Steak with lovage

Green Lovage Roast: A Surprising Delicacy

Welcome to the world of flavors and tastes! Today, I invite you to discover a fascinating recipe that combines tradition with new visions: the green lovage roast. This combination may seem a bit unusual at first glance, but I assure you it is an inspired choice that will transform your meal into a memorable culinary experience.

Lovage, an aromatic plant known since ancient times, is often used in soups and broths, but few know how well it pairs with roasts. I discovered this combination during my travels, in a household where the head of the family, a true hunting enthusiast, prepared his meats with green lovage. Since then, I have been captivated by its spicy aroma and the distinct note it gives to the meat.

Preparation: 10 minutes
Baking: 60 minutes
Total: 70 minutes
Servings: 4

Ingredients:
- 1 kg chicken (thighs or breast, as preferred)
- 1 bunch of fresh green lovage
- 1 teaspoon meat spices (curry, marjoram, basil – a unique combination)
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 3-4 tablespoons olive oil
- 500 g potatoes
- 250 g mushrooms (optional, but recommended)

Instructions:

1. Preparing the meat: Start by washing the chicken well under cold running water. You can choose thighs for a juicier roast or breast for a leaner option. After washing the meat, dry it with a paper towel to remove excess water.

2. Seasoning: In a small bowl, mix the meat spices with salt and pepper. You can adjust the amount of spices according to your personal preferences. By doing this, you will personalize your roast and make it even tastier. Rub the spice mixture all over the surface of the meat, ensuring it is well coated.

3. Preparing the vegetables: Peel the potatoes and cut them into cubes or slices, depending on your preference. If you choose to use mushrooms, clean them and cut them in halves or slices. Place the potatoes and mushrooms in a baking dish lined with parchment paper. These vegetables will absorb the juices from the meat and add extra flavor.

4. Assembling: Place the chicken on top of the bed of vegetables. Drizzle everything with olive oil, helping to caramelize the ingredients and achieve a crispy crust. Finely chop the green lovage and sprinkle it evenly over the meat. The lovage will release its flavors during baking, giving a distinctive taste.

5. Baking: Preheat the oven to 180 degrees Celsius and place the dish inside. Let the roast bake for 60 minutes. During this time, the aroma of lovage will penetrate the meat, and the vegetables will turn into a delicious accompaniment.

6. Serving: After baking time is complete, remove the dish from the oven and let the roast rest for 10 minutes. This will help the juices redistribute and give you a juicier roast. You can serve this delicacy with a fresh salad or a yogurt sauce, which will perfectly complement the flavors.

Practical tips:
- Fresh lovage is always the best choice. Buy a bunch of green lovage from the market or, if possible, grow it at home. Its aroma is much more intense than that of dried lovage.
- Variations: If you want to experiment, you can also use other types of meat, such as pork or game. Each variation will bring a unique note to your dish.
- Calories and nutritional benefits: This recipe is balanced, containing protein from the meat and carbohydrates from the vegetables. A serving of chicken roast with vegetables has about 350-450 calories, depending on portions and the amount of oil used. Lovage is rich in antioxidants and has anti-inflammatory properties.

Frequently asked questions:
- Can I use other spices? Certainly! You can experiment with herbs like thyme or oregano, depending on your preferences.
- What wine pairs well with this roast? A dry white wine or a light rosé will perfectly complement the flavors of the dish.

This green lovage roast is not just a simple dish; it is a journey through the surprising flavors of gastronomy. I encourage you to try it and share this culinary experience with your loved ones. Every meal can become a special occasion when you bring the right ingredients and a love for cooking to the table. Enjoy your meal!