Escabeche Oriental

Pregătirea ingredientelor

Ingrediente

Mod de preparare

Pas cu pas

1. 1

   Place the chicken breasts in a large pot and add enough cold water to cover them completely. Bring to a simmer over medium-high heat.

   Aproximativ 10 min.

2. 2

   Once simmering, reduce the heat to low, cover the pot, and gently poach the chicken for 15-20 minutes, or until cooked through and no longer pink inside.

   Aproximativ 20 min.

   Nota bucătarului: Poaching gently ensures the chicken stays tender and moist.

3. 3

   While the chicken poaches, heat a small, dry skillet over high heat. Add the unpeeled garlic cloves and char them on all sides until blackened in spots, about 5-7 minutes.

   Aproximativ 7 min.

   Nota bucătarului: Charring the garlic adds a crucial smoky depth to the escabeche.

4. 4

   Remove the charred garlic from the skillet and set aside to cool. Once cool enough to handle, peel away the blackened skins.

   Aproximativ 3 min.

5. 5

   Using tongs, remove the cooked chicken from the pot and place it on a cutting board to cool slightly. Discard the poaching water.

   Aproximativ 2 min.

6. 6

   Once the chicken is cool enough to handle, use two forks or your fingers to shred it into large, bite-sized pieces.

   Aproximativ 5 min.

7. 7

   In the now-empty large pot, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the sliced red onion and carrots and sauté for 5-7 minutes until the onion has softened.

   Aproximativ 7 min.

8. 8

   Add the peeled charred garlic, cumin seeds, black peppercorns, Mexican oregano, and bay leaves to the pot. Stir constantly for one minute until fragrant.

   Aproximativ 1 min.

   Nota bucătarului: Toasting the spices briefly blooms their flavor.

9. 9

   Pour in the white vinegar and the water. Add the salt and the optional sliced jalapeño.

   Aproximativ 1 min.

10. 10

    Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to low and let it simmer for 10 minutes to allow the flavors to meld and the vegetables to become tender-crisp.

    Aproximativ 10 min.

11. 11

    Return the shredded chicken to the pot with the escabeche liquid. Stir gently to combine everything.

    Aproximativ 1 min.

12. 12

    Remove the pot from the heat, cover, and let it rest for at least 30 minutes before serving to allow the chicken to absorb the flavors.

    Aproximativ 30 min.

    Nota bucătarului: The flavor improves even more if you let it rest for a few hours or overnight in the fridge.

13. 13

    Serve warm or at room temperature, garnished with fresh cilantro if using.