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In tutto il Wisconsin e Islamabad, l'entusiasmo pakistano per il pollo

Al centro dell'Area Blu di Islamabad, una sera di agosto tarda, il professionista bancario Faraz-ul-Hassan e il suo collega Taimoor Abbasi gustano un pasto a base di broast, patatine, panini e bibite in un piccolo ristorante immerso in un edificio più antico. Tra i protagonisti della scena ci...

In tutto il Wisconsin e Islamabad, l'entusiasmo pakistano per il pollo

In the vibrant streets of Islamabad, a beloved dish continues to delight the taste buds of locals and visitors alike - Chicken Broast. This deep-fried delicacy, a staple in Pakistani cuisine, has a rich history that traces back to the 1950s in the United States.

The term "broast" was coined by the Broaster Company, founded in Wisconsin in 1954. The company patented the "Broaster Pressure Fryer," revolutionizing the way fried chicken was prepared. However, in Pakistan, the term has taken on a broader meaning since the 1970s, encompassing any fried chicken, not just those prepared with Broaster equipment.

Col. Harland Sanders, an American businessman, is credited with perfecting a secret recipe for fried chicken in a pressure cooker in the 1930s. His recipe laid the foundation for the international phenomenon that is Kentucky Fried Chicken (KFC). In contrast, the Pakistani version of broast is marinated with South Asian spices, providing a unique twist to the classic dish.

Broast machines and recipes started entering Pakistan in the 1970s, according to restaurateurs. One such establishment is GoGo Broast, a popular eatery in Blue Area, Islamabad. At GoGo Broast, the chicken is marinated for at least three to four hours, spices are added, and the mixture is left for another six hours, ensuring a flavourful and tender result.

The owner of GoGo Broast insists the key to their success lies in patience and guarded recipes. For many, the Pakistani version of broast offers 'desi' flavours that remind them of their hometowns. For instance, a banker named Faraz-ul-Hassan, when visiting Islamabad, prefers broast over beef and mutton, even venturing to Savor Foods for their chicken broast.

Despite nutritionists warning that broast is high in fat and sodium, it shows no signs of losing its place on dining tables across Pakistan. Reasons for its popularity among residents of the Pakistani capital include affordability, the crispy outer layer, and nostalgia.

Broast is usually served with chutney, raita, and fries, making it a complete meal. So, the next time you find yourself in Islamabad, don't miss out on trying this iconic dish that has stood the test of time. Whether you're a local or a tourist, chicken broast is an experience not to be missed.

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