Chicken Recipes

BARBECUED JERK CHICKEN

Jerk refers to the blend of herb and spice seasoning rubbed into meat before it is roasted over charcoal sprinkled with pimiento berries. In Jamaica, jerk seasoning was originally used only for pork, but jerked chicken is equally good.

INGREDIENTS
8 chicken pieces

FOR THE MARINADE
1 teaspoon ground allspice
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1 teaspoon dried thyme
1/4 teaspoon freshly grated nutmeg
2 teaspoons raw sugar
2 garlic cloves, crushed
1 tablespoon finely chopped onion
1 tablespoon chopped scallion
1 tablespoon vinegar
2 tablespoons peanut oil
1 tablespoon lime juice
1 hot chili pepper, chopped
salt and black pepper
lettuce leaves, to serve

SERVES 4

1. Combine all the marinade I ingredients in a small bowl. Using a fork, mash them together well to form a thick paste.

2. Lay the chicken pieces on a plate or board and make several lengthwise slits in the flesh. Rub the seasoning all over the chicken and into the slits.

3. Place the chicken pieces in a dish, cover with plastic wrap and marinate overnight in the fridge. Shake off any excess seasoning from the chicken. Brush with oil and place either on a baking sheet or a barbecue grill, if barbecuing.

4. Cook under a preheated broiler for 45 minutes, turning often. Or, if barbecuing, light the coals and when ready, cook over the coals for 30 minutes, turning often. Serve hot with lettuce leaves.