The chickens have come home to roost! I think of this old Hindu saying when I find Laetiporus , known commonly as Chicken-of-the-Woods (COTW).
Laetiporus spores infect the heartwood of oak trees when their limbs are cut improperly and their heartwood is exposed. This fungus eats the heartwood of the tree and spits out shelves of COTW fungi once a year in either the late spring or fall. That’s when you harvest it and cook something beautiful and delicious with it.
Coconut Chicken-of-the-Woods is a great way to prepare it.
INGREDIENTS
1/3 cup all-purpose flour or whole wheat flour (spoon & leveled)
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper
1/2 teaspoon red pepper
2 large eggs, beaten
3/4 cup Panko bread crumbs
1 cup sweetened shredded coconut
1 pound Chicken-of-the-Woods
coconut oil
INSTRUCTIONS
Hand pull mushroom into strips or nuggets.
Dry sauté the pieces with 1/4 cup of water, salt and vinegar in a fry pan until water is absorbed or for 15 minutes. Drain excess water and use for broth, etc.
Combine flour, salt, and peppers in one. Beat the eggs in the second bowl. Combine panko and coconut in the third bowl or freezer bag
Dip the COW into the flour and spices, then the eggs, and then put the COW into the coconut and panko breading that is in a freezer bag and shake up.
Set the coated COW aside on a plate as you coat the remainder.
Add enough oil to cover the bottom of a large skillet on medium heat. Fry the coconut COW in batches – do not crowd them in the pan. I fried about 6-7 at a time. Flip after 2 minutes and fry the other side for 2 minutes or until golden brown. I like mine a little darker, so I fried each side for about 3 minutes.
Place the finished coconut COW on a plate lined with a towel as you fry the rest. Serve with your favorite sweet Thai chili sauce or an orange chili sauce.
Serve on top of your favorite pasta (optional) and sprinkle with a little chopped cilantro or basil (optional) and serve.
ABOUT CHICKEN-OF-THE-WOODS
Scientific Name: Laetiporus sulphureus
Common Name: Chicken-of-the-Woods, Sulphur Shelf
Family: Polyporaceae
