Wasfetna

Zarb with vegetables

Seasoned chicken and vegetables cooked covered in the oven, then browned.

Zarb with vegetables — Chicken
Cooking time
2 hr 20 min
Hands-on time
10 min
Free time
1 hr
Difficulty
Medium
Cuisine
Levantine

Ingredients

5people

Amounts follow the number of people

For the zarb

When doubling the quantity, use a wider container, and gradually increase the salt and seasoning after tasting.

Shopping list

Equipment

  • Deep baking tray — Vegetables in the base, chicken above them, water beneath both.
  • Aluminum foil — Sealing it tightly traps the steam that tenderizes the chicken before browning.
  • Food thermometer

Method

  1. Rub the chicken well with oil, spices, and salt, and leave it to marinate in the refrigerator.

    1 hrYou can walk away
    You’ll know it’s ready when

    The spices covered all the pieces.

    Tip: A full night is better — zarb is a dish you plan, not improvise.

  2. Arrange the large vegetables at the bottom of a deep tray, and place the chicken on top of them.

    10 min
    You’ll know it’s ready when

    The vegetables form a complete layer under the chicken.

    Tip: The vegetables under the chicken absorb its juices during grilling — this compensates for the pit in the zarb.

  3. Add the water, cover the tray tightly and bake in a preheated 190°C oven for about 45 minutes. Check the vegetables and chicken before uncovering.

    45 minYou can walk away
    You’ll know it’s ready when

    The vegetables are becoming tender; finish cooking and browning in the next step.

  4. Uncover and raise the oven to 220°C for about 15 minutes, until the skin browns, the chicken reaches 74°C away from bone and the vegetables are tender. Extend cooking if needed.

    15 minYou can walk away
    You’ll know it’s ready when

    The thickest part reaches 74°C. Timing is a guide; continue cooking if needed.

  5. Take the tray out and let it rest before serving with yogurt and bread.

    10 minYou can walk away
    You’ll know it’s ready when

    The juices have settled and the chicken is falling apart with a fork.

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