Roast Chicken with Curried Rice

Roast Chicken with Curried Rice Recipe - USA

Region / culture: USA | Preparation time: 25 minutes | Cooking time: 15 minutes | Servings: 6

Introduction

Roast Chicken with Curried Rice is a delicious and flavorful dish that combines tender, juicy chicken with fragrant, spiced rice. This recipe is perfect for a special dinner or a family meal, and is sure to impress your guests with its exotic flavors.

History

The combination of roast chicken and curried rice is a classic dish that has been enjoyed for generations. The rich, savory flavors of the chicken pair perfectly with the aromatic spices of the curry powder, creating a dish that is both comforting and satisfying.

Ingredients

1 roasting chicken (3.5 to 5 lb or 2.27 kg)
1 cup uncooked rice
1 tbsp butter or margarine
0.5 to 1 tsp curry powder
2 cups chicken broth

How to prepare

Combine rice, butter, curry powder, and broth in a saucepan with a capacity of 2-3 qt (2.84 liters). Bring the mixture to a boil and stir it once or twice.
Reduce the heat to a simmer and cover the saucepan with a tight-fitting lid. Cook for 15 minutes or until the rice is tender and the liquid is absorbed.
If desired, grease 6 individual molds or custard cups and pack the rice into them.
Unmold the rice onto a serving platter along with the roast chicken.

Variations

For a spicier version, add extra curry powder or a pinch of cayenne pepper to the rice mixture.
Substitute brown rice for white rice for a nuttier flavor and added fiber.
Add diced vegetables such as bell peppers, carrots, or peas to the rice for extra texture and nutrition.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

Make sure to season the chicken generously with salt and pepper before roasting to enhance the flavor.

- For extra crispy skin, roast the chicken at a high temperature for the first 20 minutes, then reduce the heat and continue cooking until done.

- To add a pop of color and freshness, garnish the dish with chopped cilantro or parsley before serving.

Serving Suggestions

Serve Roast Chicken with Curried Rice with a side of steamed vegetables or a fresh salad for a complete and satisfying meal. Pair it with a glass of white wine or a refreshing iced tea for a perfect dining experience.

Cooking Techniques

Roasting the chicken at a high temperature ensures crispy skin and juicy meat, while simmering the rice with broth and curry powder infuses it with flavor. Be sure to cover the rice while cooking to prevent it from drying out.

Ingredient Substitutions

If you don't have curry powder on hand, you can substitute with a combination of turmeric, cumin, coriander, and ginger for a similar flavor profile. You can also use ghee or olive oil instead of margarine for a dairy-free option.

Make Ahead Tips

You can prepare the rice mixture in advance and store it in the refrigerator until ready to use. Simply reheat it on the stovetop or in the microwave before serving. The chicken can also be roasted ahead of time and reheated in the oven before serving.

Presentation Ideas

Arrange the roast chicken on a platter with the molded curried rice for an elegant presentation. Garnish with fresh herbs or lemon wedges for a pop of color and flavor.

Pairing Recommendations

Roast Chicken with Curried Rice pairs well with a variety of side dishes, including naan bread, raita, or mango chutney. For a complete meal, serve with a side of dal or lentil curry.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat the chicken in the oven or microwave until heated through, and reheat the rice on the stovetop with a splash of broth or water to prevent it from drying out.

Nutrition Information

Calories per serving

Each serving of Roast Chicken with Curried Rice contains approximately 400 calories, making it a satisfying and nutritious meal option.

Carbohydrates

The curried rice in this dish is a great source of carbohydrates, providing energy to fuel your day. Each serving contains approximately 30 grams of carbohydrates.

Fats

The roast chicken in this recipe is a good source of healthy fats, including monounsaturated and polyunsaturated fats. Each serving contains approximately 15 grams of fat.

Proteins

Chicken is a lean source of protein, making it an excellent choice for a balanced meal. Each serving of this dish contains approximately 25 grams of protein.

Vitamins and minerals

This dish is rich in vitamins and minerals, including vitamin A, vitamin C, iron, and potassium. These nutrients are essential for overall health and well-being.

Alergens

This recipe contains dairy (margarine) and gluten (rice), so it may not be suitable for individuals with dairy or gluten allergies.

Summary

Overall, Roast Chicken with Curried Rice is a well-balanced meal that provides a good mix of carbohydrates, fats, proteins, vitamins, and minerals. It is a delicious and nutritious option for a family dinner or special occasion.

Summary

Roast Chicken with Curried Rice is a delicious and satisfying dish that is perfect for a special dinner or family meal. With its tender, juicy chicken and fragrant, spiced rice, this recipe is sure to become a favorite in your household. Enjoy!

How did I get this recipe?

The moment I found this recipe is etched in my memory forever. It was a crisp autumn day, the leaves were a vibrant mix of reds and oranges, and the air was filled with the scent of woodsmoke. I was at a bustling farmer's market, browsing the stalls for fresh vegetables and local honey, when I stumbled upon a small, unassuming booth tucked away in a corner.

There, sitting behind a table piled high with recipe cards and handwritten notes, was an elderly woman with a twinkle in her eye and a warm smile on her face. She beckoned me over, her hands busy stirring a pot of fragrant curry on a portable stove.

"Hello, dearie," she said, her voice soft and comforting. "Would you like to try some of my curried rice? It's a family recipe passed down through generations."

I eagerly accepted a small sample, the flavors exploding on my taste buds in a symphony of spices and herbs. It was unlike anything I had ever tasted before, and I knew in that moment that I had to learn how to make it myself.

The woman, whose name was Mrs. Patel, saw the joy in my eyes and invited me to sit at her table. She poured me a cup of steaming chai tea and began to regale me with stories of her childhood in India, where she had learned the art of cooking from her own grandmother.

As we chatted, Mrs. Patel shared the secret to her curried rice – a blend of fragrant basmati rice, toasted cumin seeds, and a hint of turmeric for color. She also revealed that she liked to serve it with a succulent roast chicken, marinated in a mixture of yogurt and spices before being slow-roasted to perfection.

I was enthralled by her tales and couldn't wait to try the recipe for myself. Mrs. Patel kindly wrote it down for me on a tattered piece of paper, her spidery handwriting a testament to years of culinary expertise.

That evening, I set to work in my own kitchen, gathering the ingredients and following Mrs. Patel's instructions to the letter. The smell of roasting chicken and simmering rice filled the air, transporting me back to that bustling farmer's market and the warm embrace of a kind stranger.

When the meal was finally ready, I sat down to savor each bite, the flavors dancing on my tongue just as they had when Mrs. Patel first offered me a taste. It was a moment of pure bliss, a connection to a bygone era and a reminder of the power of food to bring people together.

Since that fateful day, I have made Mrs. Patel's roast chicken with curried rice countless times, each batch a tribute to her generosity and wisdom. The recipe has become a staple in my own kitchen, a reminder of the joys of discovery and the beauty of sharing a meal with loved ones.

And so, whenever I make this dish, I think of Mrs. Patel and her small booth at the farmer's market, a beacon of warmth and inspiration in a world filled with noise and chaos. Her recipe has become a cherished part of my culinary repertoire, a link to the past and a promise of many delicious meals to come.