Rumaki
This recipe is said to be invented by one-legged restaurateur Victor Jules Bergeron, who founded the chain of Trader Vic's Polynesian restaurants in the United States. Rumaki typically features duck or chicken livers enrobed in bacon, marinated in soy sauce and aromatics, then broiled or grilled.
Sounds unhealthy, right? Though you might be tempted to find a local restaurant to indulge in this delicious meal, our recipe swaps the liver for water chestnuts, takes advantage of lower-calorie turkey bacon and makes a no-fuss, make-ahead party appetizer — or tastes delicious as a snack with your family. As a plus, it's super easy to make. Soon your friends will be begging you for the recipe so they can make it at home too.
PREP TIME: 15 minutes (plus 30 minutes marinating)
COOK TIME: 5 minutes
MAKES 36
What you'll need
- 1 can (225 g/8 oz) whole water chestnuts, rinsed and drained
- 12 slices low-sodium turkey bacon, cut crosswise into thirds
- 30 ml (2 tbsp) light or low-sodium teriyaki sauce
- 36 wooden toothpicks
Ready, set, go
1. Combine the water chestnuts, bacon, teriyaki and toothpicks in a ziplock bag, while taking care not to tear the bag with the toothpicks. Carefully press out the air, seal and refrigerate for 30 minutes.
Drain and discard the marinade then pat the water chestnuts and bacon dry with paper towels.For each rumaki, wrap a piece of bacon around a water chestnut and secure with a toothpick. (At this point, the rumaki can be made ahead and refrigerated up to three hours before serving.)Preheat the broiler.
2. Place the rumaki on a large broiler rack or on a wire rack set on a baking sheet. Broil about 10 centimetres (four inches) from the heat until the bacon is almost crisp, one to two minutes per side, turning once or twice.
3. Drain briefly on paper towels. Serve warm.
NUTRITIONAL INFORMATION per Rumaki: 26 cal, 2 g fat (1 g sat), 1 g carbs, 1 g protein, 0 g fibre, 9 mg chol, 118 mg sodium, 4 mg calcium
This is a meal that comes with an interesting story and adds a little entertainment during your meal.