Grilled Chicken Wrapped In Betel Nut Leaf

Grilled Chicken Wrapped In Beetle Nut Leaf

Street food is something that brings back memories of college days for most of us. No matter which part of the World you are from, street food usually holds a special place in your life. It is an amalgamation of tastes; sweet, salty, sour, spicy, umami! With the simplest of ingredients and techniques, the street hawkers manage to bring out a burst of flavor.  I am always amazed by this fact. I think I can safely say that Asia has the best street food markets! I was recently watching a documentary on Vietnam and its food. One thing that intrigued my interest was grilled meat wrapped in beetle nut leaf.  We call the betel nut leaf paan in India. I used to only have it as a mouth freshener. The possibility of making something else with it was fascinating. So I decided to give it a go. I bought some Vietnamese ingredients, created this Vietnamese inspired recipe and the results were mouthwatering! This meat wrapped in paan leaf left an earthy aroma when grilled! I will be making this more often, especially since barbeque season is upon us!  🙂

What you will need:

IngredientsQuantity
Beetle Nut Leaves12
Black Pepper Powder1/2 teaspoon
Cilantro/ Coriander Leaves1/4 bunch
Dark Soya Sauce1 tablespoon
Fish Sauce1/2 teaspoon
Garlic1/2 bulb
Ginger1 inch
Lemon Grass Paste1 1/2 teaspoon
Minced Chicken (or any meat of your choice)1 pound
Oil2 tablespoons
Salt1/2 teaspoon
Shallot1 large
Thai Chilies2
Vinegar1 teaspoon
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Servings: 3

How to make it:

  • Wash and dry the betel nut leaves. Remove the stalk from the back.

    Remove the stalks on the leaves
    Remove the stalks on the leaves
  • In a food processor, add the shallots, garlic, Thai chilies, ginger, coriander leaves. Also add the fish sauce, soya sauce, vinegar, salt, and pepper. Pulse until finely chopped.
  • Add these chopped ingredients to the minced meat along with salt. Mix well.
    Add the chopped ingredients to the minced meat
    Add the chopped ingredients to the minced meat

    Minced meat mixture
    Minced meat mixture
  • Place a little bit of the minced meat mixture on the betel nut leaf. Wrap as shown below.

    Place the meat mixture in the leave and roll as shown
    Place the meat mixture in the leave and roll as shown
  • Line 3-4 wrapped leaves together. Secure with skewers as shown.

    Line 3-4 rolls and secure with 3 skewers
    Line 3-4 rolls and secure with 3 skewers
  • Brush with oil. Grill until the meat is cooked.  Turn frequently.

    Grill
    Grill
  • Serve with dipping sauce of your choice.

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