Marquesas Soul Food Delight

Ingredients

In this adaptation, the original French Marquesas dish is transformed into a soul food delight. The traditional French ingredients and techniques are combined with the flavors and cooking methods commonly found in soul food. The original recipe typically uses white wine and herbs like thyme and rosemary, while the soul food adaptation incorporates smoky bacon and hot sauce for added depth of flavor. Additionally, the original dish is often served with roasted potatoes, but in this version, creamy mashed sweet potatoes are used to enhance the soulful experience. We alse have the original recipe for Marquesas, so you can check it out.

• 4 chicken thighs (skin-on, bone-in) 4 chicken thighs (skin-on, bone-in)
• 2 tablespoons (30ml) vegetable oil 2 tablespoons (30ml) vegetable oil
• 1 tablespoon (15g) Cajun seasoning 1 tablespoon (15g) Cajun seasoning
• 1 teaspoon (5g) paprika 1 teaspoon (5g) paprika
• 1 teaspoon (5g) garlic powder 1 teaspoon (5g) garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon (5g) onion powder 1 teaspoon (5g) onion powder
• 1/2 teaspoon (2.5g) black pepper 1/2 teaspoon (2.5g) black pepper
• 1/2 teaspoon (2.5g) salt 1/2 teaspoon (2.5g) salt
• 4 slices of bacon, diced 4 slices of bacon, diced
• 1 bunch of collard greens, stems removed and leaves chopped 1 bunch of collard greens, stems removed and leaves chopped
• 2 cloves of garlic, minced 2 cloves of garlic, minced
• 1 cup (240ml) chicken broth 1 cup (240ml) chicken broth
• 4 medium sweet potatoes, peeled and cubed 4 medium sweet potatoes, peeled and cubed
• 4 tablespoons (60g) unsalted butter 4 tablespoons (60g) unsalted butter
• 1/4 cup (60ml) milk 1/4 cup (60ml) milk
• Salt and pepper to taste Salt and pepper to taste
• Homemade hot sauce (optional, for serving) Homemade hot sauce (optional, for serving)

Nutrition

• Calories (kcal / KJ): 480 kcal / 2010 KJ
• Fat (total, saturated): 28g, 10g
• Carbohydrates (total, sugars): 30g, 8g
• Protein: 28g
• Fiber: 6g
• Salt: 2.5g

Preparation

1. 1.
   Preheat the oven to 180°C (350°F).
2. 2.
   In a small bowl, combine the Cajun seasoning, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, black pepper, and salt.
3. 3.
   Rub the chicken thighs with the spice mixture, ensuring they are well coated.
4. 4.
   Heat the vegetable oil in a large oven-safe skillet over medium-high heat.
5. 5.
   Add the chicken thighs, skin side down, and cook for 5 minutes until the skin is crispy and golden brown.
6. 6.
   Flip the chicken thighs and transfer the skillet to the preheated oven. Bake for 25-30 minutes until the chicken is cooked through.
7. 7.
   While the chicken is cooking, heat a separate skillet over medium heat and cook the diced bacon until crispy. Remove the bacon from the skillet and set aside.
8. 8.
   In the same skillet, add the minced garlic and sauté for 1 minute until fragrant.
9. 9.
   Add the chopped collard greens and cook until wilted, about 5 minutes.
10. 10.
    Pour in the chicken broth and simmer for 15-20 minutes until the collard greens are tender. Stir in the cooked bacon.
11. 11.
    In a large pot, bring water to a boil and add the cubed sweet potatoes. Cook until tender, approximately 15-20 minutes.
12. 12.
    Drain the sweet potatoes and return them to the pot. Add the butter, milk, salt, and pepper. Mash until smooth and creamy.
13. 13.
    To serve, place a generous scoop of mashed sweet potatoes on a plate. Top with a chicken thigh and a portion of sautéed collard greens. Drizzle with homemade hot sauce if desired.

Treat your ingredients with care...

• Chicken thighs — For extra flavor, marinate the chicken thighs in the spice mixture overnight before cooking.
• Collard greens — Make sure to remove the tough stems before chopping the leaves for a more tender texture.
• Sweet potatoes — Boil the sweet potatoes until they are easily pierced with a fork to ensure they are fully cooked and mashable.

Tips & Tricks

• For a spicier kick, add a pinch of cayenne pepper to the spice mixture.
• If you prefer a smokier flavor, substitute smoked paprika for regular paprika.
• Serve the dish with a side of cornbread to complement the soul food experience.
• Feel free to adjust the seasoning according to your taste preferences.
• Make extra homemade hot sauce and store it in the refrigerator for future use.

Serving advice

Serve the Marquesas Soul Food Delight hot, allowing the flavors to meld together. Garnish with fresh parsley or chopped green onions for a pop of color.

Presentation advice

Arrange the chicken thigh on top of the creamy mashed sweet potatoes, with the sautéed collard greens surrounding it. Drizzle the homemade hot sauce in an artistic pattern over the chicken for an eye-catching presentation.