Day 56 Madagascar

Madagascar aka Vanilla Island has long been a sanctuary to some unusual animals. Shockingly, 75% of those animals do not exist anywhere else on the planet and some are on the verge of extinction. Thankfully the locals eat a diet based on rice with Chicken, Beef and Fish as their proteins of choice. After much consideration I am leaning towards a dish called Akoho Sy Voanio or Madagascar Style Chicken in Coconut Milk, which served Malagasy style over rice showcases the strong Asian influences as well as the island flavors. It is a staple of Christmas celebrations in Madagascar.

Chicken breasts are ideal for this dish, as they cook easily and can be made bite-size. These were marinated briefly in the juice and grated rind of a lemon. Onion paste was sauteed in a little oil before the garlic paste and the chicken cubes are introduced. The chicken pieces should be almost fully cooked before adding in the ginger paste and finally the coconut milk and salt.

This dish holds it's own; I have never cooked without any kind of seasoning/ spice or herb before and expected it to be bland and tasteless but it was strangely flavorful - the sweetness from the coconut milk, the gentle heat of the ginger and garlic, and the hint of lemon make it mild yet quite memorable.

Moving on to Tunisia....

NOTE: Please check previous postings- I had to tweak the dates.