Caribbean Stew

Directions

1. 1
   Disjoint chicken, cut into serving portions.
2. 2
   Fry the onion in oil until lightly tinted, remove from pan.
3. 3
   Add chicken pieces, skin side down, and brown all over, moving the pieces around in pan frequently.
4. 4
   Pour off any oil left in pan, add the pork pieces, then stir in the thyme.
5. 5
   Tie the cloves and bay leaf in a piece of muslin and add to saucepan.
6. 6
   Bring to boiling point, reduce heat, cover and simmer for 15 minutes.
7. 7
   Meanwhile, peel potatoes, cut int 12 inch slices.
8. 8
   Add to pan, pushing them down into the liquid.
9. 9
   Simmer for 35 to 40 minutes more, or until chicken and pork are tender.
10. 10
    Remove the muslin bag, stir in bananas and the shallots, cover and simmer another 5 to 7 minutes.
11. 11
    Turn into a serving bowl and, if you wish, garnish with coconut and snipped green part of shallots.