# Beggar's Chicken — Made the Old Way

No shortcuts. No oven. Just clay, fire, and time.

---

**Step 1 — Gather**
Fresh whole chicken, lotus leaves, a fistful of aromatics.
That's really all you need.

**Step 2 — Season**
Salt, Shaoxing wine, ginger, scallion.
Rub it into every corner. Let it sit.

**Step 3 — Wrap**
Lay the chicken onto soaked lotus leaves.
Fold them tight — two layers, nothing peeking out.

**Step 4 — Make the Clay**
Mix yellow clay with water until it holds.
Not too wet, not too stiff. Like working with dough.

**Step 5 — Seal**
Pack the clay around the wrapped chicken.
Press it smooth. It should feel like you're holding something alive.

**Step 6 — Build the Fire**
Feed dry wood into the firebox.
Wait until the flames settle into a steady burn.

**Step 7 — Slow Burn**
Set the clay ball right on the coals.
Walk away. Let the fire do the work for two hours.

**Step 8 — Crack It Open**
The shell comes off in chunks — give it a firm hit.
Steam hits your face before you even see the chicken.

**Step 9 — The Reveal**
Golden skin. Lotus leaf fragrance soaked all the way through.
No sauce needed.

---

*This is the dish that got its name from someone who had nothing —
and ended up with something unforgettable.*