Antigoni's Cypriot Chicken
Antigoni's Cypriot Chicken Recipe from Cyprus - Delicious and Flavorful
Introduction
Antigoni's Cypriot Chicken is a traditional dish that brings the flavors of Cyprus right to your dining table. This recipe, rich in spices and cooked with love, is a testament to the island's culinary heritage. It combines the succulence of roasted chicken with the earthy tones of cumin potatoes, creating a meal that's both comforting and exotic. Perfect for family dinners or special occasions, this dish is sure to impress.
History
The origins of Antigoni's Cypriot Chicken can be traced back to the rural kitchens of Cyprus, where cooking is an art passed down through generations. This recipe, in particular, is named after Antigoni, a renowned home cook known for her exceptional culinary skills and her dedication to preserving Cypriot cuisine. The combination of spices like oregano and cinnamon with the unique flavor of Cypriot potatoes makes this dish a beloved classic in Cypriot households.
Ingredients
- 1 chicken, around 1.4 kg
- 2 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
- 1 large buffalo tomato, sliced into 8 pieces
- 1 large onion, sliced into rings
- sea salt, and freshly ground pepper
- 1.5 heaped teaspoon dried oregano
- 1.5 heaped teaspoon ground cinnamon
- village salad (chopped fresh coriander, parsley, Greek rocket and tomatoes, dressed with lemon juice, olive oil and salt), to serve
How to prepare
- 1. Preheat the oven to 180°C/gas 4.
- 2. Place the chicken in a roasting tray and rub with 1 tbsp of olive oil.
- 3. Place tomato slices on the chicken breast and legs and surround the chicken with onion rings.
- 4. Season the chicken with sea salt, freshly ground pepper, oregano, and cinnamon.
- 5. Drizzle the remaining olive oil over the chicken.
- 6. Roast the chicken in the oven for 1.5 hours or until the chicken's juices run clear and the chicken is cooked through.
- 7. Meanwhile, cook the cumin potatoes. Place the potatoes in a roasting tray and mix in the onion rings.
- 8. Sprinkle over the cumin and cinnamon and season with salt and freshly ground pepper.
- 9. Drizzle over the olive oil, mixing well.
- 10. Crush the tomatoes by hand and layer over the potatoes. Pour over the water.
- 11. Cover with kitchen foil and bake in the oven with the chicken for 45 minutes. Remove the foil and bake uncovered for 30 minutes, until cooked through.
- 12. Serve the roast chicken with the cumin potatoes and village salad.
Variations
- For a vegetarian twist, replace the chicken with large portobello mushrooms and follow the same seasoning and roasting instructions. You can also add zucchini and bell peppers to the roasting tray for added vegetables.
Cooking Tips & Tricks
To ensure the chicken is perfectly cooked and flavorful, marinate it for at least an hour before roasting. This allows the spices to penetrate the meat. For the cumin potatoes, using Cypriot potatoes is key as they have a unique texture and flavor that complements the spices. If you can't find them, opt for any waxy potatoes. Lastly, basting the chicken occasionally during roasting will keep it moist and flavorful.
Serving Suggestions
Serve Antigoni's Cypriot Chicken with a side of village salad for a refreshing contrast to the warm spices. A dollop of tzatziki on the side can also add a creamy, tangy element to the dish.
Cooking Techniques
Roasting is the primary cooking technique used in this recipe, which helps to concentrate the flavors of the ingredients while ensuring the chicken is tender and juicy. The key is to maintain a consistent oven temperature and to baste the chicken occasionally.
Ingredient Substitutions
If Cypriot potatoes are unavailable, baby potatoes can be used as a substitute. Similarly, if buffalo tomatoes are hard to find, beefsteak tomatoes make a good alternative. For a less traditional but equally delicious option, sweet potatoes can replace the regular potatoes.
Make Ahead Tips
The chicken can be marinated a day ahead, and the potatoes can be prepped in advance. Simply store them in the fridge until ready to cook. This not only saves time but also enhances the flavors.
Presentation Ideas
Serve the chicken and potatoes on a large platter garnished with fresh herbs like oregano or rosemary. A side of lemon wedges adds a pop of color and a zesty flavor that complements the dish beautifully.
Pairing Recommendations
A light, crisp white wine such as a Cypriot Xynisteri or a Sauvignon Blanc pairs wonderfully with the flavors of this dish. For a non-alcoholic option, a chilled lemon and mint water complements the meal's rich flavors.
Storage and Reheating Instructions
Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. Reheat in the oven at 180°C until thoroughly warmed. Avoid microwaving as it can dry out the chicken.
Nutrition Information
Calories per serving
A serving of Antigoni's Cypriot Chicken, including the cumin potatoes, contains approximately 450 calories. This makes it a fulfilling yet balanced option for those mindful of their calorie intake.
