Fijian Lovo Chicken with Root Vegetables
A traditional Fijian dish cooked in an underground oven (lovo), featuring tender chicken marinated in a flavorful blend of coconut milk, herbs, and spices, alongside a medley of root vegetables like taro and sweet potato.
🧂 Ingredients
- 1 kg Whole chicken(cut into serving pieces)
- 500 g Taro(peeled and cut into large chunks)
- 500 g Sweet potato(peeled and cut into large chunks)
- 500 g Cassava(peeled and cut into large chunks)
- 400 ml Coconut milk
- 1 medium Onion(finely chopped)
- 4 cloves Garlic(minced)
- 1 inch piece Ginger(grated)
- 1 tsp Turmeric powder
- 1 tsp Salt(or to taste)
- 0.5 tsp Black pepper(freshly ground)
- 6 large Banana leaves(wilted over heat to make pliable)
👨🍳 Instructions
- 1
Prepare the lovo pit: Dig a pit, line it with stones, and build a fire. Let the fire burn down to hot embers.
💡 Tip: Ensure stones are well-heated for even cooking. - 2
Marinate the chicken: In a bowl, combine chicken pieces with coconut milk, chopped onion, minced garlic, grated ginger, turmeric powder, salt, and pepper. Mix well and let it marinate for at least 30 minutes.
- 3
Prepare the root vegetables: Ensure taro, sweet potato, and cassava are peeled and cut into uniform, large chunks for even cooking.
- 4
Assemble the lovo package: Lay out the wilted banana leaves, overlapping them to form a large parcel. Place the marinated chicken and root vegetables in the center. Wrap tightly with the banana leaves, securing with twine if necessary.
💡 Tip: Double-layer banana leaves for better insulation and to prevent leaks. - 5
Cook in the lovo: Once the stones in the pit are very hot, carefully place the banana leaf parcel on top of the embers. Cover the parcel with more hot stones and then with soil. Cook for 3-4 hours, or until the chicken is tender and the root vegetables are cooked through.
💡 Tip: The soil should be packed firmly to trap steam and heat. - 6
Unearth and serve: Carefully unearth the lovo package. Unwrap the parcel and serve the tender chicken and root vegetables hot.
💡 Pro Tips
- ✓If a traditional lovo pit is not available, a large Dutch oven or a makeshift oven using a large pot with a lid and hot coals can be used as an alternative.
- ✓The key to a good lovo is the intense heat from the stones and the steam trapped by the banana leaves.
- ✓Adjust marination time based on preference; longer marination can enhance flavor.
✨ Twist Ideas
Inspiration for your own version of this recipe
- Add other root vegetables like yam or breadfruit.
- Include leafy greens like bele or rourou within the banana leaf parcel for added nutrition and flavor.