Chicken and vegetables in a clay pot

In traditional cooking we often encounter dishes cooked in clay pots, glazed or unglazed.

Ștefan Baciu, 03.03.2019, 14:16

In traditional cooking we often
encounter dishes cooked in clay pots, glazed or unglazed. The unglazed variety
are porous, and are so on purpose, because they are sunk in water ahead of
cooking, usually for about 15 minutes. The vessel absorbs water, and during
cooking makes steam inside, aiding in the cooking process. It is said that this
type of vessel dates back to the Roman era, when it was known as terra
sigilata.

In order to make today’s recipe, you
need 6 to 8 medium or large sized potatoes, 2 or 3 medium sized onions, one
green or red pepper, and one tomato. You can also add green peas, green beans,
or sliced carrot. After soaking the clay pot in water, make a layer of the
cubed potatoes on the bottom, then the rest of the vegetables, not forgetting
the onion cut julienne. Put the chicken meat, preferably thighs and drumsticks,
over the bed of vegetables, then set firmly the cover over the pot, which you
first soak in water as well. Unusually, this type of cooking starts with a cold
oven, set at minimum heat. The secret is that we have to gradually raise the
heat for 45 minutes, bringing it to a maximum in that interval. After about an
hour, take off the cover, and leave in the oven for an additional quarter of an
hour at low heat, until the chicken parts brown.

Take the clay pot out of the oven
and place on a wooden chopping block, which is necessary in order to prevent
the hot pot from cracking. After portioning onto plates, season with salt. The
dish goes well with a glass of dry or semi-dry white wine. Enjoy!