Dutch Oven Chicken

Ștefan Baciu, 26.07.2015, 12:51

The summer is the time for picnics, where the main attraction is a charcoal grill. Steaks and kabobs skewers are very popular, but so is chicken. However, some very seasoned, old fashioned outdoor cooks use a Dutch oven over an open fire or a bed of hot coals. Of course, theres nothing to stop you using one at home, which is why the following recipes are quite handy.

Chicken made in this fashion has been compared to fast food. It is a very simple idea: cut one or two chickens into the basic parts, then salt and pepper them. You can also use chili powder, for a bit of added kick. Heat up the Dutch oven with plenty of oil, or, if you dont mind the less healthy, but more traditional alternative, lard, enough to cover a few pieces of the chicken. Simply drop the chicken in there, and you wont have long to wait. The result is a delicious, very crispy meat. The simple way to serve is with garlic sauce and polenta, the old fashioned way.

However, that is not the only alternative. You can use the cooked meat for a basic stew with vegetables, typical of summer. The basic solution is just with onion and green pepper, which you boil in water or a bit of white wine with the meat, left to reduce. Of course, there is nothing to prevent you from using all kinds of fresh vegetables that are in season during summer.

One other solution is a mushroom stew. For it, you fry the meat with the onion, pour in the water, then whole simple white mushrooms, or the wild mushrooms of your choice. Add towards the end spices, our recommendation being fresh ground coriander, as well as basil and fresh parsley. Enjoy!