Second Spin, Country 175: Tonga [International Food]

shoyu

🥗Healthier: low-sodium soy sauce

💰Cheaper: regular soy sauce

Low-sodium soy sauce reduces sodium intake while maintaining flavor.

fresh basil

🥗Healthier: spinach

💰Cheaper: dried basil

Spinach offers a similar green flavor and is often more accessible.

chicken thighs

🥗Healthier: chicken breast

💰Cheaper: chicken drumsticks

Chicken breast is leaner, while drumsticks are often less expensive.

honey

🥗Healthier: maple syrup

💰Cheaper: agave syrup

Maple syrup provides a similar sweetness with a different flavor profile.

Preheat oven to 375°F.

Salt and pepper the chicken pieces liberally and place them in a Dutch oven or casserole dish.

In a bowl, mix soy sauce, vinegar, cornstarch, cold water, and brown sugar until the sugar dissolves.

Add scallions, garlic, chilies, kumquats, ginger, Chinese five spice, and basil to the mixture and stir to combine.

Pour the mixture over the chicken and bake covered for 45 minutes.

Uncover and bake for an additional 20-30 minutes, glazing the chicken with the sauce every 10 minutes.

Garnish with whole basil leaves and sliced scallions before serving over rice.

Set a pot of salted water to boil for the green bananas.

Cut the ends off the green bananas and cook over medium-high heat for about 30 minutes.

Drain, peel, and slice the bananas, then dress with crisp bacon and pour melted butter or bacon fat over them, adding salt to taste.

Cooking Techniques

Equipment Needed

Spice Level: