Before we jump into Araku Valley’s Bamboo chicken & Biriyani, Let’s taka a quick look at Bamboo itself.
What is Bamboo and why is it important anyway?
BAMBOO is India’s one of the most valuable natural resource. Thanks to diversity in its application and the enormous scope for societal improvement.
Many rural and tribal livelihoods depend on bamboo for their survival.
The environmental benefits are many as well.
BAMBOO is popular for Suitability of Agriculture. Viable as a Construction material. Bamboo contains Nutrition and Health Value, Environmental Benefit’s etc.
An interesting fact about using Bamboo in our traditional Indian Cuisine is startling.
In many parts of India, people use bamboo poles to prepare dishes. The poles cut to right size for food to fit in.
People across India cook interesting dishes using these bamboo poles.
One such place is Araku Valley
Araku valley is a hill station in Visakhapatnam district of Andhra Pradesh, India. It is a valley in the Eastern Ghats home to different tribes.
Suspended almost 3000 feet above the ground level, many hills surround Araku valley. The region also receives heavy rainfall. Perfect conditions for bamboo to grow in plenty.
The beauty of Araku Valley attracts a fair share of attention. Movies like Happy days, Katha and Life is beautiful features the hills.
Araku Valley is popular for Coffee and tourism. While many come to enjoy the weather and the greenery, some come to devour a special dish. Araku Valley’s Bamboo chicken.
What better do you wish for in the cold weather and hill top view?
Araku Valley’s Bamboo Chicken recipe
The tribal communities first started cooking chicken inside the hollow tube of bamboo. Without the use of any oil or water.
Small raw chicken pieces are marinated with spices and stuffed inside a bamboo. The bamboo tube is open from one side. The opening is closed by stuffing the Sal leaves.
This bamboo is now put on coal fire and turned a few times so that the heat spreads out evenly.The heavenly aroma that is a blend of bamboo, burnt wood, divine herbs and chicken cooked in its own delicate juices. Once the bamboo is burnt black, it is opened and served hot.
The video demonstrates the process of cooking Araku Valley’s Bamboo Chicken extremely well
Another interesting dish is Bamboo Chicken Biriyani
Rice and chicken mixed in spices stuffed into a piece of raw bamboo log.
This log goes on natural fire till outer layer becomes charcoal.
The wood of bamboo is a hard material with hollowness inside that has segmented air pockets. Each pocket serves as a single portion. The bamboo pipe is enclosed with green leaves. The leaves block the steam from flowing out eventually cooking the food.
The result is the rich flavour of bamboo extracted by the circulating steam. The aroma of the food itself remains largely contained.
Many Restaurants do serve these interesting dishes. Believed to be the Native flavours of India.
Conclusion
I’m sure you will agree with me when I say anything cooked on wood tastes really yummy. Cooking with bamboo is no different. Besides culinary uses, there are many uses of bamboo.
Cooking with bamboo is no different. In fact, bamboo is way better than wood.
The rich flavour of bamboo and the Indian spices is a heavenly combination. Every foodie’s delight!
If you haven’t tried the dishes yet make sure you put it on your to-do list as it is not to be missed.
I’m sure you are hungry by now. Before you rush to grab something to eat, let us know on which is your favourite dish? Leave a comment below!
Can you please give some information about tribes who prepares this bamboo chicken and some history about this