Pot-Roasted Chicken with Lemon and Mastiha Liqueur
Serves 6
1 medium chicken, 3 – 3 ½ lbs. / 1 ½ – 2 k, cut into serving pieces
2 tbsp extra virgin Greek olive oil
Salt and freshly ground pepper
1 large leek, whites and tender greens, coarsely chopped
1 medium sized fennel bulb, coarsely chopped
2 garlic cloves, finely chopped
½ cup mastiha liqueur*
1 ½ cup chicken stock
½ cup fresh dill, finely chopped
1 large egg, slightly beaten
Juice of 1 large lemon or more to taste
1. Wash and pat dry the chicken. Heat the oil in a large, wide, deep pan on a medium to high heat and cook the chicken until all sides are brown. Season. Remove the chicken using a slotted spoon and put aside.
2. Remove all but two tablespoons of the fat from the pan, lower the heat to medium, add the leek, fennel, and garlic and let cook for about 5-6 minutes until translucent and softened. Put the chicken back in the pan, season to taste and lightly stir with a wooden spoon until all vegetables are evenly spread out around the chicken pieces. Add the liqueur. When it sizzles up and evaporates add the chicken stock and enough water to barely cover the chicken. Cover the pan and simmer for 45 minutes or until soft. Add the dill 5 minutes before turning off the heat.
3. To prepare the “avgolemono” (egg and lemon) sauce: Beat the egg and lemon juice together in a medium sized bowl. Take some of the liquid left in the pan and add it to the “avgolemono” in a slow, steady motion, stirring constantly. Repeat with a second dose of chicken stock. Pour over the chicken, shake the pan until the sauce goes everywhere and remove the pan from the heat. Do not cover the pan. Serve immediately.
*Mastiha liqueur is a lot like ouzo, except that instead of tasting of anise, it tastes of, well, mastiha, the crystal resinous spice produced on the island of Chios. You can find it at the MastihaShops worldwide.
Creamy Lemon-Caper Greek Yogurt Sauce
Great with grilled meats, chicken and fish.
Serves 4
1 tbsp extra virgin Greek olive oil
4 spring onions or scallions, chopped
3 garlic cloves, finely chopped
2tsp whole grain flour
1/3 cup dry white wine
1 cup chicken or vegetable stock
2 tsp grainy Dijon mustard
1 pinch cayenne pepper
¼ cup Greek yogurt or 2 tbsp. heavy cream
2 tsp fresh, strained lemon juice
2 tsp capers, rinsed, strained and chopped
Heat 1 tbsp olive oil in a frying pan and sauté the spring onions and garlic for 6-7 minutes until soft. Sprinkle with flour. Cook for 2 more minutes stirring constantly. Add the wine. When it evaporates, add the chicken stock. Simmer until slightly thick for 6-7 minutes. Add the mustard and cayenne pepper and stir. Add the yogurt or cream and heat well. Stir in the lemon juice and capers. Serve with the ribs.
Watch Diane’s video on how to make Bream with Avgolemono (Greek egg-lemon sauce).
And tune in for a great dessert, Diane’s healthy Greek lemon-olive oil cake.
