For 2
1 black Silkie chicken, head, neck and feet removed and reserved
1 stalk lemongrass
2 inch piece of ginger root
2 large garlic cloves
1/4 tsp Chinese 5 spice powder
One 14 oz canned quality coconut milk, cream spooned off top and reserved
Salt and pepper
Remove backbone from chicken, and place it, head, neck, and feet in a saucepan (you can add a mirepoix if you wish). Add 4 cups water and simmer for around 20-30 minutes.
Meanwhile, remove woody outer leaves from lemongrass and trim top and bottom hard parts. Using back of chef's knife break up lemongrass stalk. Peel garlic and smash cloves. Cut ginger into 3 coins and smash.
Strain stock into another pan and discard solids. Rinse out large saucepan. Add 2 cups of stock back into pan, plus vegetables above, the 1/4 tsp of 5 spice, and the remaining coconut milk in the can, plus a good pinch of salt. Open chicken (like you are spatchcocking) and place in pan. Cover and LOW simmer for 1-1/2 to 2 hours until tender.
Carefully remove chicken from liquid, blot dry. Strain braising liquid and discard solids. Simmer to thicken if needed, add the reserved coconut cream, let warm through, taste, adjust seasoning if needed.
We'll be having forbidden rice with this plus something else I'm also dreaming up.