Talk about old family recipes--this one is from ancient Rome! Chicken bakes in an exotic mixture of oil, wine, leeks, coriander, fresh dill and dried rose petals and is served in a drizzle of fig syrup. Truly a unique culinary experience.
INGREDIENTS (for 4 servings):
- 1 (3 pound) whole chicken
- 1/2 cup olive oil
- 1 cup red wine
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 leek, bulb only, chopped
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh dill weed
- 1/3 cup saturei (dried rose petals)
- 2 tablespoons ground coriander seed
- 1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- salt to taste
- 1/2 cup syrup from canned figs
PREPARATION:
Mix together 1/2 cup olive oil, wine mixed with salt, chopped leek, dill, rose petals, coriander, and black pepper.
Heat 2 tablespoons olive oil in a large pan. Fry whole chicken over medium heat. Add about half of the seasoning mixture, and continue to fry until chicken just starts to change color.
Place chicken in a baking dish large enough to hold it along with the seasoning mixture--both what was in the pan and what you didn't use. Rub the bird with the mixture for a minute or so.
Bake at 425 degrees F (220 degrees C) for 1 hour, occasionally basting with the seasoning mixture. The chicken will look almost burnt when done. Moisten a plate with fig syrup, place chicken on it. Season with salt and pepper.