DJEDJ MECHOUI (ALGERIAN POULET ROTI/ROAST CHICKEN)
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
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.
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MD ANTOR KHAN BD
[email protected]This recipe is a keeper! The chicken was so flavorful and juicy. I will definitely be making this again.
Briella Ricchino
[email protected]I love the fact that this recipe uses all natural ingredients. It's a healthy and delicious way to enjoy roast chicken.
Jaysoul Highpitch
[email protected]This is a great recipe for a weeknight meal. It's easy to prep and the chicken cooks quickly.
Moka Ahmed
[email protected]I've made this recipe several times and it's always a hit with my family and friends. The chicken is always perfectly cooked and the spices are amazing.
Santo Sadnan
[email protected]I love the simplicity of this recipe. It's easy to follow and the results are always delicious.
SIMPLY VENUS
[email protected]This is a great recipe for a special occasion or a weeknight meal. The chicken is always moist and flavorful, and the skin is crispy and delicious.
Phillip Rehmert
[email protected]I've been making this recipe for years and it's always a favorite. The chicken is always juicy and flavorful, and the spices are perfect. I highly recommend this recipe.
Stef chill
[email protected]I love the fact that this recipe uses all natural ingredients. It's a healthy and delicious way to enjoy roast chicken.
Aneeqa Fatima
[email protected]This is a great recipe for a weeknight meal. It's easy to prep and the chicken cooks quickly.
Lesedi Mndebele
[email protected]I've made this recipe for my family and friends several times, and it's always a hit. The chicken is always perfectly cooked and the spices are amazing.
Merina Khatun
[email protected]I'm not usually a fan of roast chicken, but this recipe changed my mind. The chicken was so juicy and flavorful, and the skin was crispy and delicious.
Mallang Vlog
[email protected]This recipe is easy to follow and the results are amazing. The chicken is so tender and moist, and the spices are perfect.
Diego Kayuna
[email protected]I've tried many roast chicken recipes, but this one is by far the best. The chicken is always juicy and flavorful, and the skin is perfectly crispy.
Melnise Carden
[email protected]I love the combination of spices in this recipe. The chicken has a really unique and delicious flavor.
Pathani Girl
[email protected]This is a great recipe for a special occasion. The chicken is so impressive and it's sure to wow your guests.
Abdulrazak bala
[email protected]I've made this recipe several times and it's always a winner. The chicken is always moist and flavorful.
Ismu Sinu
[email protected]This chicken was a hit with my family! Everyone loved the crispy skin and tender meat.
Fahad Hanad
[email protected]I love the simplicity of this recipe. It's easy to follow and the results are always delicious.
Dione Dufrene
[email protected]This roast chicken was so flavorful and juicy! The spices were perfect and the chicken cooked evenly throughout. I will definitely be making this again.