betutu

Betutu is a Balinese preparation of whole poultry with aromatic spices and herbs. Marvellina’s chicken adaptation combines a spice coating with vegetable stuffing and leaf wrapping, selecting kale for the stuffing in this version.

Shallots, candlenuts, garlic, fresh turmeric, galangal, ginger and the remaining paste ingredients process together with coconut oil. Seasonings join the paste before it cooks until fragrant; half is reserved for the chicken’s exterior.

Kale cooks with the other half until partly wilted, then fills the chicken’s cavity with bruised lemongrass. The reserved paste is rubbed over the bird, which is wrapped in banana leaves and foil and marinated overnight.

In the selected oven route, the wrapped chicken roasts on a foil-lined pan. An optional finish under the broiler darkens the skin. The chicken rests before cutting and is served with its juices and stuffing, with sambal matah alongside.

The shared paste flavours both the outside and the kale filling. White pepper, coconut sugar and lime juice season it, while the leaf wrapper encloses the whole chicken during cooking.