Dominican Chicken Locrio with Light Coconut, Kabocha Squash, Sweet Peppers, and Crispy Green Plantain Ribbons

Instructions

1. 1

   1. In a bowl, season the chicken with the lime juice, half of the garlic, oregano, sweet paprika, 1 teaspoon of the salt, and black pepper. Mix well and let it rest for 15 minutes while you prepare the remaining ingredients.

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   2. Peel the green plantain and, using a mandoline or knife, slice it into very thin ribbons. Pat them dry with paper towels so they crisp properly later.

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   3. Heat 2 tablespoons of vegetable oil in a wide pot or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Brown the chicken for 5 to 7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until lightly colored. Remove it temporarily to a plate.

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   4. In the same pot, add the red onion, sweet peppers, and remaining garlic. Sauté for 3 minutes until the onion looks glossy and fragrant. Stir in the tomato paste and cook 1 minute more, stirring so it lightly caramelizes.

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   5. Add the squash and the rinsed rice. Stir for 1 to 2 minutes so the rice is coated in the sofrito. Return the chicken to the pot and add the bay leaf.

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   6. Pour in the coconut milk and hot chicken broth. Taste the liquid and adjust with the remaining salt if needed. When it reaches a gentle boil, reduce to medium-low, cover, and cook for 18 to 20 minutes, until the rice is tender and the liquid has been absorbed.

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   7. While the locrio cooks, heat the remaining tablespoon of oil in a small skillet over medium heat. Fry the green plantain ribbons in batches for 1 to 2 minutes until golden and crisp. Transfer them to paper towels and season with a pinch of salt.

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   8. Turn off the heat and let the locrio rest, covered, for 5 minutes. Then fluff the rice with a fork, remove the bay leaf, and fold in the chopped fresh cilantro.

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   9. Serve the locrio hot and finish each portion with the crispy green plantain ribbons on top for texture.

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    10. If you want to hold the dish warm before serving, cover it and place it in the oven at 200 °F / 95 °C for no more than 10 minutes so it does not dry out.