There are a couple of dried and ground spices I always use in cooking. Though, one of my favorite aisles at the grocery store is the spice aisle I gravitate to the same spices. Saturday morning, ground Harissa sprinkled on fried eggs gives me so much life; the staple ground or whole cinnamon, used in everything from desserts, porridge and sauces; and I can’t forget paprika with its deep red color and smoky quality just a teaspoon does my lentil soup justice.
There are so much other spices available that can be used in the same capacity as the ones listed above – yes, I know better. So today while in the spice aisle I swayed far away from the norm and bought a bottle of Herbes de Provence. The blends may vary with the addition of fennel or oregano, but this combination has dried marjoram, thyme, savory and rosemary. Herbes de Provence is a traditional blend of aromatic herbs that gets its name from first being cultivated in Provence, southeast France.
I use these herbs in their fresh state all the time in stews, rice dishes and of course green seasoning, but now to use this traditional dried herb blend in creating a dish reminiscent to what I ate in Trinidad was only right. Baked Chicken with Red beans and Rice – Yes, why not! But my version lacks the trimmings of the macaroni pie and green salad 🙂
Together with 2 heaping Tbsp. of the concentrated herb blend, I seasoned 4 cleaned and washed chicken leg quarters with 2 Tbsp. of salt, 1 Tbsp. of black pepper and a couple dashes of Worcestershire sauce. Placing cuts of unsalted butter under the chicken skin before refrigerating for about 1 hour. In a stoneware dish and on a 375 degree oven I allowed the chicken to bake and fragrance my kitchen for 1 hr. and 15mins, basting these beauties every ½ hr. with the melted butter and natural drippings.
Notes
– Herbes de Provence can be used on skinless boneless cuts of poultry, a whole chicken or Cornish Hen.
– The baked chicken can be eaten on a salad instead or rice.
– I froze the leftover baked chicken to eat at another time.
– I did not tent the baking dish with foil while the chicken cooked in the oven.
– Manufacture’s suggestions: Good on vegetable dishes, mix with olive oil and brush over roasted or grilled meats, poultry and seafood.
