Best 2 Djedj Mechoui Algerian Poulet Rotiroast Chicken Recipes

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"Djedj Mechoui", or Algerian Poulet Rotissoire, is a traditional Algerian dish that offers a succulent and flavorful experience. This dish is a roasted chicken that is prepared with a blend of aromatic spices and herbs, giving it a distinct and tantalizing taste. The chicken is cooked over an open fire, resulting in a perfectly crisp skin and tender, juicy meat.

Inside this article, you'll find a step-by-step guide to preparing and cooking Djedj Mechoui, along with additional recipes that complement this delightful dish. Discover the art of making Djedj Mechoui with our detailed instructions and essential tips. Additionally, explore recipes for Algerian Tomato Salad, a refreshing and vibrant accompaniment to the chicken, and a simple yet flavorful Garlic Sauce that adds a creamy and savory touch to the dish.

Let's cook with our recipes!

DJEDJ MECHOUI (ALGERIAN POULET ROTI/ROAST CHICKEN)



Djedj Mechoui (Algerian Poulet Roti/Roast Chicken) image

This recipe comes from Farid Zari, who adapted his traditional way of spit roasting chicken to roasting it in his Los Angeles oven. He advises that the spices are a matter of personal taste--use what you like. He says the method does approximate the really crispy skin that he remembers from Algeria, but stresses that the quality of the chicken makes a huge difference, saying that at home in Algeria all the chickens were organic, free range and very fresh, and suggests that a soak in a salt water bath overnight would improve a run-of-the-mill supermarket chicken. Interestingly this cooking method follows the basic French method for roasting a bird -- and, after all, there is some cross-cultural history there.

Provided by Chef Kate

Categories     Whole Chicken

Time 2h

Yield 4-6 serving(s)

Number Of Ingredients 10

1 (3 -4 lb) roasting chickens
2 lemons, halved
2 large garlic cloves, minced
3 tablespoons unsalted butter
1 tablespoon seasoning, mixed (she recommends a mixture of sumac, sesame, cumin, coriander and fennel seeds, ground)
1 1/2 tablespoons coarse salt
coarse salt
fresh ground pepper
olive oil
3 -4 sprigs thyme

Steps:

  • Pre-heat oven to 450°F.
  • Place the chicken on a rack in a roasting pan and slide your fingers under the skin of the breast and thighs to loosen/separate it from the flesh.
  • Mash the garlic with the salt, using a fork or a mortar and pestle.
  • Work the garlic/salt paste into the butter and then work in the spices; using your fingers, spread the spiced butter into the cavities between the skin and the flesh of the chicken.
  • Squeeze the juice of one lemon over the chicken; sprinkle with salt and pepper.
  • Season the cavity with salt and pepper and place the four lemon halves and the thyme inside.
  • Roast the chicken breast side down for 15 minutes.
  • Turn the chicken breast side up and reduce the oven temperature to 350 degrees.
  • Baste frequently, using additional water and olive oil as needed.
  • If the skin begins to brown too soon, cover with foil (but remove the foil about 15 minutes before the roasting time is up).
  • The chicken should be done in about 90 minutes; the skin between the breasts and the legs should become almost transparent, the legs should move easily in the socket, and any juices should be clear.
  • Let rest before carving.
  • Strain excess fat out of the cooking juices and squeeze in some lemon juice for a lovely flavor.
  • Note: Zari suggests serving with orange salads dressed with pomegranate vinaigrette and carrot salads dressed with lemon, cumin and olive oil.

CROCKPOT ROASTED CHICKEN (POULET ROTI - A RECIPE INSPIRED BY CHE



Crockpot Roasted Chicken (Poulet Roti - a Recipe Inspired by Che image

I took chef momaphet's posted recipe for Poulet Roti (Roast Chicken) - recipe#234424, and changed it slightly so it could be cooked usiing a crockpot. This is such an easy recipe to prepare and tastes similar to a rotisserie chicken. The chicken is moist and flavorful. Feel free to change amounts or types of herbs to your liking! This would be great with mashed potatoes and gravy. If your whole chicken has a neck and giblets, you can reserve them in your refrigerator until about an hour before dinner time and make a gravy with them. Just put them in a small pot, cover with water and a little onion and carrots and a little herbs, bring to a boil and then simmer for about an hour, strain this and use for your gravy (however you normally make gravy) for extra flavor. Enjoy!

Provided by LifeIsGood

Categories     Whole Chicken

Time 4h10m

Yield 4-6 serving(s)

Number Of Ingredients 7

2 onions, peeled and cut into wedges
1 (4 lb) roasting chickens
1 teaspoon thyme
1 teaspoon rosemary
1 teaspoon garlic powder
3/4 teaspoon kosher salt
1/2 teaspoon pepper

Steps:

  • Put the onions in the bottom of your crockpot.
  • Mix together the herbs and spices, rubbing them together with your fingers to blend.
  • Gently lift the skin from either side of the breast and using your fingers, push a bit of the herb mix under each side.
  • Turn the chicken over and make a small slit behind each thigh and push some of the herb mix under the thigh skin.
  • Sprinkle the rest of the herb mixture over the top of the chicken and if you have any left sprinkle it inside the chicken.
  • Put your chicken into the crockpot, on top of the onions, breast side up. No liquid is needed, the chicken will make it's own juices!
  • Cook in the crockpot on the low setting for 4-6 hours. My crockpot cooked the chicken in about 5 hours. I'd recommend a pop-up timer in the chicken because some crock pots cook faster/slower than others.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 1006.3, Fat 72, SaturatedFat 20.6, Cholesterol 331.4, Sodium 638.5, Carbohydrate 6, Fiber 1.1, Sugar 2.4, Protein 78.6

Tips:

  • For the best flavor, use a free-range or organic chicken.
  • To make sure the chicken is evenly cooked, truss it before roasting.
  • Baste the chicken with the marinade or sauce every 20-30 minutes while it is roasting.
  • Let the chicken rest for at least 10 minutes before carving. This will help the juices redistribute throughout the meat.
  • Serve the chicken with your favorite sides, such as roasted vegetables, couscous, or rice.

Conclusion:

Algerian Chicken Roti is a delicious and flavorful dish that is perfect for any occasion. This dish is relatively easy to make, and it is sure to impress your guests. With its tender chicken, flavorful marinade, and crispy skin, Algerian Chicken Roti is a dish that everyone will enjoy.

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