Beggar's Chicken with Fragrant Herbs

Ingredients

• 1 whole chicken (about 1.5 kg / 3.3 lbs) 1 whole chicken (about 1.5 kg / 3.3 lbs)
• 10 grams (0.35 oz) ginger, sliced 10 grams (0.35 oz) ginger, sliced
• 4 cloves of garlic, minced 4 cloves of garlic, minced
• 2 star anise 2 star anise
• 4 scallions, chopped 4 scallions, chopped
• 1 bunch of cilantro, chopped 1 bunch of cilantro, chopped
• 50 grams (1.8 oz) Chinese mushrooms, soaked and sliced 50 grams (1.8 oz) Chinese mushrooms, soaked and sliced
• 4 lotus leaves, soaked in water 4 lotus leaves, soaked in water
• Salt, to taste Salt, to taste
• Soy sauce, for brushing Soy sauce, for brushing
• Vegetable oil, for brushing Vegetable oil, for brushing

Nutrition

• Calories (kcal / KJ): 350 kcal / 1465 KJ
• Fat (total, saturated): 15g, 4g
• Carbohydrates (total, sugars): 2g, 0g
• Protein: 50g
• Fiber: 1g
• Salt: 1.5g

Preparation

1. 1.
   Preheat the oven to 180°C (350°F).
2. 2.
   Rinse the chicken thoroughly and pat it dry with paper towels.
3. 3.
   In a bowl, combine the ginger, garlic, star anise, scallions, cilantro, and Chinese mushrooms.
4. 4.
   Stuff the chicken cavity with the herb mixture and secure the opening with toothpicks.
5. 5.
   Brush the lotus leaves with vegetable oil to prevent sticking.
6. 6.
   Wrap the chicken tightly with the lotus leaves, ensuring it is completely covered.
7. 7.
   Place the wrapped chicken on a baking tray and brush the top with soy sauce.
8. 8.
   Bake in the preheated oven for about 2 hours, or until the chicken is cooked through and tender.
9. 9.
   Remove the lotus leaves carefully and transfer the chicken to a serving platter.
10. 10.
    Serve hot and enjoy the flavorful Beggar's Chicken.

Treat your ingredients with care...

• Chinese mushrooms — Soak the mushrooms in warm water for about 20 minutes until they become soft. Slice them thinly before using in the recipe.

Tips & Tricks

• To enhance the flavor, marinate the chicken overnight in the refrigerator before stuffing and baking.
• For a smoky aroma, you can add a small piece of charcoal to the baking tray before sealing the chicken with lotus leaves.
• If lotus leaves are not available, you can use parchment paper as a substitute.

Serving advice

Serve the Beggar's Chicken as a centerpiece on a large platter. Allow guests to unwrap the lotus leaves themselves, creating an interactive dining experience.

Presentation advice

Garnish the platter with fresh cilantro sprigs and sliced scallions for a vibrant and appetizing presentation.