Curaçaoan-style Stuffed Chicken

Ingredients

In this Curaçaoan adaptation of Beggar's Chicken, we incorporate the vibrant flavors and ingredients of Curaçao cuisine. The traditional Chinese spices are replaced with a blend of local spices such as cumin, coriander, and allspice, which add a distinct Caribbean twist to the dish. Additionally, the stuffing is made with Curaçaoan ingredients like plantains, bell peppers, and onions, enhancing the flavors with a touch of sweetness and freshness. We alse have the original recipe for Beggar's Chicken, so you can check it out.

• 1 whole chicken (about 1.5 kg / 3.3 lbs) 1 whole chicken (about 1.5 kg / 3.3 lbs)
• 2 tablespoons cumin powder 2 tablespoons cumin powder
• 2 tablespoons coriander powder 2 tablespoons coriander powder
• 1 tablespoon allspice powder 1 tablespoon allspice powder
• 2 teaspoons salt 2 teaspoons salt
• 2 teaspoons black pepper 2 teaspoons black pepper
• 2 ripe plantains, diced 2 ripe plantains, diced
• 1 red bell pepper, diced 1 red bell pepper, diced
• 1 green bell pepper, diced 1 green bell pepper, diced
• 1 onion, diced 1 onion, diced
• 4 cloves garlic, minced 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 tablespoons vegetable oil 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
• 4 large banana leaves 4 large banana leaves

Nutrition

• Calories (kcal / KJ): 350 kcal / 1465 KJ
• Fat (total, saturated): 12g, 3g
• Carbohydrates (total, sugars): 25g, 10g
• Protein: 35g
• Fiber: 4g
• Salt: 1.5g

Preparation

1. 1.
   Preheat the oven to 180°C (350°F).
2. 2.
   In a small bowl, combine the cumin powder, coriander powder, allspice powder, salt, and black pepper.
3. 3.
   Rinse the chicken and pat it dry with paper towels.
4. 4.
   Rub the spice mixture all over the chicken, ensuring it is evenly coated.
5. 5.
   In a large skillet, heat the vegetable oil over medium heat. Add the diced plantains, bell peppers, onion, and minced garlic. Sauté until the vegetables are tender.
6. 6.
   Stuff the chicken cavity with the sautéed vegetable mixture.
7. 7.
   Lay the banana leaves on a baking sheet and place the stuffed chicken on top.
8. 8.
   Wrap the chicken tightly with the banana leaves, ensuring it is completely covered.
9. 9.
   Bake the chicken in the preheated oven for approximately 2 hours, or until the internal temperature reaches 75°C (165°F).
10. 10.
    Remove the chicken from the oven and let it rest for 10 minutes before unwrapping.
11. 11.
    Carefully remove the banana leaves and transfer the chicken to a serving platter.
12. 12.
    Slice the chicken and serve it with the flavorful stuffing.

Treat your ingredients with care...

• Plantains — Choose ripe plantains with yellow skin for a sweeter flavor. If you can't find plantains, you can substitute with ripe bananas, but the taste will be slightly different.

Tips & Tricks

• To add an extra layer of flavor, marinate the chicken overnight in the spice mixture before cooking.
• If you can't find banana leaves, you can use parchment paper as a substitute. However, the banana leaves impart a unique aroma to the dish.
• Serve the Curaçaoan-style Stuffed Chicken with a side of rice and beans for a complete Caribbean meal.

Serving advice

Garnish the sliced chicken with fresh cilantro leaves and serve it alongside a generous portion of the flavorful stuffing. This dish pairs well with a refreshing tropical fruit salad.

Presentation advice

Arrange the sliced chicken on a platter, showcasing the vibrant colors of the stuffing. Place the banana leaves underneath the chicken for an authentic touch. Serve with pride and let the enticing aroma captivate your guests.