Bebek Betutu: Roast Duck in Banana Leaf

Preheat oven to 350 degrees F, or prepare charcoal grill.

In a food processor, puree garlic, shallots, turmeric, candle nuts, ginger, chiles, and thousand spice.

Blend well.

In a mixing bowl, make a marinade with the shrimp paste, soy sauce, and oil.

Place the duck in the bowl and massage the duck with this mixture.

Remove the duck to the banana leaves or foil.

Add the bumbu paste to the remaining marinade, mix well and slather the inside and outside of the duck with the marinade.

Close the openings of the bird with skewer, add water, and wrap the duck in several layers of banana leaves, grease proof paper or foil and steam for 50 minutes.

Transfer the duck to a moderate oven and bake at 350 degrees F for 30 minutes.

Another option is to do the final roasting over a slow charcoal fire rather than in the oven.

Be sure to turn the duck several times if cooking over charcoal.

Remove banana leaves, cut the duck meat up in small pieces, and serve with stuffing.

When cooked, the meat should be so tender that it falls off the bones.