No Food in the Library: One Pot Spanish by Penelope Casas

I mentioned this before, but I love garlic. Its good then, that I live alone. Because when I get cooking, the entire place smells of the stinking rose. Yeah, that’s an actual nickname for garlic.

This recipe appeals to me for its use of one pot, its Mediterranean origins and the fact I could get multiple meals out of it. It’s the ultimate bachelor meal, or a great entree for a family of four. Grandma Angie used to make something similar too, although that favored garlic’s pungent friend onion.

It comes from One Pot Spanish by Penelope Casas

1 3-3 /12 pound chicken

Kosher Sea Salt

Freshly ground pepper

Olive Oil for Frying

1 small whole head garlic, divided into cloves and lightly smashed.

+ 2 cloves minced

1 tbsp dry white wine (use something you’d drink. It makes for better food)

1 tbsp chicken broth (If you drink this, its weird)

1 tsp red wine vinegar

Pinch of crumbled saffron threads ( I can’t afford that. Its good without it.)

Cut off the wings and the legs. Trim the bony bits from legs and the tips from the wings. Split the thighs and the breasts in half for a total of 12 pieces. If you need help, you can follow this video.

Sprinkle salt & pepper on the chicken. Set aside for ten minutes so magic can happen.

Pour oil into a large skillet to a depth of ¼ to ½ an inch. Heat it on high heat. Add the chicken and whole garlic clovess for about 12 minutes. All the while, shaking (careful now) the skillet and turning the pieces often, until they are golden brown and not pink inside. Drain through a metal strainer. Discard oil and garlic.

In the same same skillet, combine minced garlic, wine, broth, vinegar, pinch of salt and saffron (if your fancy). Bring to a boil over medium heat. Make sure to get as much of the brown bits from the chicken off the bottom. It adds serious flavor. Add the chicken and toss until the liquid is absorbed. Don’t actually throw the chicken, its hot and it will burn.

Other great meals for bacheloers from One Pot Spanish include:

Vegetable Soup from El Bierzo pg 36

Andrajos Con Chorizo pg. 54 (Chorizo is a magical spicy sausage that is jam packed with flavor. You should eat it.)

Huevos a La Flamenca pg. 123 (Eggs + Chorizo = Awesome)