Cook up (with Only Chicken)

Caribbean Cook Up Recipe with Only Chicken: A Delicious and Flavorful Dish

Region / culture: Caribbean | Preparation time: 30 minutes | Cooking time: 2 hours | Servings: 8

Introduction

Cook up is a traditional Caribbean dish that is hearty, flavorful, and perfect for feeding a crowd. This dish is a staple in many Caribbean households and is often served at family gatherings and special occasions.

History

Cook up has its roots in the Caribbean, where it is a popular dish that is enjoyed by people of all ages. This dish is a one-pot meal that is made with a combination of rice, chicken, and a variety of vegetables and seasonings. It is a comforting and satisfying dish that is perfect for any time of year.

Ingredients

2.5 cups enriched long grain rice (non quick cook rice)
3 maggi garlic and onion cubes
4 maggi vegetable cubes
2 maggi chicken cubes
1 packet (0.25 oz (7 g)) sazon with coriander and annatto
1 large white onion
2 lb (907 g) chicken backs and necks
2 lb (907 g) chicken wings
1 lb (454 g) chicken livers
2 stalks celery
1.5 tsp cloves
4 tbsp chief green seasoning
0.25 cup dried chives
salt and pepper
McCormick season all seasoning salt

How to prepare

1.5 cups of Lentils.
Dice the Onion and celery.
Cleave the wings at their joints, and clean them (Do not remove the skin).
Clean and chop the liver.
After the Chicken is cleaned and cleaved, place it in a bowl along with the liver and evenly coat them with Season All.
Using a 2-gallon heavy aluminum or cast iron pot with a secure lid, fill it halfway with water and add all the ingredients except for the rice.
Let it cook until the Chicken has taken on the color of the surrounding water and is cooked through.
Add the rice, cover the pot, and turn the heat to low.
Stir occasionally until the water begins to dissipate, then cover it for the last time and let it cook until the rice resembles Jambalaya consistency.
In other words, cook the rice until it is cooked but still has a wet texture.

Variations

Add additional vegetables such as carrots, bell peppers, or okra for extra flavor and nutrition.
Use different cuts of chicken or add seafood such as shrimp or fish for a unique twist on this classic dish.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

Make sure to clean and cleave the chicken properly before cooking to ensure that it cooks evenly and has a nice texture.

- Stir the pot occasionally while the rice is cooking to prevent it from sticking to the bottom.

- Adjust the seasonings to suit your taste preferences - feel free to add more or less of any seasoning to customize the dish to your liking.

Serving Suggestions

Serve cook up hot with a side of fried plantains or a fresh salad for a complete meal.

Cooking Techniques

Cook up is traditionally cooked in a large pot over low heat to allow the flavors to meld together and the rice to cook to perfection.

Ingredient Substitutions

Feel free to customize this recipe with your favorite ingredients - you can swap out the chicken for pork, beef, or tofu for a vegetarian option.

Make Ahead Tips

Cook up can be made ahead of time and reheated before serving. Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

Presentation Ideas

Serve cook up in a large serving dish garnished with fresh herbs or a sprinkle of chopped chives for a beautiful presentation.

Pairing Recommendations

Cook up pairs well with a cold beer or a fruity tropical drink such as a rum punch or a piña colada.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Store any leftovers in the refrigerator in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Reheat in the microwave or on the stovetop until heated through.

Nutrition Information

Calories per serving

Each serving of cook up contains approximately 350 calories.

Carbohydrates

Each serving of cook up contains approximately 45 grams of carbohydrates.

Fats

Each serving of cook up contains approximately 12 grams of fat.

Proteins

Each serving of cook up contains approximately 25 grams of protein.

Vitamins and minerals

Cook up is a rich source of vitamins and minerals, including vitamin A, vitamin C, iron, and potassium.

Alergens

This recipe contains chicken and may not be suitable for individuals with poultry allergies.

Summary

Cook up is a nutritious and satisfying dish that is rich in protein, vitamins, and minerals. It is a great option for a balanced meal that will keep you full and satisfied.

Summary

Cook up is a delicious and comforting dish that is perfect for feeding a crowd. This one-pot meal is easy to make and is sure to become a family favorite. Enjoy this flavorful and satisfying dish any time of year!

How did I get this recipe?

I remember the sense of wonder I felt when I first saw this recipe for Cook Up (with Only Chicken). It was a warm summer day, and I was visiting my friend Maria in her cozy kitchen. Maria was known for her delicious Caribbean dishes, and I always admired her culinary skills.

As I watched her effortlessly chop vegetables and season the chicken, I couldn't help but ask her for the recipe. Maria smiled and handed me a worn piece of paper with the ingredients and instructions written in her elegant handwriting.

"Here you go, darling," she said. "This recipe has been in my family for generations. It's a simple yet flavorful dish that always brings everyone together at the dinner table."

I thanked Maria profusely and tucked the recipe safely in my purse before heading home. That evening, I gathered all the necessary ingredients and set to work in my own kitchen. The aroma of sautéed onions and garlic filled the air, and I knew I was on the right track.

As the chicken cooked and the flavors melded together, I couldn't help but feel a sense of pride and accomplishment. I had always loved cooking, but there was something special about recreating Maria's recipe. It felt like I was connecting with my roots and honoring the traditions of my friend's family.

When the dish was finally ready, I served it to my family with a side of fluffy white rice. The first bite brought back memories of Maria's kitchen and the warmth of her hospitality. My family oohed and ahhed at the delicious flavors, and I knew that Cook Up (with Only Chicken) would become a staple in our household.

Over the years, I made the recipe countless times, each time tweaking it to suit my family's tastes. Sometimes I added extra vegetables or a dash of hot sauce for a little kick. Other times, I experimented with different types of chicken or seasonings. But no matter how I altered the recipe, the essence of Maria's Cook Up remained the same.

As I shared the dish with friends and neighbors, they too fell in love with its simplicity and depth of flavor. I became known in my community as the "Cook Up Queen," and I happily shared the recipe with anyone who asked.

One day, while visiting my own grandmother, I mentioned the recipe and how it had become a beloved favorite among my friends and family. My grandmother's eyes lit up with recognition, and she smiled knowingly.

"Ah, Cook Up," she said. "I remember making that dish with my own mother when I was a young girl. It was a staple in our household, just like it is in yours now."

I was amazed to learn that Cook Up had been a part of my family's culinary heritage all along. My grandmother shared stories of how she and her mother would spend hours in the kitchen, chopping vegetables and simmering the chicken until it was tender and flavorful.

From that day on, Cook Up took on a whole new meaning for me. It wasn't just a recipe I had learned from a friend; it was a connection to my past and a way to honor the generations of women who had come before me.

As I continued to make Cook Up for my own family and friends, I shared the stories and memories that had been passed down to me. Each time I cooked the dish, I felt a sense of pride and gratitude for the culinary traditions that had shaped me into the cook I had become.

And so, the recipe for Cook Up (with Only Chicken) became more than just a dish on a piece of paper. It became a symbol of love, family, and the power of food to bring people together. And for that, I will always be grateful to my dear friend Maria and the generations of women who came before me.