Bougna Supreme Recipe
Introduction to Bougna
Bougna is a traditional dish from the South Pacific island of New Caledonia, particularly beloved by the indigenous Kanak people. The dish is a rich, earthy combination of meats, root vegetables, and coconut milk, traditionally cooked in banana leaves and baked in an earth oven, known as a bougna.
The name "bougna" comes from the native Canak language and means "bundle," which is quite fitting as the ingredients are wrapped and cooked together. This sumptuous meal embodies the essence of communal cooking, celebrating togetherness and cultural heritage.
Ingredients for Bougna Supreme
- Chicken - 1 whole or 2 kg of chicken pieces
- Pork - 500g, diced
- Banana Leaves - for wrapping
- Sweet Potatoes - 2 large, peeled and chopped
- Taro - 2 large, peeled and chopped
- Yam - 1 large, peeled and chopped
- Cassava - 300g, peeled and chopped
- Coconut Milk - 2 cans or 800ml
- Onion - 1 large, sliced
- Garlic - 4 cloves, chopped
- Ginger - 2 tablespoons, grated
- Lemon Juice - from 1 lemon
- Salt - to taste
- Pepper - to taste
- Paprika - 1 teaspoon
- Coriander - fresh, for garnish
Preparation of Bougna Supreme
Marinade the chicken and pork: In a large bowl, combine the lemon juice, garlic, ginger, salt, pepper, and paprika. Add the chicken and pork, ensuring they are well-coated. Cover and refrigerate for at least 2 hours (overnight for best results).
Prepare the banana leaves: Soften the banana leaves by passing them quickly over a flame or soaking them in hot water. This makes them more pliable and easier to wrap.
Assemble the Bougna: Lay out the banana leaves and begin layering your ingredients. Start with slices of onion, then add a mixture of chopped sweet potatoes, taro, yam, and cassava. Place the marinated chicken and pork over the vegetables.
Complete Cooking Process
Add coconut milk: Pour the coconut milk evenly over the ingredients. Make sure everything is nicely soaked, as this will provide essential moisture and flavor.
Wrap the Bougna: Carefully fold the banana leaves around the ingredients to create a tightly sealed parcel. Use kitchen twine or additional banana leaves strips to secure the parcel.
Cook the Bougna: Traditionally, the bougna is buried in hot stones and ashes in an earth oven. For a modern approach, preheat your oven to 180°C (350°F) and place the parcel on a baking tray. Cook for approximately 2.5 to 3 hours. Use a cooking timer to ensure perfect cooking time.
How to Enjoy Bougna Supreme
Once cooked, carefully unwrap the banana leaves to reveal the aromatic bougna within. Garnish with fresh coriander before serving. Traditionally, it is served communal-style, allowing everyone to dig into the delicious bundle. Pair with a fresh tropical salad or steamed white rice to complement the flavors of the dish. Relish every bite as you immerse yourself in the culinary culture of New Caledonia!