1
Rinse both whole chickens thoroughly with white vinegar. Wash them two to three times, ensuring the inside and outside are clean.
2
Cut the chicken into small pieces. Halve each piece, then quarter it. Trim away excess yellow fat, but leave some fat for flavor and moisture.
3
Peel the chocho and cut it into chunks, removing the center seed.
4
In a large bowl, combine the cut chicken, chocho pieces, chopped ginger, and crushed garlic.
5
Prepare the seasoning powder mix by combining black pepper powder, garlic powder, onion powder, meat seasoning, all-purpose seasoning, and flavor rice seasoning (about 0.5 tbsp each).
6
Add a small amount of browning seasoning (be careful not to overdo it), seasoning salt, and Maggi seasoning to the bowl.
7
Add the crushed pimento seeds (allspice) to the seasoning mixture.
8
Wash your hands, then use them to rub and mix all the seasonings and ingredients together, ensuring the chicken is fully coated and flavored.
9
If time permits, cover and refrigerate the seasoned chicken overnight for deeper flavor. If not, use immediately.
10
Heat olive oil in a large pot on high heat. Pour in the seasoned chicken and chocho mixture. Cover (without adding water yet) and let it cook for 5-6 minutes, allowing the ingredients to release their own moisture.
11
Flip the chicken pieces and cover again. Cook for another 5-6 minutes.
12
While the chicken is cooking, prepare the natural seasonings by chopping red onions, scallions, tomatoes, Scotch bonnet pepper, and fresh thyme.
13
Add all the natural seasonings (red onions, scallions, tomatoes, Scotch bonnet pepper, and thyme) to the pot. Stir well.
14
Stir in ketchup to taste. This helps thicken the gravy and adds depth of flavor.
15
Add water by rinsing the seasoning bowl with water and pouring it into the pot to capture any remaining flavors. Don't add too much, as the chocho will release additional liquid.
16
Cover the pot and reduce heat to medium. Let the stew cook for 20-25 minutes until the chicken is tender and the gravy has thickened.
17
Taste the stew and adjust seasonings as needed. Serve with mashed potatoes on the side.
PrimedTableBETA
