Free-range rooster thighs with grilled eggplant

Free-range chicken thighs with roasted eggplants – A rustic recipe full of flavor

Preparation time: 20 minutes
Baking time: 1 hour
Total time: 1 hour and 20 minutes
Servings: 2-3

When it comes to cooking, the stories behind the ingredients can turn a mundane recipe into an experience full of memories and emotions. This recipe for free-range chicken thighs with roasted eggplants perfectly blends culinary traditions, offering a rustic dish full of taste that evokes childhood memories and moments spent with family.

The history of this recipe is tied to times when each ingredient on the plate was carefully chosen, and food was more than just a necessity – it was a form of art and love. Free-range chickens, with their tender and flavorful meat, remind us of the times when food was sourced from one’s own garden, and the roasted eggplants perfectly complemented this dish.

Ingredients:
- 4 small and tender free-range chicken thighs
- 2 medium eggplants
- 1 red bell pepper
- 1 cup of tomato juice or crushed tomatoes
- 1 medium onion
- 1/2 teaspoon rosemary
- 1 teaspoon sweet paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon thyme
- A pinch of ground cinnamon
- A pinch of nutmeg
- 1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper
- Oil for frying
- Salt (to taste)

Preparation:

1. Preparing the thighs: Start by preheating the oven to 180°C. Wash the chicken thighs under cold running water, then dry them with a paper towel. Drizzle with a little oil and rub well with a mixture of spices: rosemary, sweet paprika, thyme, cinnamon, nutmeg, and black pepper. It is essential to ensure that each thigh is well coated with this aromatic mix to achieve tasty and flavorful meat.

2. Baking the thighs: Place the thighs in a heat-resistant dish, add half a cup of water, and cover with aluminum foil. This step is crucial as it will help retain the juices in the meat, making it more tender. Put the dish in the oven and let it bake for 45-50 minutes (if using store-bought chicken thighs, 35 minutes will suffice).

3. Preparing the eggplants: While the thighs are baking, you can prepare the eggplants. Roast them on a baking tray in the oven until the skin turns black and puffs up (about 25-30 minutes). Once cooled, peel them with a stainless-steel knife and let them drain well to remove excess water.

4. Cooking the vegetables: In a pot, heat a little oil and add the finely chopped onion. Sauté the onion until it becomes translucent, then add the finely chopped bell pepper. Continue to sauté the vegetables for a few minutes. Then, add the tomato juice and chopped eggplants, mixing well. Let it simmer on low heat for 10 minutes for the flavors to blend.

5. Finalizing the dish: When the thighs are nearly done and the meat is tender, take the dish out of the oven and add the eggplant mixture over the thighs. Return the dish to the oven, uncovered, for another 15-20 minutes, reducing the temperature slightly. This step will help caramelize the ingredients and intensify the flavors.

6. Serving: Once the dish is ready, sprinkle chopped parsley on top for an extra touch of freshness and color. This dish can be served warm or cold, making it perfect for summer meals or picnics.

Useful tips:
- If you have access to larger eggplants, you can use them, but make sure to let them drain longer to avoid excess water.
- You can add other vegetables, such as zucchini or carrots, to diversify the dish.
- The meal can be accompanied by a salad of tomatoes and cucumbers or with freshly baked homemade bread, preferably sourdough.

Nutritional information (approximate per serving):
- Calories: 320
- Protein: 28 g
- Fat: 15 g
- Carbohydrates: 20 g
- Fiber: 5 g

Frequently asked questions:
1. Can I use chicken instead of free-range chicken?
- Yes, chicken is an excellent alternative, but the cooking time will be considerably reduced.

2. How can I store leftovers?
- The dish keeps well in the refrigerator, covered, for 2-3 days or can be frozen for later consumption.

3. What other dishes can I make with leftover chicken?
- You can prepare a delicious soup, a risotto, or even a stew by adding your favorite vegetables.

This recipe for free-range chicken thighs with roasted eggplants is not just a simple dish, but a culinary story that will remind you of warm moments spent with loved ones. So, put on your passionate cook's attitude, prepare your ingredients, and let yourself be carried away by the delicious aromas of this dish!