Chicken pastrama

Name: Chicken pastrama
Ingredients: chicken thighs crushed garlic dried thyme coarse salt

Meat - Chicken pastrama by Speranta I. - Recipia

Chicken Pastrama - A traditional recipe, full of flavors and family stories Total time: 2 days and 30 minutes Preparation time: 30 minutes Marinating time: 2 days Number of servings: 10-12 Welcome to the world of delicious chicken pastrama! This recipe, which I had the honor of discovering alongside my mother, is a perfect example of culinary tradition and the close bond between generations. Chicken thighs, seasoned with garlic and thyme, transform into a savory dish, ideal for festive meals or a simple family snack. I will be your guide throughout this process, sharing tips, tricks, and little details that will make each step easy and satisfying. Necessary ingredients: - 10 chicken thighs (preferably from a trusted supplier) - 10 cloves of crushed garlic (or more, to taste) - 2-3 tablespoons of dried thyme - Coarse salt, to taste (not too much!) Step 1: Preparing the thighs Start by blanching the chicken thighs in a large pot of water with a little salt. This will help remove impurities and make the meat more tender. Once the water starts to boil, let the thighs simmer for about 10-15 minutes. After this time, remove them and let them cool. A useful tip: If you want to ensure the thighs are clean, you can wash them well before blanching, removing any traces of feathers or down. Step 2: Scoring the thighs Once the thighs are cool, it's time to score them. Make a few shallow cuts on the surface of the thigh to allow the marinade to penetrate better into the meat. This step is essential for achieving a delicious pastrama, full of flavors. Step 3: Preparing the garlic sauce In a bowl, add the crushed garlic. If you love the intense taste of garlic, feel free to use more. Garlic will not only give a superb flavor to the dish but also has many health benefits, being known for its antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory properties. Step 4: Assembling the pastrama In a large container, arrange the chicken thighs, sprinkling salt and thyme between layers. Be careful not to overdo it with the salt, and if you're unsure, I recommend adding salt gradually, tasting along the way. Once arranged, pour the garlic sauce over the thighs in the container, ensuring that all the thighs are well covered. Cover the container with a clean towel and place it in a cool spot, like a cellar or pantry. Step 5: Marinating Let the thighs marinate for about 2 days. It's important to turn them daily to ensure that all the thighs are well infused with flavors. This marinating will intensify the taste and turn the meat into a delicacy. Step 6: Preparing for smoking After the marinating period is over, remove the thighs from the marinade and tie them in pairs. Place them in a cool place to drain well. This step is essential to avoid excess moisture during smoking. Step 7: Smoking Now comes the exciting part! The tied thighs are smoked for 2 days. You can use a smoker or improvise with hardwood chips to add an authentic flavor. If you don't have a smoker, you can try a cold smoking method, which will give the dish an extraordinary aroma. Serving suggestions: Chicken pastrama can be served in various ways. You can slice it and serve it on a plate with fresh vegetables, pickles, or homemade bread. It is an ideal dish for a family meal, but also for a picnic. Additionally, it pairs wonderfully with a glass of red wine or craft beer. Recipe variations: If you want to experiment, you can add other spices, such as sweet paprika or black pepper, to give the dish a spicy note. You can also use turkey thighs for a less common but equally tasty variation. Nutritional information: Chicken pastrama is an excellent source of protein, providing energy and supporting muscle health. The added garlic brings additional benefits, such as improving immune function. However, remember that excessive added salt can affect health, so it's best to consume it in moderation. Frequently asked questions: 1. How can I keep chicken pastrama for longer? Once smoked, pastrama can be stored in the refrigerator for a few weeks, wrapped well in plastic wrap or in an airtight container. 2. Can I freeze chicken pastrama? Yes, chicken pastrama can be frozen. Ensure it is well packaged to prevent freezer burn. 3. What other dishes can I make with chicken pastrama? Chicken pastrama is versatile: it can be added to salads, sandwiches, or even soups to add a flavor note. So, get ready to embark on this culinary adventure! Chicken pastrama is not only a delicious dish but also an opportunity to spend quality time with family, share traditions, and create unforgettable memories. Enjoy your meal!

Ingredients

chicken thighs crushed garlic dried thyme coarse salt

Chicken pastrama

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