{Recipe} Steamed Drumsticks in Essence of Chicken

Essence of Chicken. You either love it or hate it.

Basically an extract of chicken, a small bottle of essence of chicken packs a myriad of health benefits. Great for relieving fatigue, or when you need to sharpen up your concentration, this is a trusted product by generations which most of us are not unfamiliar with. Need a boost before that all-important examination? Drink essence of chicken! Recovering from a surgery or illness? Boost up your health by drinking essence of chicken!

I agree that the essence of chicken is beneficial for my body, but my tongue, unfortunately, does not agree with the taste. While it can be consumed straight from the bottle, the bitterness and vile pungentness of it is just too much to bear.

So, what do I do with the bottles of essence of chicken which I received as get-well gifts some time back? I decided to steam chicken drumsticks with it! The taste of the essence of chicken is mellowed after the steaming process, and instead packs a powerful load of flavors into the lightly seasoned drumsticks. The addition of red dates and wolfberries inject some sweetness into the broth. Add in some shiitake mushrooms, and there you go, a healthy, nutritious, easy to prepare dish which goes great with a bowl of hot, steaming rice.

Essence of Chicken. Now, I'm loving it! ♥

{Recipe}

STEAMED DRUMSTICKS IN ESSENCE OF CHICKEN
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Ingredients

• 2 Chicken Drumsticks
• 1 Bottle of Essence of Chicken
• 3 Shiitake Mushrooms (sliced)
• 7 Red Dates
• 1 Tablespoon Wolfberries
• 1 Small Bunch Coriander

Marinade

• Salt
• Pepper
• 1 Small Piece Ginger (finely grated)
• 1 Tablespoon Huatiao Wine

Method

1. Rinse the chicken, trim off the fats & pat-dry. Season with marinade for 30 minutes.
2. Place the marinated chicken in a shallow dish for steaming.
3. Arrange the shiitake mushrooms, red dates, wolfberries together with the chicken. 
4. Pour chicken essence over.
5. Place in steamer and steam for 30 minutes, or until tender. Remove.
6. Arrange coriander over the chicken. Serve immediately.

Poulét ~ The Amazing French Roast Chicken is Really Amazing!

When one mentions French cuisine, one always think of duck confit, foie gras, escargot, stiff formal restaurant setting, steep prices... this mindset is slowly changing with the opening of more casual and affordable French dining establishments here in Singapore, latest being Poulét, located at level 4 of Bugis+ (formerly known as Iluma).

I decided to check out the place on a Friday evening and a queue was already snaking around the curvaceous exterior of the open-concept restaurant when I reached around 7pm. I was initially hesitant about joining the queue as I was hungry, but did anyway, as I was tempted by the sight of the roasted chickens from the open kitchen. A restaurant staff handed me the menu to browse through while I waited for a table. By the time I got it, I was sooooo ready to order!

Onion Soup ~ Caramelized French Onion and Fond de Veau served with Cheese Croutons (S$5.80)

Starting off dinner with a hot bowl of Onion Soup to warm up my empty tummy was a most comforting choice. French onions are caramelized and generously served in a rich tasting veal stock. Instead of being covered under a blanket of melted cheese, the soup is topped with cheese croutons. While not exactly traditional, this rendition is acceptably fine and nevertheless enjoyable.

Poulet Roti (S$15.80 half / S$25.80 whole)

With the big signage screaming "Amazing French Roast Chicken", it seemed like a non-question if I should order this star dish. I just have to find out for myself if it's really as amazing as it claims and it didn't disappoint!

The poultry is brined for a full day in a traditional recipe then placed in the rotisserie for a slow roast until the skin tans to a golden brown. The moment my knife cuts into the chicken, the meat just fall apart so easily and I know it's really tender even before I tasted it. True enough, every bite was tender, moist and extremely flavorful. Usually I would leave the chicken breast part aside as it's always too dry but this is so juicy, I finish everything off!

The amazing chicken is coupled with home-made mushroom chardonnay sauce for added oomph. The sauce is creamy without being too heavy and the button mushrooms is simply delightful. But still, I would prefer to enjoy the chicken just on its own to savour it in its all well-marinated tasty glory.

Tiramisu (S$7.80)

Tiramisu, the classic dessert made of mascarpone cheese, sponge finger soaked in espresso and rum syrup are layered and served uniquely in a glass container. Every spoonful of this tiramisu is moist with strong aroma of coffee and rum. Blissfulness bursting in every mouthful! The perfect end to my perfect meal!

With most of the items on the menu under S$20, this is affordable dining in a casual, comfortable environment. There are so many items I've yet to try and I'd be sure to be back for more!

Poulét @ Bugis+
Address: 201 Victoria Street, #04-12 Bugis+ (Former Iluma), Singapore 188067
Contact: (+65) 6509 9411
Website: https://www.facebook.com/PouletSG
Opening Hours: 10am - 10pm Daily