If you are lucky enough to have fresh turmeric and lemon grass at hand, you are lucky enough to be able to prepare this simple, piquant dish. Grind the herbs with garlic and white peppercorns for a fantastic paste to rub into the chicken, then grill and
INGREDIENTS (for 4 servings):
- 1 (2 to 3 pound) whole chicken
- 2 stalks lemon grass
- 12 cloves garlic
- 2 tablespoons salt
- 5 tablespoons peeled and chopped fresh turmeric
- 1 teaspoon whole white peppercorns
PREPARATION:
Cut roots and leafy tops off lemon grass stalks. In a mortar and pestle, pound lemongrass, salt, garlic, turmeric, and pepper into a fine paste.
Cut open chicken lengthwise. Separate into 2 pieces, and rinse well. Rub chicken with mixed spice paste. Marinate in refrigerator for 4 hours or overnight.
Grill over moderate heat for 10 to 15 minutes, or until well done and evenly brown. Serve hot.