Colombian Chicken Roast 2

Ingredients

• 1whole chicken
• 1 kgpotatoes
• 2 tbspoil
• 1 tsppaprika
• lemonhalved
• to tastefine sea salt and black pepper

Method

1. Begin by patting the whole chicken dry with paper towels to remove excess moisture, which helps achieve a crispier skin. Season the chicken generously with fine sea salt, black pepper, and 1 teaspoon of paprika, ensuring you rub the spices evenly over the entire surface. Heat 2 tablespoons of oil in a large, heavy-bottomed pot or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Once the oil is shimmering, carefully place the chicken in the pot, breast side down, and brown it for about 5-7 minutes until the skin is golden and crispy. Turn the chicken to brown the other sides, ensuring an even color all around.
2. While the chicken is browning, peel and cut 1 kg of potatoes into large chunks. Once the chicken is evenly browned, remove it from the pot and set it aside on a plate. Add the potato chunks to the same pot, stirring them in the rendered fat and any remaining spices. Cook the potatoes for about 5 minutes, allowing them to absorb the flavors and begin to soften.
3. Return the browned chicken to the pot, placing it on top of the potatoes. Squeeze the juice of a halved lemon over the chicken and potatoes, adding a bright, tangy flavor that complements the spices. Cover the pot with a lid, reduce the heat to medium-low, and let it cook for about 45 minutes. The chicken is done when the juices run clear when pierced with a knife, and the potatoes are tender when poked with a fork.
4. Once the chicken is cooked through, remove it from the pot and let it rest on a cutting board. If the sauce in the pot is too thin, increase the heat to medium and let it simmer uncovered for a few minutes to thicken slightly. Taste the sauce and adjust the seasoning with more salt and pepper if necessary.
5. Carve the chicken into serving pieces and arrange them on a platter with the potatoes. Pour the reduced sauce over the chicken and potatoes, ensuring they are well-coated. Finish the dish by garnishing with freshly chopped herbs of your choice, such as cilantro or parsley, to add a fresh, aromatic touch. Serve immediately, inviting everyone to gather around and enjoy this hearty Colombian meal.