Tabaka
HB-2279 · Hand-built original · Uzbek
Meet Tabaka, the flattened, crisp-skinned chicken that has earned a place of honour at Uzbek tables. Pressed under a weight in a heavy pan, the bird cooks to a deep golden crust while the meat beneath stays remarkably tender. A simple rub of garlic, paprika and cumin does all the heavy lifting, filling the kitchen with warm, savoury aromas. It looks impressive, tastes wonderful, and it is far easier to make than it appears.
UzbekMain Dishes1–2 servings449 kcalGluten-freeDairy-freeEgg-freeDiabetic
Main ingredient: chicken
Pairs well with: roasted potatoes, rice pilaf, green beans, caesar salad, garlic bread
Servings:1quantities adjust to match
Ingredients
- 1 whole chicken, about 2 lb 10 oz, spatchcocked (backbone removed and flattened)
- 2-3 garlic cloves, crushed to a paste
- 1 teaspoon sweet paprika
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1 teaspoon fine salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 3-4 tablespoons vegetable oil, divided
- Fresh coriander or parsley, chopped, to garnish
Method
- Rub the flattened chicken all over with the garlic, paprika, cumin, salt, pepper and 1 tablespoon of the oil. Cover and marinate in the refrigerator for at least 1 hour, or overnight.
- Heat the remaining oil in a large heavy frying pan or cast-iron skillet over medium heat.
- Lay the chicken in the pan skin-side down. Place a heavy lid, or a plate topped with a weight such as a foil-wrapped brick or a pan of water, firmly on top to keep it flat against the pan.
- Cook for 18-20 minutes until the skin is deep golden and crisp, checking once to make sure it is not burning; lower the heat if needed.
- Remove the weight, turn the chicken over carefully, replace the weight, and cook for 12-15 minutes more until the juices run clear and the thickest part reaches 165°F.
- Rest for 10 minutes, scatter with fresh herbs, cut into pieces, and serve with potatoes or a tomato and onion salad.
Nutrition (per serving, where published)
449 kcalCalories
1.2 gProtein
4.6 gCarbs
48.8 gFat
7.6 gSaturates
1.1 gFibre
0.1 gSugars
2334 mgSodium
0 mgCholesterol
145 mgPotassium
59 mgCalcium
3.6 mgIron
1 servingServing
Estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data