Cook Up (With Only Chicken): A Taste of St. Kitts in My Kitchen

The first time I tasted Cook Up, I was transported. Not literally, mind you, but the explosion of flavors – the earthy lentils, the savory chicken, the fragrant herbs – evoked the vibrant streets of St. Kitts that I’d only seen in pictures. My sister, usually a woman of few words, simply smiled as I devoured a plateful, the rice clinging together in a perfectly textured, comforting mass. From that moment on, I knew this wasn’t just food; it was a story, a history, a taste of home.

Recipe Overview

• Prep Time: 30 minutes
• Cook Time: 1 hour
• Total Time: 1 hour 30 minutes
• Servings: 8-10
• Dietary Type: Varies (Contains Meat)

Ingredients

• 2 1⁄2 cups enriched long grain rice (non quick cook rice)
• 1 1⁄2 cups lentils
• 3 Maggi garlic and onion cubes
• 4 Maggi vegetable cubes
• 2 Maggi chicken cubes
• 1 (1/4 ounce) packet sazon goya with coriander and annatto
• 1 large white onion
• 2 lbs chicken backs
• 2 lbs chicken wings
• 1⁄2 lb chicken liver
• 2 tablespoons parsley
• 2 tablespoons cilantro
• 2 stalks celery
• 1 teaspoon clove
• 4 tablespoons chief green seasoning
• 1⁄4 cup dried chives
• 2 teaspoons McCormick’s Season All
• 2 teaspoons seasoning salt
• Salt and pepper (to taste)

Equipment Needed

• Large pot with lid
• Knife
• Cutting board
• Large bowl
• Wooden spoon

Instructions

1. Begin by prepping your vegetables. Dice the onion and celery. This will form the aromatic base of your Cook Up.
2. Prepare the chicken. Cleave the wings at their joints. Clean all the chicken pieces thoroughly, but do not remove the skin. The skin adds flavor and helps keep the chicken moist during cooking.
3. Clean and chop the chicken liver.
4. In a large bowl, combine the chicken wings, chicken backs, and chicken liver. Coat the mixture evenly with McCormick Season All and seasoning salt. This step infuses the chicken with a savory foundation.
5. Place the large pot on the stove and add 2 tablespoons of oil. Heat the oil over medium heat.
6. Add the diced onions and celery to the pot. Sauté until they are browned and softened, releasing their aromatic oils.
7. Add the lentils to the pot, followed by enough water to cover them. Stir to loosen any bits stuck to the bottom of the pot. The lentils will become tender and slightly mashed when fully cooked.
8. Add the Maggi garlic and onion cubes, Maggi vegetable cubes, Maggi chicken cubes, the packet of sazon goya, parsley, cilantro, clove, chief green seasoning, and dried chives to the pot. These seasonings are the heart and soul of the dish, contributing to its complex flavor profile.
9. Add all the chicken pieces to the pot. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to low and simmer until the chicken is fully cooked through. This usually takes about 30-40 minutes. Ensure the chicken is cooked to a safe internal temperature.
10. Add the rice to the pot. Cover the pot and turn the heat to low. This is where you will need to add more water. The water should be about 2 and a half inches above the level of the rice when tested with a wooden spoon. This is crucial for achieving the desired consistency.
11. Stir the mixture twice, then cover the pot and let it cook until the rice resembles a Jambalaya consistency. In other words, the rice should be cooked but still have a wet, slightly sticky texture. This will take approximately 20-25 minutes.

Expert Tips & Tricks

• Browning is Key: Don’t skimp on browning the onions and celery. This builds depth of flavor.
• Liquid Control: The amount of water is crucial. Start with the recommended amount and adjust as needed. You want the rice to be cooked through but not dry.
• Low and Slow: Simmering the chicken on low heat ensures it stays tender and infuses the broth with flavor.
• Seasoning Adjustment: Taste as you go and adjust the seasoning to your preference. Salt and pepper are your friends!
• Pre-Soaking Lentils: While not strictly necessary, pre-soaking the lentils for 30 minutes can help them cook more evenly.
• Adding a Scotch Bonnet Pepper: For an extra kick, carefully add a whole scotch bonnet pepper to the pot while simmering. Be sure to remove it before serving, as it will add significant heat!

Serving & Storage Suggestions

Serve Cook Up hot, directly from the pot. Garnish with a sprig of fresh parsley or cilantro for a pop of color. This dish is hearty enough to be a meal on its own, but it also pairs well with a simple side salad or some steamed vegetables.

Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave, adding a splash of water if needed to prevent it from drying out. Cook Up also freezes well. Store it in freezer-safe containers for up to 2 months. Thaw completely before reheating.

Nutritional Information

Nutrient	Amount per Serving	% Daily Value
Calories	550 kcal	N/A
Total Fat	20g	30%
Saturated Fat	6g	28%
Cholesterol	185mg	61%
Sodium	117mg	4%
Total Carbohydrate	56g	18%
Dietary Fiber	4g	17%
Sugars	2g	N/A
Protein	33g	66%

Note: Nutritional information is an estimate and may vary based on specific ingredients and portion sizes.

Variations & Substitutions

• Vegetarian Cook Up: Substitute the chicken with firm tofu or extra lentils for a vegetarian version. Use vegetable broth instead of water.
• Spicy Cook Up: Add a chopped scotch bonnet pepper or a pinch of cayenne pepper for extra heat.
• Seafood Cook Up: Replace the chicken with shrimp or fish for a different flavor profile.
• Coconut Cook Up: Use coconut milk instead of water for a richer, more decadent flavor.
• Different Rice: While long grain rice is traditional, you can experiment with other types of rice, such as brown rice or basmati rice. Keep in mind that the cooking time may need to be adjusted.

FAQs (Frequently Asked Questions)

Q: Can I use quick-cooking rice for this recipe?
A: While you can, it’s not recommended. Quick-cooking rice tends to become mushy and doesn’t hold its shape as well as long grain rice. The texture will be significantly different.

Q: What is Chief Green Seasoning?
A: Chief Green Seasoning is a Caribbean blend of herbs and spices that adds a unique flavor to the dish. If you can’t find it, you can substitute with a combination of chopped green onions, thyme, parsley, and garlic.

Q: Can I make this in a slow cooker?
A: Yes, you can adapt this recipe for a slow cooker. Sauté the onions and celery first, then add all the ingredients to the slow cooker and cook on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 3-4 hours.

Q: How do I know when the chicken is cooked through?
A: The chicken is cooked through when its internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C). Use a meat thermometer to check the temperature.

Q: My Cook Up is too dry. What can I do?
A: Add a little more water or broth to the pot and stir gently. Cover and let it simmer for a few more minutes until the liquid is absorbed.

Final Thoughts

Cook Up is more than just a recipe; it’s an experience. It’s a taste of the Caribbean, a celebration of flavor, and a reminder of the power of food to connect us to our roots. I encourage you to try this recipe and make it your own. Don’t be afraid to experiment with different seasonings and ingredients to create a Cook Up that reflects your personal taste. And most importantly, share it with the people you love. After all, the best food is always the food that’s shared.