Maboke ya Ndeke

Marinate chicken pieces with lime juice, garlic, salt, pepper, and palm oil. Let rest for twenty minutes to absorb the seasoning.

Soften banana leaves by briefly holding over a flame or dipping in hot water. Cut into large rectangles suitable for wrapping.

Place chicken pieces on banana leaves. Top with tomato slices, onion slices, scotch bonnet pepper, and fresh basil leaves.

Wrap each portion tightly in banana leaves, folding the edges securely. Tie with kitchen string to create sealed cooking parcels.

Steam the parcels in a large pot for forty-five minutes until the chicken is completely cooked through and very tender.

Serve the parcels at the table still wrapped. The dramatic unwrapping releases fragrant steam and makes for an impressive presentation.