Peachy Licorice Birds

Chinese Peachy Licorice Birds Recipe with Chicken, Zucchini, and Carrots

Region / culture: China | Preparation time: 20 minutes | Cooking time: 2 hours | Servings: 4

Introduction

Peachy Licorice Birds is a delicious and flavorful dish that combines the sweetness of peaches with the savory spices of a traditional roast bird. This recipe is perfect for a special occasion or a family dinner.

History

This recipe is a modern twist on a classic roast bird dish. The combination of peaches and spices creates a unique and delicious flavor profile that is sure to impress your guests.

Ingredients

Spice mix

2 tbsp paprika
2 tbsp chinese five-spice powder
1 tbsp medium curry
0.5 tsp ginger
butter or margarine

All other ingredients

salt and pepper to taste
0.5 cup zucchini, cut in 0.5 lengthwise and sliced 0.25 to 0.5 inch thick
2 carrots, peeled, sliced on the diagonal 0.25 to 0.5 inch thick
1 red, yellow, orange or purple bell pepper, sliced into strips
12 – 16 very small baby onions, peeled, leave whole
1 small can peaches, sliced, reserve juice
olive oil
0.5 cup water
2 tbsp soy sauce
1 x 3 lb (1.36 kg) chicken, duck, goose or turkey [1]

How to prepare

Preheat the oven to 350°F / 180°C.
In a small bowl, mix the spices together and add butter to make a paste.
Rub this paste into the bird, both inside and out. Set aside.
Prepare the zucchini, carrots, bell pepper, and onions as directed above.
Place the bird in a roasting pan.
Add 0.5 cup of water to the pan and roast in the preheated oven until golden brown.
For chicken or duck, roast for about 1 hour.
For goose, roast for about 1.5 – 2 hours.
For turkey, roast for about 2.5 – 3 hours, depending on size.
If the water dries up, add a small amount more.
Meanwhile, mix the reserved peach juice and soy sauce together. Use this mixture to baste the bird.
Lightly coat the vegetables with olive oil and sprinkle with salt, pepper, and paprika.
About 30 – 45 minutes before the bird is ready, place the vegetables around the bottom of the bird.
About 15 to 20 minutes before the bird is ready, add the peaches to the vegetables along with any remaining juice/soy sauce mixture.
Allow the bird to rest for 10 minutes before carving.

Variations

:
Substitute the bird with chicken, duck, or goose for a different flavor profile.
Add different spices or herbs to the spice mix for a unique twist.
Use different fruits such as apricots or plums instead of peaches.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

- Make sure to rub the spice paste both inside and out of the bird for maximum flavor.

- Basting the bird with the peach juice and soy sauce mixture will keep it moist and flavorful.

- Roasting the vegetables alongside the bird adds extra flavor to the dish.

- Allow the bird to rest before carving to ensure juicy and tender meat.

Serving Suggestions

Serve Peachy Licorice Birds with a side of roasted potatoes or a fresh salad for a complete meal.

Cooking Techniques

Roasting the bird in the oven ensures even cooking and a crispy skin. Basting the bird with the peach juice and soy sauce mixture adds flavor and moisture.

Ingredient Substitutions

You can substitute the vegetables with your favorite seasonal vegetables. You can also use different fruits or spices to customize the dish to your taste.

Make Ahead Tips

You can prepare the spice paste and marinate the bird ahead of time. You can also chop the vegetables and store them in the refrigerator until ready to roast.

Presentation Ideas

: Serve Peachy Licorice Birds on a platter with the roasted vegetables and peaches for a beautiful presentation. Garnish with fresh herbs for a pop of color.

Pairing Recommendations

Pair Peachy Licorice Birds with a glass of white wine or a fruity sangria for a refreshing and delicious meal.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

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

Nutrition Information

Calories per serving

The number of calories per serving will vary depending on the size of the bird and the portion size. However, this dish is a hearty and satisfying meal.

Carbohydrates

The carbohydrates in this dish come from the peaches, vegetables, and spices. Carbohydrates provide energy for the body and are an important part of a balanced diet.

Fats

The fats in this dish come from the margarine, olive oil, and any fat present in the bird. Fats are essential for the body to function properly and provide flavor and texture to dishes.

Proteins

The protein in this dish comes from the bird and is essential for building and repairing tissues in the body. Protein is important for overall health and well-being.

Vitamins and minerals

This dish is rich in vitamins and minerals from the vegetables and peaches. These nutrients are essential for various bodily functions and overall health.

Alergens

This dish may contain allergens such as soy and gluten. It is important to check for any allergies before serving this dish to guests.

Summary

Peachy Licorice Birds is a nutritious and flavorful dish that provides a balance of carbohydrates, fats, proteins, vitamins, and minerals.

Summary

Peachy Licorice Birds is a flavorful and delicious dish that combines the sweetness of peaches with savory spices. This recipe is perfect for a special occasion or a family dinner and is sure to impress your guests.

How did I get this recipe?

The first time I saw this recipe, I was filled with a sense of excitement. It was a sunny afternoon, and I was visiting my dear friend Margaret in her quaint little cottage by the sea. Margaret was known for her inventive and delicious recipes, and on this particular day, she had a special treat in store for me.

As soon as I walked into her kitchen, the sweet scent of peaches and licorice filled the air. Margaret was bustling about, her hands moving deftly as she chopped, stirred, and mixed. Curious, I peered over her shoulder to see what she was creating.

"What are you making, Margaret?" I asked, my mouth watering at the delicious aroma wafting from the pot on the stove.

"Oh, just a little something I came up with," she replied with a mischievous twinkle in her eye. "I call them Peachy Licorice Birds. You'll see why in a moment."

Intrigued, I watched as Margaret poured a mixture of fresh peaches, sugar, and licorice into a baking dish. She then topped it with a buttery crumble made from oats, flour, and more licorice.

As the dish baked, filling the kitchen with its heavenly scent, Margaret shared the story behind the recipe. She explained that she had stumbled upon it years ago, during a visit to a remote village in Italy. There, she had met an elderly woman who had been known for her incredible baking skills. This woman had graciously shared her recipe for Peachy Licorice Birds with Margaret, passing down a tradition that had been in her family for generations.

Intrigued by the story and eager to try the dish for myself, I eagerly accepted a generous portion of Peachy Licorice Birds when they emerged from the oven. The first bite was pure bliss – the juicy peaches, the hint of licorice, the crunchy crumble topping… it was a symphony of flavors that danced on my taste buds.

From that moment on, Peachy Licorice Birds became a beloved staple in my own kitchen. I would make them for family gatherings, potlucks, and any occasion that called for a special treat. Each time I served them, they were met with rave reviews and requests for the recipe.

Over the years, I have made a few tweaks to the original recipe, adding my own personal touch here and there. I've experimented with different types of licorice, varying the amount of sugar, and even incorporating other fruits like apples or pears. But no matter how many variations I try, the essence of the dish remains the same – a delightful combination of sweet, tangy, and savory flavors that never fails to impress.

As I sit here now, reminiscing about the first time I learned to make Peachy Licorice Birds, I can't help but feel grateful for the friendships, experiences, and culinary adventures that have shaped my love for cooking. Each recipe I've collected along the way is a treasure, a piece of history and tradition that I carry with me wherever I go.

And so, I will continue to cook, to bake, to create, and to share the magic of Peachy Licorice Birds with anyone who is lucky enough to taste them. For in each bite, there is a story – a story of friendship, of tradition, and of the joy that comes from sharing a delicious meal with loved ones.