The smoked chicken steams in the banana leaves, keeping it ultra juicy. You can get banana leaves and plantains at Asian and Latin American supermarkets. They are usually found frozen in stores. Yield is 4 servings.
Directions for: Smoked Chicken in a Banana Leaf
Ingredients
Marinade2 fresh red hot chili pepper, chopped
cup lime, juice
2 Tbsp olive oil
tsp cayenne pepper
2 tsp minced garlic
1 tsp paprika
1 tsp salt
1 tsp dried oregano
2 lime leaf, finely chopped
cup chicken stock
cup coconut milk
Chicken1 smoked chicken, (about 1 1/2 lbs), meat removed from the bones and shredded
Plantain2 Tbsp olive oil
1 1 large plantain, peeled and sliced on the diagonal, 1/2-inch thick
1 Tbsp sugar
Assembly4 banana leaves
4 sprigs fresh coriander
Directions
Marinade1. Combine the marinade ingredients in a food processor and blend into a smooth paste.
2. Put the chicken in a non-reactive bowl and rub the marinade all over.
3. Cover and refrigerate overnight.
Chicken Plantain1. The next day, remove chicken from the refrigerator and bring to room temperature.
2. Meanwhile, heat the olive oil in a medium nonstick saucepan.
3. Sprinkle the plantain with sugar and fry until golden and softened, about 2 minutes per side.
4. Remove from the heat and set aside.
Assembly1. Heat a grill on medium-high heat.
2. Divide the chicken among the banana leaves
3. Top with the plantains and the coriander sprigs.
4. Tie the banana leaves with kitchen twine, or a banana leaf torn into strips.
5. Put the packages on the top shelf of the barbecue for 15 to 20 minutes, or until chicken is hot.
See more: Poultry, African, Chicken, Hot and Spicy, Grill, Barbeque, Main, BBQ