This simple chicken dish, from the fabulous Sephardic cuisine (find explanations about it HERE, or in THIS wonderful blog), is as tasty as it is easy to prepare.
The only somewhat difficult part is in the last few minutes of cooking, when the heat is turned up to caramelize the vegetables.
The result is moist and flavorful chicken, with wonderfully concentrated flavors of the caramelized vegetables.
I’m sure that once you’ll make this dish, it will become a classic in your kitchen, just as it is for centuries in Sephardic homes.
Please note: no water is added to the pot – this is not a mistake. The chicken and vegetables are slowly cooked/roasted in their own juices, a process which gives them unique and intense flavors.
Makes: 4
Prep time: 20 minutes
Cooking time: 50 minutes
Ingredients:
4 medium chicken thighs
2 Tbs light olive oil
1 Tbs Salt
½ tsp freshly ground black pepper
2 large celery stalks, cut into large pieces
2 large carrots, peeled, cut in half lengthwise then into large pieces
3-4 garlic cloves, peeled, cut in half
6-8 grape tomatoes cut in half, or 2 small tomatoes, cut into quarters
1. Wash and pat dry the chicken with paper towels, and season with some of the salt and pepper. Heat the oil in a heavy pot with a tight lid, large enough to place all vegetables in one layer. Fry the chicken thighs on medium-high heat until golden on both sides. Transfer to a plate and keep in a warm place.
2. Add the celery, carrots and garlic to the pot and season with the rest of the salt and pepper. Mix gently to coat with the oil and fat from the chicken. Cook for a minute and place the chicken on top, skin side up. Scatter the tomatoes all around. Cover the pot tightly and lower the heat to low. Do not add water.
3. Cook/roast for 45 minutes. Uncover the pot and turn the heat up to medium-high. Cook for about 5 minutes, or until all liquids evaporate, and the vegetables caramelized. Keep an eye on the pot at this stage – you want the vegetables to caramelize, not burn.
Turn the heat off and let sit in the pot for 10 minutes. Carefully remove the caramelized vegtables, and place on a serving plate, caramelized size up. Add the chicken on top and serve.
Mamma mia, not only my favorite part of the chicken,but also the celery, which I adore, and I think it’s not appreciated enough in the kitchen. I didn’t know you could make it like that, and I’ll be trying it very soon Ronit, as it’s a great recipe 🙂
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Thank you Marta, I’m glad you liked the idea. It’s one of my favorite dishes and I make it often. It is indeed perfect for people who love celery – which I too am a great admirer of!
I hope you’ll enjoy the results and I’ll be happy to hear your thoughts about it. 🙂
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This looks delicious. Loved reading about your Sephardic ancestors, fascinating to discover those language links.
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Thank you Ana! 🙂 It really is a simple yet delicious dish, full of flavors despite the short list of ingredients.
I’m glad you enjoyed reading about Sephardic culture and language. In a few trips I’ve had in the last years here in the US I’ve learned that the first Jewish settlers in places such as Newport RI, New Orleans, New York and others, were actually of Sephardic origins, which was new to me. So I too am still learning a lot about it. 🙂
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I just love these one pot wonders!
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Same here! 🙂
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Beautiful! Roasted Chicken and caramelized veggies! There’s nothing much better! I need to look up Sephardic…
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Thank you Mimi! There is certainly a good reason for this dish to be carried over centuries and continents. It’s as good as it is simple. 🙂
I hope you you’ve found “Sephardic” interesting. 🙂
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All those veggies reside in the fridge at this very moment – just need some meaty thighs!
Virtual hugs,
Judie
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Guess you’ll have to go get that chicken asap! 🙂
Glad to see you back. I hope all is well. 🙂
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Simply damn delicious!!!
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Thank you Dedy! 🙂
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Adore thighs and the vegetables used. Simplicity and good ingredients a sure fire winner. Thank you!
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Thank you for your nice comment! It’s a pleasure to share good recipes. 🙂
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This happens to be one of my favorite methods to cook chicken…I never knew it was considered Sephardic. Thanks for the education. 🙂 I imagine the veggies were bursting with flavor. Love that you used thighs (my favorite)!!
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Thank you Nancy, nice to see you back! 🙂
Who knows, maybe the Sephardic got it from some other origin – as long as it’s tasty! 🙂
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This looks really delicious.
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we may be trying this one ourselves for Friday night next weekend. Great way to break in the new kitchen and house.
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New kitchen is always fun! I hope you’ll enjoy the results. I’ll be happy to hear your comments. 🙂
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