Grilled chicken

Chicken roast with tomato and garlic sauce

Preparation time: 15 minutes
Cooking time: 50 minutes
Total time: 1 hour and 5 minutes
Servings: 4

Let’s start our culinary journey with a delicious and comforting recipe: chicken roast with tomato and garlic sauce. This recipe is not only simple to make but also offers a dish full of flavors that will delight the taste buds of your loved ones. Chicken roast is a versatile dish, perfect for a family dinner or a special occasion.

The history of chicken roast is rich and varied, with deep roots in cuisines around the world. Over time, chicken has become an important source of protein and a staple ingredient in many traditional recipes. This recipe combines influences from different cultures, resulting in a rich and flavorful outcome.

Ingredients:
- 2 chicken thighs and 2 chicken wings (approximately 800g)
- 6 cloves of garlic
- 3 tablespoons of olive oil
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 2 tablespoons of tomato paste
- 50 ml of tomato purée
- 2 bay leaves
- 1 small onion
- A handful of fresh parsley, chopped

Detailed instructions:

1. Preparing the meat: Start by placing the chicken in a bowl with water and salt. This step is essential as it helps retain the juiciness of the meat and adds flavor. Let the meat sit in the salted water for 30 minutes. This simple trick will ensure a tender and flavorful chicken roast.

2. Removing excess water: Once the time is up, take the meat out of the water and place it on a paper towel to absorb excess moisture. This will help achieve a crispy crust during frying.

3. Seasoning the meat: In a large pan, add the olive oil and heat it over medium heat. Meanwhile, season the chicken thighs and wings with salt and pepper to your liking. The olive oil will not only add delicious flavor but also contribute to an even browning of the meat.

4. Frying the meat: Place the meat in the pan and fry it on both sides until golden and crispy, about 5-7 minutes on each side. In the last minutes, add the crushed garlic cloves, which will release their divine aroma and turn the roast into a true feast.

5. Preparing the sauce: Once the meat is browned, transfer it to a baking dish. In the same pan, add the tomato purée and tomato paste mixed with 100 ml of water, then add the bay leaves and chopped parsley. This sauce will add a note of acidity and a rich flavor to your dish.

6. Sautéing the onion: In another pan, melt a tablespoon of butter (or you can use olive oil) and add the finely chopped onion. Sauté the onion until it becomes golden and translucent, then add it over the meat in the baking dish.

7. Baking: Cover the dish with aluminum foil to retain moisture and allow the flavors to develop. Place the dish in the preheated oven at 180°C and let it bake for 35 minutes. This step is essential for achieving a tender and tasty chicken roast.

8. Serving: After the cooking time, take the dish out of the oven and let it rest for 5 minutes. This will allow the juices in the meat to redistribute, ensuring that each bite is full of flavor. Serve the chicken roast alongside boiled rice, which will deliciously absorb the sauce and create a perfect contrast of textures.

Useful tips:
- Variations: You can add various vegetables, such as diced carrots or potatoes, to the dish to create a complete meal in one pot. These will add not only nutrients but also wonderful flavor.
- Recommended drinks: This dish pairs wonderfully with a glass of white wine or a pale beer, which will balance the intense flavors of the meat.
- Cooking tricks: If you want an even more complex flavor, you can add a few cloves, allspice, and a pinch of cinnamon to the sauce. These spices will transform the dish into a delicacy with surprising flavors.

Nutritional benefits:
Chicken roast is an excellent source of high-quality protein, essential for maintaining and building muscle mass. Additionally, garlic has antimicrobial and antioxidant properties, while tomatoes are rich in lycopene, a powerful antioxidant.

Frequently asked questions:
1. Can I use other parts of the chicken? Yes, you can use chicken breast or even a whole chicken, but the cooking time will change.
2. What other side dishes can I serve? Besides boiled rice, a fresh green salad or grilled vegetables are excellent options.
3. How can I store leftovers? Chicken roast can be stored in the refrigerator for 2-3 days in an airtight container.
4. What can I do if I don’t have tomato purée? You can use soy sauce or concentrated chicken broth to add moisture and flavor.

In conclusion, chicken roast with tomato and garlic sauce is an accessible and flavorful recipe, perfect for any occasion. With simple preparation and readily available ingredients, you will surely impress anyone who steps through your door. Cook with love and enjoy every moment spent in the kitchen!