Chicken pieces marinated in a fragrant blend of garlic, ginger, and lemon, wrapped in banana leaves and slow-grilled until infused with smoky, herbaceous flavors.
Ingredients
1.5kg chicken pieces
4 banana leaves, softened
3 cloves garlic, minced
1 thumb fresh ginger, grated
2 onions, sliced
2 tomatoes, sliced
Juice of 2 lemons
2 tbsp vegetable oil
1 tsp salt
1/2 tsp black pepper
1 scotch bonnet pepper, sliced
Instructions
1Marinate chicken in lemon juice, garlic, ginger, salt, and pepper for at least 30 minutes.
2Soften banana leaves over an open flame until pliable.
3Place chicken pieces on banana leaves. Top with sliced onions, tomatoes, and scotch bonnet.
4Drizzle with oil, wrap tightly, and tie with kitchen twine.
5Grill over medium-low charcoal for 45-50 minutes, turning occasionally.
6Unwrap and serve with the cooking juices pooled in the leaves.
Did You Know?
The word "maboke" refers specifically to the banana-leaf cooking technique, and Congolese cooks debate endlessly about whether fish or chicken makes the superior version.