coconut jelly (bird)

Coconut Jell-O: A Traditional Delight with an Authentic Taste

Preparation Time: 30 minutes
Cooking Time: 2 hours
Total Time: 2 hours and 30 minutes
Servings: 8-10

If you are looking for a delicious, healthy, and comforting recipe, I invite you to discover Coconut Jell-O, a traditional dish with a rich flavor and a gelatinous texture, perfect for cool days or as an appetizer during festive meals. This recipe has been passed down from generation to generation and, despite the confusion surrounding its name, has nothing to do with the coconut fruit but refers to a poultry bird. Let’s get started!

Ingredients Needed

1. Country chicken (approximately 1.5 kg)
2. 5 liters of water
3. 3 heads of garlic
4. 1 teaspoon of peppercorns
5. 3 bay leaves
6. 2 boiled carrots
7. Salt, to taste

Step by Step: Preparing Coconut Jell-O

Step 1: Preparing the Chicken

Start by cleaning the chicken of any impurities. You can use a sharp knife to remove any feathers or clean the skin. It is important to choose a country chicken, as its meat is tastier and healthier compared to industrially raised birds.

Step 2: Boiling the Chicken

In a pressure cooker, add the whole chicken along with 5 liters of water and a little salt. Then, close the lid and let it boil for 1 hour and 30 minutes to a maximum of 2 hours. Cooking under pressure will make the meat more tender and help extract flavor from the bones.

Helpful Tips:
- Use cold water to start boiling; this will help extract flavors from the meat.
- If you do not have a pressure cooker, you can boil the chicken in a regular pot, but the cooking time will double.

Step 3: Separating the Meat from the Bones

After the cooking time has expired, carefully open the pressure cooker and remove the chicken. Let it cool slightly, then remove the meat from the bones. This can be a bit of a task, but it’s worth it for the final flavor! Make sure to keep the bones to use for making the gelatin.

Step 4: Preparing the Broth

In the broth resulting from boiling, crush the 3 heads of garlic. Add the peppercorns and bay leaves. Let it simmer on low heat for about 15-20 minutes, so the flavors combine perfectly. After it has boiled, strain the broth to remove the garlic and spices.

Step 5: Assembling the Jell-O

In a cooling dish, place the chicken meat and sliced boiled carrots around the edges. Carefully pour the strained broth over the meat, ensuring everything is evenly covered. Now, it’s ready to be placed in the refrigerator.

Step 6: Cooling

Let the Jell-O sit in the refrigerator for at least 6 hours or ideally overnight. This cooling time is essential for the broth to gel properly and achieve a perfect texture.

Serving Suggestions

Coconut Jell-O is served cold, cut into cubes or slices, alongside a garlic sauce or a pickled salad. You can also add some slices of toasted bread to complete this complex flavor. It’s perfect for festive meals or a family lunch.

Nutritional Information and Benefits

Coconut Jell-O is an excellent source of protein and collagen, which helps maintain joint and skin health. Each serving of Jell-O has about 150 calories, but these values may vary depending on the amount of meat and broth used.

Possible Variations

If you want to personalize this recipe, you can add other spices like sweet paprika or herbs like dill or parsley. You can also experiment with boiled vegetables, such as celery or bell peppers, to add a splash of color and extra nutrients.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can I use another type of meat?
Yes, you can use chicken or turkey, but the cooking time will change.

2. How can I check if the Jell-O is ready?
Check if the broth has gelled. If it is too liquid, leave it in the refrigerator for a few more hours.

3. How can I store the Jell-O?
The Jell-O can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 5 days or can be frozen for later consumption.

Conclusion

Coconut Jell-O is not just a delicious dish, but also a true explosion of flavors that will delight both family and friends. Try this recipe and enjoy a healthy and comforting dish, full of tradition and authentic taste. No matter the occasion, Coconut Jell-O will bring a touch of warmth and joy to your table. Enjoy your meal!