Kelaguen mannok is a traditional dish from the island of Guam, belonging to Chamorro cuisine.
It is a spicy chicken salad, made with boiled chicken, mixed with grated coconut, lime juice, and hot chili peppers.
Kelaguen is similar to ceviche: a marinade of lime juice, fresh coconut, scallions, salt, and hot chili peppers (called donni) to marinate chicken, raw shrimp, fish, or beef.
Except for the chicken, which is already cooked, the acids in the marinade “cook” the raw shrimp, fish, or beef instead of heating them.
Served cold or at room temperature and consumed as is, with rice, or wrapped in a warm corn or flour tortilla (or in the Chamorro version: titiyas).
Kelaguen derives from the Filipino kilawin. It was introduced by Filipino settlers when the Marianas and the Philippines were both part of the Spanish East Indies.
However, it has differentiated by also incorporating influences from Latin America, such as the use of tortillas.
It is often prepared on special occasions and during holidays, representing a symbol of hospitality and culinary tradition of the island.
- Difficulty: Very Easy
- Cost: Cheap
- Rest time: 30 Minutes
- Preparation time: 10 Minutes
- Portions: 4 People
- Cooking methods: Boiling
- Cuisine: International
- Seasonality: All Seasons
Ingredients for Kelaguen mannok:
- 3.3 lbs chicken (preferably whole)
- 7 oz coconut (preferably fresh, but shredded is also fine)
- 4 boonie peppers (chopped)
- 2 red onions (chopped)
- 4 limes
- to taste salt
Steps
Boil the chicken in salted water until fully cooked. Once cooled, shred the meat, removing the skin and bones.
In a large bowl, combine the shredded chicken with the grated coconut, chopped peppers, and onions.
Add the lime juice and mix well. Adjust salt to taste.
Let it rest in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes before serving, allowing the flavors to meld. Serve cold.
Chicken in Kelaguen mannok:
The chicken used for kelaguen manok is traditionally boiled, but it is not the only method of preparation.
In some variations of the dish, the chicken can also be grilled or roasted, giving a smoky flavor and a crunchier texture.
Grilling or baking are more modern ways of preparing the chicken for kelaguen, often used to add a richer, smoky flavor dimension.
Once cooked, the chicken is still shredded and mixed with the other ingredients.
Thus, even though the boiled version is the most traditional, grilling or baking the chicken is becoming a common practice, especially in modern preparations and personalized variations of kelaguen mannok.
FAQ (Frequently Asked Questions)
Where is Guam located?
Guam, in the Chamorro language Guåhan, is an island in the western Pacific Ocean, the largest and southernmost of the Marianas.
It is an unincorporated territory of the United States, included in the United Nations list of non-self-governing territories.
Most of its inhabitants are Chamorro, the indigenous people of the Mariana Islands in Micronesia, politically divided between the US territories of Guam and the Northern Mariana Islands.
The capital is Hagåtña.What is donni in Chamorro culture?
In Chamorro culture, the term donni’ refers to chili pepper, a staple ingredient in the traditional cuisine of the Mariana Islands, such as Guam and the Northern Mariana Islands.
Specifically, donni’ såli is a native variety of chili pepper (Capsicum frutescens), also known as “boonie pepper“, which grows wild on the island.
It is believed to have been introduced by Spanish settlers in the 17th century and, over time, has become an integral part of the local gastronomic culture.
🌶️ The role of donni’ in Chamorro cuisine:
Fina’denne‘: a spicy sauce made with donni’, vinegar, lemon, and soy sauce, used as a condiment for many local dishes.
Donne’ Dinanche: a chili paste that can include ingredients like garlic, onion, coconut milk, miso, or lemon juice, often served with grilled meats or fish.
In Guam, donni’ is so appreciated that it is celebrated with an annual festival, the Donne’ Festival, showcasing chili peppers through traditional dishes, music, and local crafts.What is titiyas?
In Guam, Chamorro Flour Titiyas are a cross between a flour tortilla and baked bread.
For more details, read this article.
