Pollo Ticul - Yucatecan Style Chicken

Ingredients

• 2 ounces achiote paste (1/2 brick)
• 1/4 cup bitter orange juice (or use half sweet orange juice with half vinegar)
• 1 large garlic clove, peeled and finely minced
• 1 1/2 tablespoons honey
• 1 tablespoon cumin seed, toasted
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1 chicken, cut into serving pieces
• 4 banana leaves, passed over a burner to soften
• 1 tablespoon corn oil
• 3 roma tomatoes, finely chopped
• 1 small green bell pepper, seeded, deviened, chopped
• 1 medium onion, chopped

Directions

1. 1

   To Marinate:.

2. 2

   Combine the first 6 ingredients (achiote paste through oregano) in large, non-reactive bowl, mixing thoroughly to dissolve the achiote paste. Place the chicken pieces in the bowl and marinate overnight. Refrigerate.

3. 3

   To Cook:.

4. 4

   Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F. Lightly grease 8x11 inch baking dish.

5. 5

   Place two of the banana leaves side by side lengthwise (the will overlap slightly) and two widthwise. Place the chicken and its marinade on top of the leaves in the baking dish.

6. 6

   Fold the leaves over the chicken, cover with aluminum foil, and bake for 45 minutes.

7. 7

   Remove the foil and bake another 15 minutes.