Gỏi Gà Hoa Chuối, or Chicken Porridge with Banana Flower, is a surprisingly refreshing and subtly sweet Vietnamese dish that beautifully balances textures and flavors. It's far from your typical porridge; the addition of crisp banana flower, fragrant herbs, and tender chicken elevates this humble comfort food into something truly special. This unique combination offers a delightful interplay of crunchy, soft, and savory elements, creating a complex yet harmonious taste experience. The subtle sweetness of the banana flower complements the savory chicken broth, while the fresh herbs add a bright, aromatic finish.
This recipe offers a delicious and healthy alternative to heavier meals, perfect for a light lunch or a comforting dinner. The preparation might seem slightly involved, but the result is well worth the effort. Ready to create your own bowl of this delightful Vietnamese delicacy? Let's dive into the step-by-step instructions to make this exquisite Gỏi Gà Hoa Chuối.
Tools Needed
- Pot
- Bowl
- Knife
- Cutting Board
- Stove
- Pan
Ingredients
- Chicken: 1.5 kg
- Straw Mushrooms: 200g
- Banana Flower
- Carrots
- Onion
- Chili
- Garlic
- Hông nhới Vegetable
- Onions
- Cilantro
- Rice
- Shallot: 2 big ones
- Seasoning Powder: 1 tablespoon
- Rock Sugar: 2 cups
- Fish Sauce: 1 bowl (40 degree nitrogen)
- Chili Sauce: 1 bowl
- Lime Juice (or Lemon Juice): 1 cup
- Salt
- Cooking Oil: 1 tablespoon
- Vinegar: 2 tablespoons
- Sugar: 1 tablespoon
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1. Prepare Ingredients and Broth
- straw mushrooms, banana flower, carrots, onion, chili, garlic, Hông nhới vegetable, onions, cilantro, and rice.
- Boil 3 liters of water with 2 shallots and 1 tablespoon of seasoning powder. Add the cleaned chicken and simmer until cooked.
- Wash the rice, then dry it in the sun for a day.
- Soak the peeled banana flower in water. Prepare the onions and carrots by shredding and mixing them with 1 tablespoon of sugar and 2 tablespoons of vinegar. Refrigerate to remove pungency.
Step 2. Cook the Rice and Chicken Gizzards
- Cook the rice until soft.
- Stir-fry minced onion until fragrant and golden brown. Add chicken gizzards, seasoning powder, and stir-fry until fragrant. Add straw mushrooms and stir-fry until clear, then season with sugar and fish sauce.
Step 3. Assemble and Season the Porridge
- Add the cooked rice, carrots, and stir-fried chicken gizzards and straw mushrooms to the porridge. Add water as needed to adjust the thickness. Season with seasoning powder and salt to taste.
- Shred the cooked chicken and mix it with the porridge.
Step 4. Prepare and Serve
- Melt 2 cups of rock sugar, 1 bowl of fish sauce, and 1 bowl of chili sauce. Once melted, add 1 cup of lime juice and mix well.
- Mix the refrigerated carrots and onions with the sauce, adding garlic and chili as needed. Add basil (or Vietnamese coriander).
- Serve the porridge hot, topped with the shredded chicken and garnish.
Read more: Vietnamese Fish Rice Porridge (Cháo Cá): A Comforting Bowl
Tips
- For a quicker cooking process, dry the rice in the sun before cooking.
- Using banana tree flowers will result in a more delicious porridge.
- The amount of water added to the porridge depends on your preference for thickness.
- Adjust the amount of seasoning powder and salt according to your taste.
Nutrition
- Calories: approximately 1800-2200
- Fat: 70-90g
- Carbs: 150-200g
- Protein: 120-150g
FAQs
1. Can I substitute the chicken?
Yes! Pork, shrimp, or even tofu would work well as substitutes. Adjust cooking time accordingly.
2. Where can I find banana flower?
Asian grocery stores usually carry fresh banana flowers. If unavailable, you can sometimes find them frozen.
3. How can I make this dish less spicy?
Reduce or omit the chili flakes/paste. You can also adjust the amount of fish sauce to your preference for saltiness.
Enjoy your delicious and refreshing bowl of Gỏi Gà Hoa Chuối! This recipe is a testament to the versatility and surprising flavor combinations found in Vietnamese cuisine. We hope you'll try this unique porridge and share it with your friends and family.