Carbohydrates
This dish provides a moderate amount of carbohydrates, primarily from the Cypriot potatoes. A serving contains approximately 40 grams of carbohydrates, making it a balanced option when paired with a side of fresh village salad.
Fats
The use of extra virgin olive oil adds healthy monounsaturated fats to the dish. Each serving contains about 15 grams of fat, ensuring that while flavorful, the dish remains a heart-healthy option.
Proteins
Chicken is an excellent source of lean protein. A serving of Antigoni's Cypriot Chicken provides roughly 35 grams of protein, making it a satisfying and muscle-friendly meal option.
Vitamins and minerals
This dish is rich in vitamins and minerals, including Vitamin B6 from the chicken, which is crucial for energy metabolism, and potassium from the potatoes, essential for heart health. The tomatoes and onions add a boost of Vitamin C and quercetin, an antioxidant that supports overall health.
Alergens
This recipe is free from common allergens such as nuts, dairy, and gluten, making it suitable for individuals with these dietary restrictions. However, always check the ingredients for potential cross-contamination if you're highly sensitive.
Summary
Antigoni's Cypriot Chicken is a balanced meal that offers a good mix of proteins, healthy fats, and carbohydrates. It's rich in essential vitamins and minerals, making it not only delicious but also nutritious.
Summary
Antigoni's Cypriot Chicken is a celebration of Cypriot cuisine, offering a blend of rich flavors and textures. Whether you're looking to explore new culinary traditions or simply want a delicious and nutritious meal, this recipe is sure to satisfy. With its blend of spices, tender chicken, and hearty potatoes, it's a dish that brings the warmth of Cyprus to any table.
How did I get this recipe?
I remember the sense of wonder I felt when I first saw this recipe for Antigoni's Cypriot Chicken. It was many years ago, when I was just a young girl living in a small village in Cyprus. Antigoni was a neighbor of ours, known throughout the community for her incredible cooking skills. Whenever she prepared this dish, the tantalizing aroma would waft through the air, drawing everyone to her doorstep.
One day, I mustered up the courage to ask Antigoni for the recipe. She smiled warmly and invited me into her kitchen, where she showed me step by step how to make the dish. As she explained the ingredients and techniques, I listened intently, absorbing every detail like a sponge.
The key to Antigoni's Cypriot Chicken, she explained, was the blend of spices she used. She showed me how to marinate the chicken in a mixture of olive oil, lemon juice, garlic, oregano, and a secret spice blend that she had inherited from her own grandmother. The chicken was then grilled to perfection, resulting in juicy, flavorful meat that practically melted in your mouth.
As I watched Antigoni work her culinary magic, I couldn't help but feel inspired. I knew that I wanted to learn as much as I could from her, to soak up all of her knowledge and wisdom like a sponge. And so, I began spending more and more time in her kitchen, helping her chop vegetables, stir pots, and taste test her creations.
Antigoni was a patient teacher, always willing to answer my endless questions and guide me through the intricacies of Cypriot cuisine. She taught me how to make traditional dishes like moussaka, halloumi cheese, and baklava, each one more delicious than the last. But it was her Cypriot Chicken that truly captured my heart.
Over the years, I perfected the recipe, tweaking it here and there to suit my own tastes. I added a pinch of cinnamon for warmth, a dash of cumin for depth, and a splash of red wine vinegar for brightness. Each time I made the dish, it brought me back to that first moment in Antigoni's kitchen, filled with wonder and awe at the magic of cooking.
Now, as a grandmother myself, I love passing on Antigoni's Cypriot Chicken recipe to my own grandchildren. I watch with pride as they gather around the table, their faces lit up with joy as they take their first bite of the succulent chicken. I see the same sense of wonder in their eyes that I once felt, the same love and appreciation for the culinary traditions that have been passed down through generations.
As I sit here, reminiscing about my time with Antigoni and the recipe that she so graciously shared with me, I am filled with gratitude. Gratitude for her generosity, her patience, and her passion for cooking. Gratitude for the memories we created together in her kitchen, laughing and chatting as we prepared delicious meals for our families. And gratitude for the legacy that she left behind, a legacy that I am honored to carry on in my own kitchen.
So, whenever I make Antigoni's Cypriot Chicken, I think of her and the impact she had on my life. I think of the love and care that goes into every dish I prepare, the joy that it brings to those who taste it, and the connection it fosters between me and my family. And I am reminded once again of the power of food to bring people together, to create memories, and to nourish both body and soul.
Categories
| Chicken Recipes | Cypriot Meat Dishes | Cypriot Recipes | Oregano Recipes | Potato Recipes |