Hangzhou Beggar's Pouch
Introduction
Hangzhou Beggar's Pouch is a legendary dish hailing from the Zhejiang province of China. Its origin dates back to the Qing Dynasty, a tale of poverty turned into culinary delight. Legend claims that a beggar, lacking proper utensils and resources, wrapped fragrant chicken in lotus leaves and packed it in clay to cook over a fire. Over time, this humble technique evolved into a gourmet dish that has captivated food lovers around the world.
Ingredients
- Whole chicken (about 1.5 kg)
- Soy sauce – 3 tablespoons
- Ginger, sliced – 30g
- Garlic, minced – 5 cloves
- Green onions, chopped – 4 sticks
- Rice wine – 2 tablespoons
- Brown sugar – 2 tablespoons
- Star anise – 2 pieces
- Black pepper, freshly ground – 1 teaspoon
- Lotus leaves – 3 large or enough to wrap the chicken
- Clay (or aluminum foil alternative)
- Salt – to taste
Preparation
Marinating the Chicken
Begin by cleaning the chicken thoroughly, ensuring to remove any innards. Pat it dry with a paper towel. Place the chicken in a large bowl and add soy sauce, rice wine, ginger, garlic, and green onions. Massage these ingredients into the chicken, ensuring it's well coated.
Add brown sugar, star anise, and black pepper to the bowl. Toss the chicken so these aromatics penetrate the meat. Cover and let it marinate in the fridge for at least 2 hours or overnight for a more robust flavor.
Preparing the Lotus Leaves
While the chicken is marinating, prepare the lotus leaves by soaking them in warm water until pliable. This usually takes about 30 minutes. The leaves should be soft enough to fold around the chicken without tearing.
Cooking Process
Wrapping the Chicken
Once marinated, remove the chicken from the fridge and allow it to reach room temperature. Lay the lotus leaves flat on a clean surface, overlapping as necessary to ensure there are no gaps.
Place the chicken in the center of the leaves. Wrap the leaves around the chicken tightly, tucking in the edges to form a secure pouch. If using clay, cover the leaf-wrapped chicken evenly, ensuring all seams are sealed. Alternatively, use aluminum foil to wrap the chicken securely.
Cooking
Preheat your oven to 180°C. Place the wrapped chicken in a baking dish and allow it to cook for about 2 to 3 hours or until fully cooked and tender. Use a timer to monitor the cooking time. If using clay, crack open the cooked clay carefully to reveal the aromatic contents. The lotus leaves will impart a subtle earthy fragrance, perfectly complementing the marinated chicken.
Serving
Carefully unwrap the lotus leaves and transfer the chicken to a serving platter. Garnish with additional chopped green onions and a sprinkle of black pepper for added fragrance.
Serve alongside steamed rice or your choice of vegetables for a complete meal. The tender meat, infused with the rich blend of spices, soy sauce, and aromatic herbs, makes Hangzhou Beggar's Pouch an irresistible dish that holds an ancient story within every bite.
Enjoying the Meal
Hangzhou Beggar's Pouch is best enjoyed with a group of friends or family, as breaking the clay or foil parcel reveals the savory aromas held within—creating a shared experience that is both fragrant and rewarding. Pair this dish with a glass of traditional Chinese rice wine to accentuate the chicken's marinated flavors.
Embrace the elegance and mystery of Hangzhou's most famous dish, savoring each bite as you indulge in a culinary pastime cherished throughout generations.