Hainanese-style Nevik

Ingredients

The Hainanese-style Nevik differs from the original Armenian dish by incorporating Hainanese flavors and cooking techniques. The original Nevik is typically made with lamb or beef, while this adaptation uses chicken as the protein. Additionally, the Hainanese-style Nevik includes ingredients such as ginger, garlic, and shallots, which are commonly used in Hainanese cuisine. The dish is also served with a tangy chili sauce, which adds a unique Hainanese twist to the traditional recipe. We alse have the original recipe for Nevik, so you can check it out.

• 1 cup (200g) rice 1 cup (200g) rice
• 4 cups (950ml) chicken broth 4 cups (950ml) chicken broth
• 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
• 1 thumb-sized piece of ginger, sliced 1 thumb-sized piece of ginger, sliced
• 4 cloves of garlic, minced 4 cloves of garlic, minced
• 2 shallots, finely chopped 2 shallots, finely chopped
• 1 tablespoon vegetable oil 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
• 1 teaspoon sesame oil 1 teaspoon sesame oil
• Salt, to taste Salt, to taste
• Fresh cilantro, for garnish Fresh cilantro, for garnish
• Chili sauce, for serving Chili sauce, for serving

Nutrition

• Calories (kcal / KJ): 320 kcal / 1340 KJ
• Fat (total, saturated): 6g, 1g
• Carbohydrates (total, sugars): 45g, 1g
• Protein: 24g
• Fiber: 2g
• Salt: 1.5g

Preparation

1. 1.
   Rinse the rice under cold water until the water runs clear. Drain well.
2. 2.
   In a large pot, heat the vegetable oil over medium heat. Add the ginger, garlic, and shallots, and sauté until fragrant.
3. 3.
   Add the chicken breasts to the pot and cook until they are no longer pink in the center.
4. 4.
   Remove the chicken breasts from the pot and shred them into bite-sized pieces using two forks.
5. 5.
   Return the shredded chicken to the pot and add the rice. Stir well to combine.
6. 6.
   Pour in the chicken broth and bring the mixture to a boil. Reduce the heat to low and simmer for about 30 minutes, or until the rice is cooked and the porridge has thickened.
7. 7.
   Stir in the sesame oil and season with salt to taste.
8. 8.
   Serve the Hainanese-style Nevik hot, garnished with fresh cilantro. Serve with chili sauce on the side.

Treat your ingredients with care...

• Chicken breasts — Make sure to cook the chicken breasts thoroughly to ensure they are no longer pink in the center. Shred the chicken when it is still warm for easier handling.
• Ginger — Use fresh ginger for the best flavor. Peel the ginger before slicing it.
• Rice — Rinse the rice well to remove excess starch before cooking. This will help achieve a smoother and less sticky porridge.

Tips & Tricks

• For added flavor, you can marinate the chicken breasts with soy sauce and sesame oil before cooking.
• Adjust the thickness of the porridge by adding more or less chicken broth according to your preference.
• Customize the spice level by adjusting the amount of chili sauce added to the porridge.
• Leftovers can be refrigerated and reheated. Add a splash of chicken broth or water when reheating to maintain the desired consistency.
• Feel free to add additional toppings such as sliced green onions, fried shallots, or a soft-boiled egg for extra flavor and texture.

Serving advice

Serve the Hainanese-style Nevik hot as a main dish. It can be enjoyed on its own or accompanied by steamed vegetables or a side of pickles for a complete meal.

Presentation advice

When serving the Hainanese-style Nevik, garnish each bowl with a generous amount of fresh cilantro. The vibrant green color of the cilantro will add a pop of freshness to the dish. Serve the chili sauce in a small bowl on the side for guests to add according to their preference.