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Holidays & Special Occasions

Fiji Christmas Lovo Whole Chicken

The Quirky Foodster Team

★ ★ ★ ★ ★ (0)
20 minutes
Prep

Ingredients

  • 1.8 kg (4 lb) Whole chicken
  • 5 cloves Garlic, crushed
  • 60 ml (1/4 cup) Soy sauce
  • 2 tbsp Lemon juice
  • 1 tbsp Curry powder Banana leaves, for wrapping 4–6 leaves 4–6 leaves

Method

  1. Combine garlic, soy sauce, lemon juice and curry powder into a marinade.
  2. Rub the marinade all over and inside the whole chicken; marinate for at least 3 hours or overnight.
  3. Wrap the chicken tightly in banana leaves, securing with kitchen twine.
  4. Traditionally: place on heated stones in a covered earth oven pit and cook for 2–2.5 hours.
  5. Home oven method: roast wrapped chicken at 180°C (356°F) for 90 minutes, or until juices run clear and internal temperature reaches 75°C (165°F).
  6. Rest for 10 minutes before unwrapping and carving to serve with rourou and dalo.

Introduction: Christmas in Fiji is often marked by a communal lovo feast, with whole chickens marinated and wrapped for the earth oven alongside pork and root vegetables, shared among extended family after church services.

Cultural Background: Christmas in Fiji is often marked by a communal lovo feast, with whole chickens marinated and wrapped for the earth oven alongside pork and root vegetables, shared among extended family after church services. NOTE: like other lovo dishes, this earth-oven method is shared with neighbouring Pacific nations and is presented here in its Fijian Christmas context specifically.

Tips: Overnight marinating gives the deepest flavour for this festive dish. Check internal temperature at the thickest part of the thigh to confirm doneness.

Variations: Stuff the cavity with lemon and extra garlic for added aroma. Serve alongside lovo pork for a full Christmas feast spread. No authentic vegetarian version; a lovo-wrapped root vegetable medley is the traditional accompanying alternative.

Storage: Refrigerate carved leftovers for up to 3 days.

Reheating: Reheat covered in a low oven at 150°C (300°F) with a little stock or water to keep moist.

FAQs:

Q: Can this be made without banana leaves?

A: Yes, foil works as a practical substitute, though banana leaves impart a subtle traditional aroma.

Q: Is this dish specific to Christmas?

A: Lovo chicken is served at many celebrations, but a whole roasted chicken is especially traditional for Fijian Christmas feasts.

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