Chicken breast pastrama

Spiced Chicken Pastrama: A Delicious and Economical Recipe

If you are looking for a simple recipe with exquisite taste, chicken pastrama is the perfect choice! This recipe will not only bring joy to your kitchen, but it will also allow you to transform a simple whole chicken into a refined dish, ideal for family meals or special occasions. Whether you want to impress your guests or simply indulge yourself and your loved ones, chicken pastrama is the ideal solution.

Preparation time: 30 minutes
Marinating time: 24 hours
Baking time: 1 hour
Total time: 25 hours and 30 minutes
Number of servings: 4-6 servings

Necessary ingredients

- 1 kg chicken breast (or 2 kg, depending on needs)
- 1 liter water
- 2 tablespoons salt
- 1 tablespoon sugar
- 50 ml olive oil or vegetable oil
- Ground black pepper, to taste
- 1 teaspoon sweet or hot paprika (according to preference)
- 4-5 cloves of fresh garlic
- Black pepper (whole)
- Bay leaves
- Dried basil
- Dried oregano

Step by step – Your guide to perfect chicken pastrama

1. Preparing the chicken
Start by cleaning and washing the chicken breast thoroughly. If you chose a chicken with bones, carefully debone it. This way, you will obtain pieces that are easier to handle and more suitable for serving later.

2. Marinating
In a large bowl, add 1 liter of water, 2 tablespoons of salt, 1 tablespoon of sugar, whole pepper, and bay leaves. Mix well until the salt and sugar completely dissolve. Then, place the chicken in the marinade, covering it completely. It is recommended to leave the chicken in the marinade in the fridge for 24 hours to absorb the flavors.

3. Preparing the spice mix
After 24 hours, remove the meat from the marinade, rinse it gently under cold running water, and let it drain. Meanwhile, in a small bowl, mix the oil with the ground pepper, paprika, and crushed garlic. This mixture will add an intense and aromatic flavor to your dish.

4. Seasoning the chicken
Place the chicken pieces in a baking tray and brush each piece with the oil mixture on one side. Sprinkle oregano on this side, then turn the pieces over and brush the other side with the oil mixture, sprinkling basil on top.

5. Baking
Cover the tray with aluminum foil and place it in a preheated oven at 200 degrees Celsius. Let it bake for about 1 hour. Once it is nicely browned, remove the tray from the oven and let the meat cool covered. This step is essential to keep the meat juicy.

6. Smoking (optional)
If you have a smoker, this step will add a special flavor to your pastrama. I recommend making a hook from string and placing the chicken pieces to smoke for 12 hours. The smoky flavor will transform them into a culinary delight!

Serving and pairing suggestions

Chicken pastrama can be served warm or cold, alongside freshly prepared zucchini spread. You can also add a crunchy green salad or grilled vegetables for a healthy lunch or dinner. It can also be used as a filling for sandwiches or salads, adding extra flavor.

Nutritional benefits

Chicken is an excellent source of lean protein, rich in vitamins B6 and B12, essential for energy metabolism and nervous system health. Additionally, using herbs like basil and oregano not only adds flavor but also valuable antioxidants. This recipe is not only delicious but also nutritious!

Tips for a perfect result

- Choose quality chicken: If you have the option, opt for organically raised chickens. The taste and texture of the meat will be much better.
- Experiment with spices: Don't hesitate to add other favorite spices or herbs, such as thyme or rosemary, to customize the recipe.
- Freezing: Pastrama can be easily frozen. Divide it into portions and keep it in airtight containers to have on hand whenever you need a quick and tasty dish.

Frequently asked questions

1. Can I use other types of meat?
Absolutely! This recipe can also be adapted for pork or turkey.

2. How can I tell if the pastrama is cooked enough?
The meat should be well-cooked, and the internal temperature should be at least 75 degrees Celsius.

3. What other dishes can accompany chicken pastrama?
It pairs perfectly with rice, baked potatoes, or sautéed vegetables.

4. What is the best way to store pastrama?
You can store it in the fridge in an airtight container for up to a week. If you freeze it, make sure it is well-wrapped to prevent freezer burn.

Now that you know how to prepare delicious chicken pastrama, all that’s left is to enjoy every bite! Bon appétit!

 Ingredients: Chicken breast - 1 kg/2 kg, 1 l water, 2 tablespoons salt, 1 tablespoon sugar, 50 ml oil, black pepper to taste, 1 teaspoon sweet or hot paprika, 4-5 cloves of garlic, black pepper (whole), bay leaves, basil and oregano

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