Grains of Paradise braised Chicken with Hakubaku Udon Noodles
SERVES: 4 DIFFICULTY: Easy COOKING TIME: 35 minutes
A truly exotic flavouring – I hope you can find it for this amazing dish.
INGREDIENTS
- 270g Hakubaku organic udon noodles
- 1 Whole Chicken or 2 large chicken breasts (cut into pieces)
- 200g Oyster or Abalone Mushrooms, sliced
- 50g Fresh young ginger (finely sliced)
- 50g Fresh garlic (finely chopped)
- 1tbsp Sunflower oil (organic if possible)
- 10gm Grains of paradise seasoning, ground (or substitute, see recipe)
- 1tsp Molasses (organic if possible)
- 3/4 cup Water
- 20g Arrowroot powder
- Salt (to taste)
METHOD
Grains of paradise is a spice found on the west coast of Africa. You may have to purchase it on line, from websites that deal in exotic spices. If you can’t obtain Grains of paradise seasoning, a substitute can be made by mixing equal parts of ground cardamom, ground ginger and coarsely-ground black pepper. Alternately you could try Moroccan seasoning or even Cajun seasoning. for this recipe.
Method
- Rub the chicken pieces in Grains of Paradise seasoning (or substitute seasoning), and then let stand for at least 20 minutes.
- Cook noodles according to packet instructions. Drain well, then set aside.
- Heat the sunflower oil, in a wok, add garlic and ginger and stir-fry until fragrant.
- Add chicken pieces and stir-fry for 10 minutes.
- Add molasses and water and simmer (covered) until chicken is tender.
- Add mushrooms and simmer for 10 minutes.
- Mix the arrowroot with 2tbsp water to form a paste and add (stirring) to the chicken, until sauce thickens.
- Add udon noodles, stirring until combined and heated through (about 1 minute).
- Divide stir-fry between 4 serving plates.
Can be eaten alone or accompanied by a few colourful, steamed vegetables; (eg carrot, green beans and cauliflower florets.)
