Braised chicken

Ingredients for 4 servings:

• 1 chicken
• 3 tbsp oil
• 1 tbsp oil (peanut oil)
• 2 tbsp brown sugar
• 5 tbsp soy sauce, dark
• 150 ml water
• 2 garlic cloves, crushed
• 1 small onion(s), chopped
• 1 chili pepper(s), fresh, chopped
• Celery leaves for garnishing
• Chives for garnishing

Instructions

Working time approx. 10 minutes; Cooking/baking time approx. 1 hour 15 minutes; Total time approx. 1 hour 25 minutes

Braising is an ideal method for preparing a whole chicken. The resulting glaze also benefits the sauce.

Preheat a large wok or frying pan. Gut the chicken (if necessary) and clean it thoroughly inside and out. Add the oils and then the sugar to the wok or frying pan and heat gently until the sugar caramelizes. Stir in the soy sauce. Add the chicken and coat well in the sauce. Add the water, garlic, onion, and chili. Cover and simmer the chicken for 1 hour, until cooked through, turning occasionally. To test for doneness, pierce a thigh with the tip of a knife: if the juices run clear, the chicken is cooked. Arrange the chicken on a serving platter and garnish with celery leaves and chives. Thicken the sauce over high heat and serve with the braised chicken.