Bougna (New Caledonian Banana Leaf Feast)

Ingredients

• 3 lbs bone-in chicken thighs
• 1 lb yam, peeled and sliced
• 1 lb sweet potato, peeled and sliced
• 1 green banana, peeled and sliced
• 1 onion, sliced
• 2 tomatoes, sliced
• 2 scallions, chopped
• 2 cups coconut cream
• Salt and black pepper to taste
• Large banana leaves, for wrapping

Before you cook

• Pass the banana leaves briefly over an open flame or dip them in hot water until pliable.
• Peel and slice the yam, sweet potato and green banana.
• Slice the onion and tomatoes and chop the scallions.
• Preheat the oven to 350°F.

Steps

1. Line a large roasting dish with overlapping banana leaves, leaving plenty of overhang.
2. Arrange the sliced yam and sweet potato in an even layer over the leaves.
3. Lay the chicken thighs over the root vegetables.
4. Scatter the sliced green banana, onion, tomatoes and scallions over the chicken.
5. Season everything with salt and pepper.
6. Pour the coconut cream evenly over the top.
7. Fold the overhanging banana leaves over the filling to enclose it completely.
8. Cover the dish tightly with foil.
9. Bake for 2 hours, until the chicken is falling-tender and the vegetables are soft.
10. Let the bundle rest for 10 minutes before opening.
11. Unwrap at the table and serve directly from the leaves.