Hawaiian Haystacks {Thai-style}
Hawaiian Haystacks take on a new twist and go Thai! Coconut Rice, fresh cilantro, and a bit of chile pepper for heat will bring the wonderful flavors of Thai-inspired food to mind. Please note: The gravy portion of this recipe makes 8 servings.
Servings: 8
Ingredients
For the Gravy:
- 5 cups chicken broth or stock
- 1 (13.5 ounces) can coconut milk (see Notes for alternative)
- 3 cups cooked chicken
- salt and pepper, to taste
- jalapeno or other hot chile, seeded and chopped
- 4 tablespoons corn starch
- 1/4 cup water
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh basil
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh cilantro
Toppings - use any or all - adjust amounts prepared to # of people being served
- crispy Chinese noodles
- cooked rice, (see Notes)
- grated cheddar cheese
- shredded coconut
- sliced celery
- diced tomatoes
- sliced green onions
- green peas (fresh or defrosted frozen peas)
- pineapple (fresh or canned, tidbits, chunks, or crushed)
- toasted sunflower seeds
Instructions
For the Gravy
- In a large sauce pot, bring the chicken broth and the coconut milk to a low boil. Add the chicken and return to low boil.
- Taste, then correct seasonings with salt and pepper or seasoning salt. Continue at a low boil. (If using a hot chile for spicy heat, add it now. If some guests would prefer it without the heat, the chile could be served as a topping.)
- Mix together the water and corn starch until smooth. Add slowly to hot chicken broth mixture while stirring constantly. Continue to cook and stir until gravy has thickened. If you prefer a thicker gravy, allow the gravy to cook at a low boil until reduced to desired thickness. Alternately, a little more cornstarch dissolved in a little water may be used for additional thickening.
- Just prior to serving, stir in the basil and cilantro.
- To assemble haystack: layer the Chinese crispy noodles, cooked rice, and gravy. Add any or all toppings in order of preference.
Notes
Chicken stock: I used juices from Slow Cooker Roasted Chicken plus enough store bought chicken stock to bring it up to five cups.
Alternative for Gravy: I used regular coconut milk. If you prefer a regular gravy, replace the coconut milk with 1 cup of stock, bringing the total amount of stock up to 6 cups.
Rice: I made Coconut Rice - super easy