Filipino-Inspired Adobo Chicken with Basmati Rice

Recipe – Filipino-Inspired Adobo Chicken with Basmati Rice

While Basmati rice is not traditionally used in Filipino cuisine, you can still create a fusion dish that combines Filipino flavors with Basmati rice. Here’s a recipe for a Filipino-inspired dish using Basmati rice:

#### Ingredients:

– 1 lb (450g) chicken thighs or drumsticks, bone-in

– 1/2 cup soy sauce

– 1/2 cup vinegar (white vinegar or apple cider vinegar)

– 1 cup water

– 3 cloves garlic, minced

– 1 bay leaf

– 1 teaspoon whole black peppercorns

– 1 tablespoon brown sugar (optional, for a hint of sweetness)

– 2 tablespoons cooking oil

– 1 onion, sliced

– 1 bell pepper (any color), sliced

– 2 cups Basmati rice, rinsed

– 4 cups chicken broth (or water)

– Salt and pepper to taste

– Chopped green onions and cilantro for garnish

#### Instructions:

1. **Marinate the Chicken**: In a large bowl, combine the soy sauce, vinegar, water, minced garlic, bay leaf, black peppercorns, and brown sugar (if using). Add the chicken pieces and marinate for at least 30 minutes, or up to 2 hours in the refrigerator.
2. **Cook the Chicken Adobo**: In a large skillet or Dutch oven, heat the cooking oil over medium-high heat. Remove the chicken from the marinade (reserve the marinade) and brown it on all sides, about 5 minutes per side. Add the sliced onions and bell pepper to the skillet and cook for another 3-4 minutes until softened.
3. **Simmer the Adobo**: Pour in the reserved marinade and bring to a boil. Reduce the heat to low, cover, and simmer for 30-40 minutes, or until the chicken is tender and cooked through. Remove the chicken pieces from the skillet and set aside.
4. **Prepare the Basmati Rice**: In a separate pot, heat 1 tablespoon of oil over medium heat. Add the rinsed Basmati rice and stir for 1-2 minutes until lightly toasted. Pour in the chicken broth (or water) and bring to a boil. Reduce the heat to low, cover, and simmer for 15-20 minutes, or until the rice is cooked and fluffy.
5. **Serve**: To serve, spoon the Basmati rice onto plates or a large platter. Arrange the chicken adobo on top of the rice. Spoon some of the adobo sauce over the chicken and rice. Garnish with chopped green onions and cilantro.

### Tips:

– **Adjust Seasoning**: Taste the adobo sauce before serving and adjust the seasoning with salt and pepper if needed.

– **Variations**: You can add hard-boiled eggs or potatoes to the adobo for additional flavor and texture.

– **Garnish**: Serve with a side of pickled vegetables (such as atchara) or fresh slices of tomatoes and cucumbers for a refreshing contrast.

This Filipino-inspired dish combines the savory, tangy flavors of chicken adobo with the fragrant and fluffy texture of Basmati rice, offering a unique fusion of cuisines. Enjoy experimenting with this recipe!