Pollo a La Brasa - Peruvian Roasted Chicken With Yellow Potatoes

"The third Sunday in July is "Pollo a la Brasa Day" in Peru (Día del Pollo a la Brasa). Like pisco and ceviche, pollo a la brass is a very important component of Peru's culinary heritage, though it is a relatively modern dish. (Peru also celebrates Pisco Sour Day in February and National Ceviche Day on June 28). Pollo a la brasa is a delectable roasted chicken flavored with uniquely Peruvian herbs and spices. it has really started to catch on in the United States, so much so that many areas have several competing restaurants. Peruvian roasted chicken is popular for a reason - the unique combination of spices gives the meat exceptional flavor. The dish has an interesting history: it was made famous by a couple of Swiss expats in the 1950's at their restaurant La Granja Azul (which is still a popular Lima restaurant). They designed and patented the mechanical spit that roasts multiple chickens simultaneously (el rotombo). Peruvian roasted chicken always comes with delicious hot pepper sauces. The red sauce typically has quite a kick, but the green sauce and the creamy yellow aji sauce tend to be milder and sweet. The green sauce is typically prepared with queso fresco or mayonnaise and the Andean herb called huacatay, or Peruvian black mint. The creamy yellow sauce is made with aji amarillo chile peppers. Pollo a la brasa always comes with sides - usually thick cut french fries, fried yuca, corn on the cob, and onion salad/relish. Some places offer tortillas and beans and rice, a more Central American touch. For the complete Peruvian experience, wash everything down with an Inca Cola. If your takeout place has desserts, be sure to try them too! Alfajores or tres leches are some of the most popular."
 
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Ready In:
13hrs 30mins
Ingredients:
12
Serves:
4
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ingredients

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directions

  • Brine the chicken by soaking the chicken (giblets removed) in salt water for 12 hours in the refrigerator . Remove from salt water and rinse.
  • Peel and mash the garlic, and mix it with the vinegar and the vegetable oil. Stir in the chile powder, cumin, paprika, garlic salt, and soy sauce.
  • Place the chicken in a ziplock bag, and pour in the marinde. Seal the back and toss to coat the chicken with the marinade.
  • Marinate chicken, refrigerated, for 12-24 hours.
  • Preheat oven to 375 degrees. Peel the potatoes and cut into small wedges.
  • Place the potatoes in a roasting pan. Place the chicken, breast side up, on top of a rack over the potatoes.
  • Roast chicken uncovered for 30-45 minutes. If the skin is getting too brown, cover loosely with foil. Flip and stir the potatoes with a spatula. Continue to roast until chicken has an internal temperature of about 165 degrees, about 1 hour and a half total oven time, depending on the size of the chicken. (Read more here about how to roast chicken).
  • Remove chicken from oven and let cool for 10-15 minutes before carving.

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RECIPE SUBMITTED BY

I didn't start cooking until my early 20's, even though I come from a family of accomplished and admired home cooks. While I grew up watching my Italian grandmother in the kitchen, I remained uninterested in trying anything on my own. As a young lady, I was known for being particularly ignorant in the kitchen, with no idea how to even make a hot dog! All this changed, however, when I got engaged. I realized it was time to let my inherent talents out of the bag. At the time, the New York Times had a weekly column called The 60-Minute Gourmet by Pierre Franey. Each week, I would follow these recipes diligently, and taught myself to cook that way. From there, I began to read cookbooks and consult with relatives on family recipes. At my ripe old age now, I feel I know enough to put together a very pleasing meal and have become accomplished in my own right. Having an Irish father and an Italian mother, I'm glad I inherited the cooking gene (and the drinking one too!). One thing I have learned is that simpler is always better! I always believe cooking fills a need to nurture and show love. After being widowed fairly young and living alone with my dog and cats, I stopped cooking for awhile, since I really had no one to cook for. I made care packages for my grown son occasionally, and like to cook weekly for my boyfriend, so I feel like I am truly back in the saddle!!
 
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