Recipe: Pollo a la Brasa for Roxana

POLLO A LA BRASA

2 tsp. salt
1 tsp. ground black pepper
2 tsp. huacatay paste
1 tsp. aji yellow paste
1/2 tsp. ground cumin
1/2 tsp. ground achiote (annato)
1 tsp. minced garlic
lemon juice
from 3 lemons
All the above is per chicken

Rinse chickens well inside out, cut off excess fat, tuck the wings to back of chicken.

Mix all ingredients and make a soft paste, if necessary add some water. Rub the chickens with mixture inside and out, making sure you covered all parts of the chickens. Let them stand in refrigerator for six hours before you start arranging them in the rotisserie bar of your grill.

WHEN READY TO COOK:
Do not use any type of wood smoker when you do Pollo a la Brasa (Rotisserie Chicken)

You can introduce some real wood charcoals to your gas grill so it gives the charcoal flavor but NOT a smoky flavor. Even if your Grill is a Gas grill (charcoals will not last long, and will become ashes). It will take in a semi-open grill about 1 hour to 1 1/4 of an hour at medium heat (180 - 200 degrees F.) on an open Grill will take a little longer and temperature must be between 200 - 240 degrees F. Chicken should be about 12 inches away from fire at least.

Source: Chef Enrique's Kitchen

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HUACATAY CHILI (AJI DE HUACATAY)

125 g mirasol chili
1 md sprig of huacatay
some leaves of saltwort; -(paico)
salt to taste
oil

Source: Comidas Criollas Peruanas/(Peruvian Creole Food Cookbook).

Roast the mirasol chili whole, cut in half and remove the pips and fibers; wash and grind with the well-washed huacatay leaves and saltwort until a smooth paste results.

Season with salt and a little oil and beat well. The sauce is then ready to serve-with potatoes, maize ears or boiled meat.

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AJI MOLIDO CHILE PASTE YELLOW
Yield: 1 Cup

20 chiles, aji, yellow; chopped, substitute yellow wax hot chiles or jalapenos
1/4 cup olive oil
1 garlic clove, minced
2 tbsp vinegar
1 tsp salt

Remove seeds and stems. Combine all ingredient in a food processor and puree to a fine paste. This is a HOT condiment. This South American chile paste can be used as a substitute whenever fresh chiles are called for. It will keep for two weeks or more in the refrigerator. For longer storage, increase the vinegar and reduce the amount of olive oil.