bali with my own Asian spices binding ground chicken together in package with a hint of Red Thai Curry paste. The tremendous aroma of Asian flavors and tender meat are unfathomable. Each package opens up to present a portion that attained perfect consistency. Perfect enough to turn into an unforgettable dinner on  a cold winter night and served with steamed rice!!

Ingredients:

Ground chicken -1 lb
Garlic- 1 large teaspoon
Ginger- 1 Large Tablespoon
Shallots- 2
Green chilli-1
Turmeric- ½ tspn
Mustard paste-1/2 tspn
Red curry paste – 1 Tbslpn
Soy sauce- 1 Tblpsn
Coconut Milk powder- 1 tspn
Salt, Pepper to taste
Cilantro – 1 cup chopped
1 large banana leaf(fresh or frozen)

Directions:

1.       Coarsely grind together the shallots, green chillies, cilantro, mustard paste,garlic, ginger and soy sauce.
2.       Mix it with ground chicken and add the rest of the ingredients and mix gently just to fold the spices together.
3.       Add 1 tblsp oil and season with salt and pepper.
4.       Spread and cut the banana leaf into single serve portions. Spread a little of the meat mixture.
5.       Spread about 2 Tblspn of the spiced chicken or a single serving in the middle of each single serve leaf and fold the edges well enough to hold the mixture together inside.
6.       Place a steamer on the stove with enough water to cook the chicken,
7.       When the water boils, turn down the fire and place the chicken inside the steamer container.
8.       Steam gently until the meat is just cooked .Serve withs teamed rice.