Chicken in salt
Salted Chicken: A Rustic and Delicious Recipe
Total preparation time: 2 hours
Preparation time: 30 minutes
Cooking time: 1 hour
Servings: 4
At the heart of every household, salted chicken is a recipe that brings not only a perfect flavor to the table but also a story. It is a traditional cooking method that transforms a simple chicken into a true delicacy, tender and full of taste. Here’s how you can recreate this wonderful dish, step by step.
Ingredients
- 1 chicken (approximately 1-1.5 kg)
- 1 kg of fine salt
- 100 g butter (preferably homemade for an authentic taste)
- 1 tablespoon dried basil, chopped
- 1 head of garlic (about 10-12 cloves)
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 1 potato, diced
- 1 onion, julienned
- 1 carrot, sliced
- 3 tablespoons olive oil (for added flavor)
Necessary Utensils
- A mortar and pestle (or a blender)
- A baking tray
- Toothpicks
- Aluminum foil (optional)
Recipe History
This dish has deep roots in the culinary traditions of many cultures, serving as an effective way to cook meat. Salt not only helps with preservation but also enhances flavors. Changes over time have led to various adaptations, but the essence remains the same: a chicken cooked in salt that becomes incredibly tender and flavorful.
Preparing Salted Chicken
1. Preparing the flavored butter:
Start by preparing the flavored butter. Place the softened butter in the mortar, add a few crushed garlic cloves, salt, pepper, and basil. Mash all the ingredients together until you obtain a creamy paste. This will not only give the chicken flavor but also enhance its juiciness.
2. Preparing the chicken:
After washing and thawing the chicken, it’s time to generously massage it with the flavored butter. Don’t hesitate to reach everywhere: under the skin, inside, and out. Every bite will be full of flavor!
3. Stuffing the chicken:
Fill the chicken with the prepared vegetables: onion, carrot, and potato. These vegetables will not only add flavor but also contribute to the meat's juiciness. After stuffing, use toothpicks to sew the openings, ensuring that the filling doesn’t leak during cooking.
4. Preparing the salt dough:
In a bowl, mix the salt with a little water until you get a compact dough. This will be the layer that encases the chicken. If you prefer a "drenched" chicken, use more water for a wetter dough.
5. Wrapping the chicken:
Completely wrap the chicken in the salt dough, making sure it is evenly covered. If you want a crispy crust, leave a little space to allow warm air to reach the meat.
6. Baking:
Preheat the oven to 180°C. Grease the tray with 3 tablespoons of olive oil and place the salt-wrapped chicken on it. Bake for about 1 hour, or until the chicken is golden and crispy. To ensure the chicken is cooked, use a meat thermometer; the internal temperature should reach at least 75°C.
Serving
Once the chicken is ready, let it cool for a few minutes before breaking it apart. Serve it alongside baked potatoes with flavored butter and a fresh salad. The combinations are endless, but a bottle of white wine or a fresh cocktail will perfectly complement this feast.
Useful Tips
- Choose quality chicken: A naturally raised chicken will taste much better. Look for free-range or organic chicken if possible.
- Add your favorite herbs: Instead of basil, you can use rosemary, thyme, or even oregano to vary the flavors.
- Experiment with the stuffing: Instead of vegetables, you can try stuffing the chicken with rice or even mushrooms for an interesting twist.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Can I use sea salt instead of fine salt?
Yes, but make sure the granulation is suitable for forming the dough.
2. How can I tell if the chicken is cooked?
Use a meat thermometer; the chicken is done when it reaches an internal temperature of 75°C.
3. Can I prepare the chicken a day in advance?
Absolutely! You can prepare the chicken and keep it in the refrigerator until you’re ready to bake it.
Possible Variations
- Herb-infused chicken: Add fresh herbs to the butter mixture for an intensified flavor.
- Spicy chicken: Try adding a few drops of hot pepper sauce to the flavored butter for a spicy kick.
- Lemon chicken: Add lemon slices to the vegetable stuffing for a refreshing taste.
Calories and Nutritional Benefits
A 1.5 kg chicken can contain approximately 1500 calories, but this number may vary depending on the cooking method and ingredients used. Chicken is an excellent source of protein, and the vegetables add essential fiber and vitamins.
Finish your meal with a simple dessert, such as a seasonal fruit tart or vanilla ice cream, to create an unforgettable culinary experience. Enjoy your meal!
Ingredients: A chicken weighing 1-1.5 kg, 1 kg of fine salt, 100 g of butter, 1 tablespoon of chopped and dried basil, 1 head of garlic, salt, pepper, 1 potato, 1 onion, 1 carrot, 3 tablespoons of olive oil.
