Delicious Grilled Chicken Basil Rice Wrapped in Banana Leaves

Grilled Chicken and Basil Rice in Banana Leaves

Ingredients:

• 300 g chicken breast
• 250 g white rice (approx. 2.5 small plastic cups)
• 5 small chilies
• 5 curly chilies
• 2 large chilies
• 2 cloves garlic
• 5 shallots
• 1/4 tomato
• 1 tbsp tomato sauce
• 1 tbsp chili sauce
• 2 stalks lemongrass
• 3 stalks basil
• Banana leaves for wrapping
• Skewers or clips to secure the wraps
• Seasoning
• A pinch of sugar
• A bit of cooking oil for sautéing the spices

Instructions:

1. Cook the Rice: Begin by cooking the rice as you normally would. Once done, set it aside.

2. Prepare the Chicken: Rinse the chicken breasts thoroughly. Sprinkle with salt and pepper, then boil until cooked through. Once cooked, shred the chicken into pieces, keeping them a bit chunky for texture.

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3. Make the Spice Paste: In a blender or food processor, combine the shallots, garlic, large chilies, small chilies, curly chilies, and tomato. Blend until smooth. If needed, add a bit of seasoning to taste.

4. Sauté the Spices: Heat a bit of cooking oil in a pan. Add the blended spice mixture and sauté until fragrant. Add the tomato sauce and chili sauce, stirring until well combined. Then, add the finely chopped lemongrass. Mix in the shredded chicken, ensuring it is well coated with the spices. Finally, add the basil leaves, stirring gently until everything is well mixed. Taste and adjust seasoning with a pinch of sugar and more salt or seasoning if needed.

5. Prepare the Banana Leaves: Wipe the banana leaves clean with a damp cloth. Cut them into pieces large enough to wrap the rice and chicken mixture.

6. Assemble the Wraps: Place a portion of rice on each banana leaf. Top with a generous amount of the spiced chicken mixture. Fold the banana leaves neatly into parcels and secure them with skewers or clips.

7. Grill the Parcels: You can either grill the parcels directly over a flame or use a non-stick pan (without oil) on low heat. Cook until the banana leaves are charred and the contents are heated through.

8. Serve: Serve the grilled chicken and basil rice parcels warm. Enjoy the aromatic and flavorful combination of spices and tender chicken.

This delightful and aromatic dish is perfect for a unique and flavorful meal, offering a wonderful combination of tender chicken, fragrant rice, and a blend of vibrant spices all wrapped in the earthy aroma of banana leaves.