“A Sumptuous and Aromatic Treat: Steamed Chicken with Lotus Leaves”

Steamed chicken with lotus leaves is a delectable dish that entices with the aroma of lotus leaves. This dish not only delivers a robust flavor but also boosts your health with the nutritional benefits derived from chicken and lotus leaves.

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Here is a delicious and aromatic recipe for steamed chicken wrapped in lotus leaves:

1. Ingredients for Steamed Chicken in Lotus Leaves (serves 3-4 people)

– 1 whole chicken, approximately 2kg

– 2 lotus leaves

– 20g wood ear mushrooms

– 50g dried lotus seeds

– 2 shallots

– 1 bulb of garlic

– 1 spring onion

– 1 packet of turmeric powder

– 1 jar of honey

– 1 jar of chili sauce

– Seasonings: Salt, sugar, fish sauce, seasoning powder, MSG, pepper

– Equipment: Steamer, kitchen twine

Ingredients for Steamed Chicken in Lotus Leaves

2. Preparation and Cooking Instructions:

Step 1: Prepare the Chicken

For this recipe, it is recommended to purchase a whole chicken that has already been cleaned and gutted, making it easier to stuff later on.

To eliminate any unpleasant odors from the chicken, thoroughly rinse it under running water. Then, use a tablespoon of salt to scrub the surface of the chicken. Rinse the chicken again with clean water 2-3 times, and either let it air dry or pat it dry with a clean kitchen towel.

Next, use skewers or wooden toothpicks to prick holes all over the chicken. This will help the marinade penetrate the meat more effectively.

Preparing the Chicken

Step 2: Marinate the Chicken

Place the chicken in a large bowl and add the following seasonings: 1 tablespoon of fish sauce, 2 teaspoons of ground pepper, 1 teaspoon of turmeric powder, 1/2 teaspoon of seasoning powder, 1 teaspoon of MSG, 1/2 teaspoon of sugar, 1 teaspoon of chili sauce, 1 tablespoon of honey, chopped shallots, and chopped garlic. Mix well to ensure the chicken is evenly coated with the marinade, both inside and out. Let the chicken marinate for at least an hour to absorb all the flavors.

Marinating the Chicken

Step 3: Prepare the Other Ingredients

Wash the spring onion, trim the roots, and tie it into a small bundle.

Soak the wood ear mushrooms in cold water for 1-2 hours to rehydrate them. Once they have softened, rinse them thoroughly and chop them into small pieces.

In a separate pot, boil some water and cook the lotus seeds for about 30 minutes until they are soft. Drain the water and set the lotus seeds aside.

Preparing the Remaining Ingredients

Step 4: Stuff the Chicken

Fill the cavity of the chicken with the chopped wood ear mushrooms and lotus seeds. Use the spring onion bundle to plug the opening, and secure it with skewers or toothpicks.

Stuffing the Chicken

Step 5: Prepare the Lotus Leaves

Lotus leaves tend to be delicate and can easily tear or wrinkle. To prevent this, either sun-dry the leaves or place them in a microwave oven at medium power for about 2 minutes.

Preparing the Lotus Leaves

Step 6: Wrap and Steam the Chicken

If you have any remaining wood ear mushrooms and lotus seeds, you can use them to wrap around the chicken. Place the chicken in the center of the lotus leaves and use kitchen twine to securely tie the leaves around the chicken.

Prepare your steamer by adding about a liter of water to the pot and heating it over medium heat until the water comes to a boil. Once the water is boiling, carefully place the wrapped chicken in the steamer basket, cover with a lid, and steam for 50-60 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through.

Wrapping and Steaming the Chicken in Lotus Leaves

Step 7: Serve and Enjoy

After steaming, the chicken wrapped in lotus leaves will have a beautiful golden color thanks to the combination of turmeric and honey.

Final Result: Steamed Chicken in Lotus Leaves

The steamed chicken will have a delightful chewy texture, infused with the aromatic fragrance of lotus leaves and the nutty flavor of lotus seeds. To enhance the taste even further, serve the chicken with a dip made from a mixture of salt, pepper, lime juice, or a spicy sour sauce of your choice.

Frequently asked questions

The dish is called ‘Gà Hấp Lá Sen’, a traditional Vietnamese delicacy.

The aroma is a unique blend of the lotus leaves and the chicken, with a hint of ginger and lemongrass. The flavor is moist and tender, with a subtle fragrance from the lotus leaves infusing into the chicken during steaming.

The key ingredients are chicken, lotus leaves, ginger, lemongrass, fish sauce, and shallots.

The chicken is marinated with a mixture of fish sauce, ginger, and lemongrass to enhance its flavor and tenderness.

Lotus leaves add a unique aroma and flavor to the dish. They also have medicinal properties and are believed to aid in digestion.

The preparation time is approximately 20 minutes, and the cooking time is around 30 minutes, depending on the size of the chicken.

Yes, it can be prepared ahead of time and reheated gently before serving. However, like most steamed dishes, it is best enjoyed fresh.
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