Poultry recipes

Poultry is common in China. It is cheap source of protein for most people however I recommend getting it fresh from the farmer's markets rather than from the supermarkets (at least in Wenzhou) mainly because most of the supermarkets don't use refrigeration or if they do, it is unreliable. When you buy poultry from the farmer's market, you usually have to pick out a live bird and have them slaughter it for you. To do this, take someone who can speak the local dialect (or at least Mandarin) with you. They will slaughter your bird, gut it and pluck it. You can ask to keep the innards if you like to use in stuffings or dressings. The following are some simple poultry recipes that can be cooked on the stove-top (most kitchens in China don't come with ovens, but you can cook these recipes that way too).

Chicken and Rice with Cream of Mushroom

Ingredients:

raw chicken (I recommend breasts and thighs)
1 handful (or more) of your favorite chopped raw mushrooms*
Milk
Water
2 handfuls (1.5 cups) of rice (short or long grain white)
Veggies* (carrots, cabbage, onions, etc.)

*optional

Directions:

Arrange chicken in the bottom of a heavy casserole or thick-bottomed pot with a lid so that the pieces do not touch. If you are using onions or garlic, saute the diced onions or garlic in a pan with a little oil until the onions are clear then add to the chicken dish. Add the rice. Add the milk and water. Be sure to add the same amount of milk and water as you have rice (no more than a total of 1.5 cups of liquid). Add mushrooms and other veggies. Cover and cook over med-low heat for 40-50 minutes. Be careful that the flame is not too direct or the bottom of the chicken and rice will scorch. Add a little bit of milk or water as needed to keep rice moist.

When rice and veggies are fully cooked and all the liquid has been absorbed, remove from heat and let stand for 10 minutes. Add salt and pepper to taste and enjoy.








Coca Cola Chicken

Ingredients:

1 whole chicken cut into pieces
Coca Cola (equal to amount of ketchup, not more than 1 cup each)
Tomato Ketchup (equal to amount of coca cola, not more than 1 cup each)
salt and pepper to taste
sugar*

*if your ketchup has a lot of vinegar in it, you may want to add a pinch of sugar.

Directions:

Place chicken pieces in a pan or container with a lid. Mix together equal parts Coca Cola and Tomato Ketchup. Add salt and pepper to taste. Pour over chicken and allow to marinade for at least 30 minutes. Pour all into a heavy pan with high sides. Cook over medium heat for about 30 minutes or until chicken is done. To Bake: place in a 350 degree F (175-180 C) oven for 30 minutes.