You may not have heard of traditional chicken keleguin (kelaguen), but it needs to be on your radar. It is a dish that originates from the Mariana Islands in the South Pacific. It has a unique preparation method that makes it stand apart in ways besides its amazing flavors. The keleguin cooking method lets the acids in the marinade cook the meat in place of heat. It’s served cold or at room temperature and eaten over rice. This a unique dish worth trying.
Health Benefits
One of the more interesting ingredients in this dish are the crushed red pepper flakes. These wonderful spicy ingredients have been in use for a long time, not only for their taste but for their health benefits. Red pepper flakes are full of capsaicin, an active ingredient that is capable of preventing and treating cancer by reducing oxidative stress and neutralizing free radicals.It can also regulate weight loss, diabetes, and even serve as a headache cure.
Ingredients
1 whole chicken
1 coconut – drained and meat grated
2 lemons – juiced
1 bunch green onions – chopped
3 tbsp dried red pepper flakes
salt to taste
How To Make Traditional Chicken Keleguin
- Preheat the oven to 375°
- Place whole chicken into a roasting pan.
- Roast in the oven for 1 hour or until the leg moves easily within its socket.
- Remove from the oven and allow the chicken to cool slightly.
- Remove the skin from the chicken and dispose of it properly.
- Tear the meat from the bones and chop it into small pieces.
- Place the chicken into a large bowl and discard the bones.
- Stir in the green onions and grated coconut.
- Sprinkle the chicken generously with lemon juice.
- Season with salt and red pepper flakes.
- Taste and adjust the amounts of lemon juice, salt, and red pepper so that the flavors are balanced.
Trivia
Variations of chicken keleguin are also found in Guam.