Wednesday, September 06, 2023

Chicken Adobo and Caramelized Corn with Fresh Mint

 







We tried two new recipes for this dinner. They were both excellent. Corn and Chicken are a natural combination. The Carmelization of the Corn only makes it better, crispy and sweet. The Chicken had a great spicy tang to it. We will make both of these dishes again.


Caramelized Corn with Fresh Mint

New York Times

 

This is an invincible weapon in the culinary arsenal: whole corn kernels, simply tossed in a hot skillet of melted butter, and showered with fresh mint when they start to pop and turn brown. It's sweet and savory all at once. And it's divine.

 

INGREDIENTS

Yield:10 to 12 servings

 

4 to 5   cups fresh corn kernels, white or yellow (from about 12 cobs), or two 16-ounce bags frozen white corn

1                stick (4 ounces) unsalted butter

½               cup chopped fresh mint

Salt

 

PREPARATION

 

1.            If using frozen corn, drain between layers of paper towels until thawed, about 30 minutes.

2.            In a wide skillet, melt half the butter over high heat. Add half the corn and cook, stirring often, until golden and browned (kernels may begin to pop), about 10 minutes. Stir in half the mint and sprinkle with salt. Transfer to a serving bowl. Repeat with remaining corn, butter, mint and salt.

 

Chicken Adobo

New York Times

 

It is the national dish of the Philippines, and the subject of intense and delicious debate across its 7,100 islands whether made with chicken, pork or fish. Whichever, the protein is braised in vinegar until pungent and rich, sweet and sour and salty at once, then sometimes crisped at the edges in high heat, and always served with the remaining sauce. Its excellence derives from the balance of its flavors, in the alchemy of the process. Cooking softens the acidity of the vinegar, which then combines with the flavor of the meat to enhance it. Whether consumed in Manila’s heat or on the edge of a New York winter, adobo holds the power to change moods and alter dining habits. It is a difficult dish to cook just once. The recipe that follows derives from one given to The Times in 2011 by Amy Besa, who runs, with her husband, Romy Dorotan, the excellent Purple Yam restaurant in Ditmas Park, Brooklyn.

 

INGREDIENTS

Yield:4 servings

 

1          cup coconut milk

¼         cup soy sauce

1½       cup rice vinegar

12        garlic cloves, peeled

3          whole bird’s-eye chilies or other fiery chili

3          bay leaves

1½       teaspoons freshly ground black pepper

3 to 4   pounds chicken thighs

 

PREPARATION

1.    Combine all of the marinade ingredients in a large, nonreactive bowl or resealable plastic freezer bag. Add the chicken and turn to coat. Refrigerate overnight or for at least 2 hours.

2.    Place chicken and marinade in a large lidded pot or Dutch oven over high heat and bring to a boil. Immediately reduce heat to a simmer and cook, stirring occasionally, until the chicken is cooked through and tender, around 30 minutes.

3.     Heat broiler. Transfer chicken pieces to a large bowl, raise heat under the pot to medium-high, and reduce the sauce until it achieves almost the consistency of cream, about 10 minutes. Remove bay leaves and chilies.

4.    Place chicken pieces on a roasting pan and place under broiler for 5 to 7 minutes, until they begin to caramelize. Remove, turn chicken, baste with sauce and repeat, 3 to 5 minutes more. Return chicken to sauce and cook for a few minutes more, then place on a platter and drizzle heavily with sauce.

 

 

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