Oven-baked chicken stuffed with dried plums and almonds

Oven-roasted chicken stuffed with dried plums and almonds

Preparation time: 30 minutes
Baking time: 1 hour and 30 minutes - 1 hour and 50 minutes
Total: 2 hours and 20 minutes
Servings: 6-8

Discover the magic of an oven-roasted chicken recipe stuffed with dried plums and almonds! This recipe not only combines delicious flavors and varied textures but also has a rich history, bringing together culinary traditions that showcase seasonal ingredients and carefully crafted cooking techniques. The chicken becomes the star of the meal, and the stuffing offers a sophisticated, flavorful taste.

Ingredients:
- 250 g dried plums, roughly chopped
- 150 ml red wine
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 large onion, peeled and chopped
- 1 medium carrot, peeled and grated
- 3 garlic cloves, peeled and crushed
- 350 g mushrooms, wiped and chopped
- 100 g almonds, blanched and chopped
- 400 g kale or spinach leaves, cleaned, sautéed, and torn
- 30 g butter
- 1 tablespoon fresh marjoram, chopped
- 200 g breadcrumbs
- 1 teaspoon salt
- Freshly ground black pepper
- 2 kg roasting chicken
- 1 tablespoon olive oil

Step by step:

1. Prepare the delicious stuffing
Start by soaking the dried plums in red wine, setting them aside for a few minutes. This step will not only enhance their flavor but also add moisture to the stuffing. Meanwhile, preheat the oven to 190°C.

2. Sauté the vegetables
In a large skillet, heat the olive oil and add the onion, carrot, and garlic. Sauté for about 5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until they become translucent. Then, add the chopped mushrooms and continue to sauté for another 5 minutes. The mushrooms will add depth to the stuffing's flavor.

3. Add the almonds and greens
Now, add the almonds and either the kale or spinach (depending on your preference). Cook for another 5 minutes until the greens wilt. Then, add the plums with the wine and the butter, covering the skillet and letting it simmer on low heat for 6-8 minutes. This is when the flavors combine perfectly!

4. Finalize the stuffing
Once the greens are cooked, remove the skillet from heat and let the stuffing cool for 15 minutes. Then, add the chopped fresh marjoram and breadcrumbs, seasoning with half of the salt and pepper to taste. The breadcrumbs will help absorb moisture, providing a pleasant texture.

5. Prepare the chicken
Rinse the chicken under cold running water and dry it well with a kitchen towel. Stuff the chicken with half of the stuffing, being careful not to overfill it. On a sheet of aluminum foil, spread the remaining stuffing and roll it up like a sausage, tightly sealing the ends. Place the roll in the refrigerator to chill and maintain its shape.

6. Roast the chicken
Place the chicken in a baking dish, brush it with the remaining olive oil, and season with the rest of the salt and pepper. Now, it's time to put it in the oven! Roast for 1 hour and 30 minutes - 1 hour and 50 minutes, or until the skin is golden and crispy, and the meat is thoroughly cooked. In the last 30 minutes of baking, add the stuffed roll to the dish to warm it up and absorb the delicious chicken flavors.

7. Royal serving
When the chicken is ready, place it on a warm platter and cover it to rest for 15 minutes. During this time, discard excess fat from the drippings and mix it with the remaining stuffing. Arrange the sauce around the chicken on the platter and serve with pride.

Serving suggestions:
This oven-roasted chicken stuffed with dried plums and almonds pairs perfectly with creamy mashed potatoes or grilled vegetables. A fresh green salad with lemon dressing will complete the meal beautifully. A dry red wine will highlight the rich flavors of this dish.

Nutritional benefits:
Dried plums are an excellent source of fiber and antioxidants, while almonds provide healthy fats and protein. Chicken is a good source of lean protein, and vegetables add essential vitamins.

Frequently asked questions:
- Can I use other fruits for the stuffing? Yes, you can try dried apricots or figs for a different variation of the recipe.
- How can I make the chicken more flavorful? Add spices like thyme or rosemary to the stuffing for extra flavor.
- Can I prepare the stuffing in advance? Absolutely! The stuffing can be made a day ahead and stored in the refrigerator.

This recipe for oven-roasted chicken stuffed with dried plums and almonds is not only a hearty meal but also an opportunity to bring family and friends together. Each bite will offer an explosion of flavors, and you will be proud of the final result. Try it and enjoy the applause of your loved ones!