There are many stories about Beggars Chicken, and the food is very tasty. You can enjoy this classic Chinese dish and learn about the history of food at the same time. So, what is Beggars Chicken, and what makes it so different?
The Origins of Beggars Chicken
A Tale of a Beggar and an Emperor
This story is believed to have originated in China’s Ming Dynasty. It is also a common Humorous saying that a starving beggar has discovered a chicken, covered it with mud and laurel, and cooked it by throwing it into the fire without utensils.
Later, he used an axe to penetrate through the leftover hardened mud, and to his joy and surprise, he found a juicy, well-roasted chicken fit for his royal meals. One day, passing by a ruler who smelled the dish and was interested in it and, therefore, tasted it and succumbed to the dish. Beggars Chicken started from being one of the ordinary types of food, and it ended up being endorsed by the royal family.
How it became a tradition in cooking
Originally in China, making chicken in clay has also been considered one of the protocols for cooking food. It meant that even with a spoon and package of blueberries, one could come up with something spectacular. Both the rich and the poor had this dish, though everyone contributed to the dish based on their creativity as they retained the main idea.
The Unique Preparation Method
Ingredients Used in Beggars Chicken
People who enjoy the dish say that what they like most about Beggars Chicken is that it has very few natural ingredients. The ingredients in the traditional recipe are whole chicken, soy sauce, Shaoxing wine, oyster sauce, ginger and garlic, and different Chinese herbs. These are stewed with chicken to enrich it with a lot of flavor.
The Art of Clay Wrapping
That is the very secret of Beggars Chicken, as it is known, due to the clay wrapping method. The chicken is spiced and then surrounded with lotus leaves that help to ensure that moisture is locked in. When the chicken is being enveloped with the lotus leaves, a thick layer of clay or mud is placed on the chicken. The way of placing the chicken into the shell preserves the juice and lets it cook equally.
Cooking Techniques for Authentic Flavor
The chicken is baked or cooked slowly after being wrapped in clay. In the past, it was cooked over an open fire, but current recipes call for ovens to achieve the same results. Slow cooking lets the flavours blend, making the chicken tender and full of flavour.
How to Make Beggars Chicken at Home
Important Things You Will Need
These things are what you’ll need to make Beggars Chicken at home:
- A whole chicken
- Soy sauce
- Using wine to wax
- Onion sauce
- Cloves and ginger
- Chinese plants (not required)
- Leaf of a Lotus
- To wrap, use clay or dough.
Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions
- Mix oyster sauce, soy sauce, Shaoxing wine, ginger, and garlic to season the chicken. Cover the chicken with this sauce and rub it all over, inside and out. Leave it to sit for at least two hours, or better yet, overnight.
- To get the Lotus Leaves ready, soak them in warm water until they can be bent. All of this makes it easier to wrap the chicken.
- How to Wrap the Chicken: Lay the chicken that has been prepared on the lotus leaves and tightly wrap it. You can use metal foil instead of lotus leaves if you don’t have any.
- Clay or Dough Covering: Put a layer of clay or dough over the chicken wrapped in lotus leaves. Make sure it’s covered well so that the steam doesn’t escape while cooking.
- Cook the chicken: Warm the oven up to 190°C (375°F). On a baking sheet, put the chicken that has been wrapped in clay. Bake for 1.5 to 2 hours.
- Serve and enjoy: Once the chicken is done baking, crack open the clay to show the juicy, fragrant chicken inside. It goes well with rice or steamed veggies when it’s hot.
Tips for a Perfectly Baked Chicken
- Make sure the chicken is marinated well so that it can take in all the tastes.
- Make sure the clay or dough is well sealed to keep the juices and tastes inside.
- With a meat thermometer, you can see if the chicken is fully cooked. The temperature inside the chicken should hit 165°F (74°C).
Conclusion
Beggars Chicken is a classic dish that perfectly captures the essence of Chinese food. It has a special way of being made, a long history, and a delicious taste that makes it a must-try for anyone who likes classic foods. Beggar chicken is both interesting and delicious, whether you eat it at a fancy restaurant or try to make it at home.
FAQs
What makes Beggars Chicken unique?
The unique clay-wrapping and slow-cooking technique make Beggars Chicken stand out. This method ensures the chicken remains moist and flavorful, with the clay acting as an oven within an oven.
Can I use other meats instead of chicken?
Traditionally, Beggars Chicken is made with chicken, but you can experiment with other meats like duck or pork. Just be mindful of the cooking times, as they may vary.
Is Beggars Chicken difficult to make at home?
While the process might seem elaborate, making Beggars Chicken at home is quite manageable. The key is to follow the steps carefully and allow ample time for marination and cooking.
How is Beggars Chicken traditionally served?
Beggars Chicken is usually served whole and unwrapped at the table, allowing diners to appreciate the aroma and presentation before carving. It’s often paired with simple sides like steamed rice and vegetables.
What are the main health benefits of this dish?
Beggars Chicken is a source of lean protein and incorporates ingredients like ginger and garlic, which have health-boosting properties. When enjoyed in moderation, it can be part of a nutritious and balanced diet.
