Recipe File: Lechon manok made easy

MANILA, Philippines - Whether you’re a budding chef or the designated cook of the house, cooking meals is easy with Glad Non-stick Aluminum Foil.

Food lifts off easier with its food-safe, special non–stick coating that prevents delicate food like chicken and fish skin and cheese from sticking to the foil.  Glad Non-stick Aluminum Foil is ideal to use in high-temperature cooking and baking as well, withstanding temperature of up to 340° C. With skin remaining on the chicken or fish, the food is ready to serve straight from the oven or griller.

Whip up this easy family dish from chef Jill Sandique. Chef Jill is the lead trainer for the US Department of Agriculture Council of Chefs, writes for Food magazine and a pastry shop owner. Chef Jill has come up with these two easy-to-do recipes. Her Roast Chicken with Garlic and Lemongrass is a hearty take on a Filipino favorite lechon manok.

Find more recipe ideas at the Glad Kitchen Facebook page at www.facebook.com/GladKitchen and www.gladkitchen.com.

Roast chicken with garlic and lemongrass

Ingredients:

1 whole chicken, about 1.6 to 2 kilos

2 tsps. calamansi juice

2 tsps. soy sauce

1 tsp. liquid seasoning or more

1 tsp. Worcestershire sauce

sea salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste

2 to 3 pcs.  star anise

4 to 6 pcs. bay leaves

12 to 16 cloves of garlic, pounded

2 red onions, quartered

4 to 6 stalks scallions

2 stalks of lemongrass, bruised

Procedure:

 Preheat oven to 375°F.  Prepare a half sheet pan.  Set aside.

Wash the chicken and pat dry with paper towel.   Season chicken with calamansi juice, soy sauce, liquid seasoning, Worcestershire sauce, salt and black pepper. Fill the cavity with star anise, bay leaves, garlic, onions, scallions and lemongrass.

 Lay a sheet of Glad Non-stick Aluminum Foil, about 12 x 24 inches in size, on an aluminum tray.  Lay another piece of Glad Non-stick Aluminum Foil (of the same size) over the first one but perpendicular to it.  Lay the stuffed chicken over the Glad Non-stick Aluminum Foil and seal both sheets to ensure that no steam will escape. This will keep the chicken moist while roasting.

Roast for 50 minutes or until almost done. Open the Glad Non-stick Aluminum Foil and increase the oven temperature to 425°F. Roast the chicken for another 15 to 20 minutes or until golden brown, and juices come out clear when a knife is inserted into the thickest part of the thigh.

Remove chicken from the oven and allow chicken to rest for 20 minutes.  Remove stuffing and cut into serving pieces.  Arrange on a serving platter and pour drippings over the chicken.  Serve immediately with steamed rice and pickled vegetables.