A lunch idea - rice with dill in a clay pot with schnitzels

Delicious Lunch: Dill Rice in Clay Pot and Crispy Schnitzels

I propose a hearty, tasty, and comforting lunch recipe, perfect for bringing a smile to the faces of your loved ones. Dill rice cooked in a clay pot, accompanied by crispy chicken schnitzels, is an excellent choice for a family meal or a gathering with friends. This recipe not only combines the delicious flavors of the ingredients but also gives you the chance to experience a traditional cooking technique that will add an extra touch of flavor to your dishes.

Preparation time: 20 minutes
Cooking time: 45 minutes
Total time: 1 hour and 5 minutes
Number of servings: 4

Ingredients you will need:

For the rice:
- 1 cup rice
- 500 ml chicken broth
- salt and pepper to taste
- 1 bunch of fresh dill

For the schnitzels:
- 1 chicken breast
- 2 eggs
- 200 ml milk
- salt and pepper
- a pinch of seasoning (optional)
- a pinch of sweet paprika
- all-purpose flour (as needed)
- oil for frying

Preparing the dill rice:

1. Washing the rice: Start by washing the rice in several waters to remove excess starch. This step is essential for achieving fluffy and tasty rice. The rice should be clear after washing.

2. Preparing the clay pot: Take a clay pot and grease it with a little oil. Make sure to use a quality pot that can withstand high temperatures. If you have time, I recommend soaking the clay pot in cold water the night before to prevent it from cracking during cooking.

3. Assembling the ingredients: In the clay pot, add the washed rice, chicken broth, salt, and pepper to taste. The fresh dill, finely chopped, will add an unmistakable flavor to the dish. Gently mix the ingredients with a wooden spoon.

4. Cooking in the oven: Place the pot in the cold oven. It is important not to preheat it; otherwise, it may crack. Cook the rice at medium temperature for about 30-35 minutes, stirring occasionally. The rice will absorb the flavors from the broth, and the dill will gain an intense flavor.

Preparing the schnitzels:

5. Preparing the chicken breast: Wash the chicken breast well and cut it into appropriately sized pieces. Use a meat mallet to gently pound the meat until it becomes thin and even. Season with salt and pepper.

6. Preparing the batter: In a bowl, beat the eggs with salt, pepper, milk, and sweet paprika. Gradually add the flour, continuously mixing until you achieve a batter thicker than pancake batter.

7. Frying the schnitzels: In a pan, heat the oil. Take each piece of meat, dip it in the batter, and place it in the pan. Fry the schnitzels on each side until golden and crispy, then remove them onto a paper towel to absorb the excess oil.

Finalizing the dish:

8. Serving: When the rice is ready, take it out of the oven and fluff it up a bit. Place a serving of rice on a plate, alongside one or two crispy schnitzels. You can garnish with fresh dill leaves for an appetizing look.

Serving suggestions and combinations:

Dill rice and schnitzels can be served alongside a fresh vegetable salad or pickles to add a contrast of textures and balance the flavors of the dish. Additionally, lemonade or a light white wine would be excellent choices to complement the meal.

Nutritional benefits:

This recipe offers a good source of protein from the chicken breast and carbohydrates from the rice. The dill not only brings a fresh taste but also provides essential vitamins and antioxidants for health.

Frequently asked questions:

1. Can I use brown rice instead of white rice? Yes, but it will require a longer cooking time, so adjust the baking time according to the type of rice used.

2. How can I make the schnitzels lighter? You can bake the schnitzels in the oven instead of frying them, or you can use turkey meat for a leaner option.

3. What other herbs can I use instead of dill? Parsley or thyme can add an interesting flavor to the rice, depending on your preferences.

Remember, cooking is an art, and every meal is an opportunity to express your creativity! Enjoy your meal and happy cooking!