Chicken feet is “not-eattable” in European or USA traditional knowledges,just because they do not know how to cook it well…”Braised chicken feet with peanuts” is a popular Chinese dish known for its rich, savory flavor and tender texture. Here’s a step-by-step guide to cooking this delicious meal:
Ingredients:
- Chicken Feet: 10-12 (cleaned and trimmed)
- Peanuts: 1 cup (soaked in water for at least 2 hours or overnight)
- Ginger: 1-inch piece, sliced
- Garlic: 3-4 cloves, minced
- Scallions: 2-3, cut into 2-inch pieces
- Star Anise: 1-2 pieces
- Cinnamon Stick: 1 small piece
- Bay Leaves: 2-3
- Soy Sauce: 3-4 tablespoons
- Dark Soy Sauce: 1-2 tablespoons (for color)
- Shaoxing Wine (Chinese Cooking Wine): 2-3 tablespoons
- Rock Sugar or Brown Sugar: 1-2 tablespoons
- Water or Chicken Stock: 4-5 cups
- Salt: to taste
- White Pepper: to taste
- Oil: for frying
Instructions:
1. Prepare the Chicken Feet:
- Clean and Trim: Wash the chicken feet thoroughly. Trim off the nails and any excess skin.
- Blanch: Bring a large pot of water to a boil. Add the chicken feet and blanch for 3-4 minutes to remove impurities. Drain and rinse under cold water. This helps to clean the feet and removes any unpleasant odors.
2. Fry the Chicken Feet:
- Heat Oil: In a wok or deep pan, heat enough oil to shallow-fry the chicken feet.
- Fry: Fry the chicken feet until they are golden brown and the skin is slightly crispy. This step helps to enhance the flavor and texture. Remove and drain on paper towels.
3. Braise the Chicken Feet:
- Heat Wok: In the same wok, leave about 2-3 tablespoons of oil. Add the sliced ginger, minced garlic, and scallions. Sauté until fragrant.
- Add Aromatics: Add the star anise, cinnamon stick, and bay leaves. Stir-fry for another 30 seconds to release their flavors.
- Add Liquids and Seasonings: Pour in the soy sauce, dark soy sauce, Shaoxing wine, and rock sugar or brown sugar. Stir to combine.
- Add Water/Stock: Add the water or chicken stock. Bring the mixture to a boil.
- Add Chicken Feet and Peanuts: Add the fried chicken feet and soaked peanuts to the wok. Stir to ensure everything is well-coated with the braising liquid.
- Simmer: Reduce the heat to low, cover, and simmer for 1.5 to 2 hours, or until the chicken feet are very tender and the peanuts are soft. Check occasionally and add more water if needed to keep the ingredients submerged.
- Season: Taste and adjust the seasoning with salt and white pepper as needed.
4. Serve:
- Garnish: Garnish with chopped scallions or cilantro if desired.
- Serve Hot: Serve the braised chicken feet with peanuts hot, along with steamed rice or as a side dish.
Tips:
- Soaking Peanuts: Soaking the peanuts helps them cook more evenly and become soft.
- Blanching: Blanching the chicken feet before frying helps to remove any impurities and improve the overall flavor.
- Slow Cooking: Braising the chicken feet for a longer time ensures that they become tender and absorb the flavors of the braising liquid.
Enjoy your delicious braised chicken feet with peanuts! This dish is perfect for a comforting and flavorful meal.
