Täve
This is an Albanian one-tray baked rice and it is delicious. Use whatever meat or vegetables you like!
Serves: 3
Cost per person: $3.50 NZD (approx)
Time: 45 minutes
Ingredients
200g rice
400ml stock or water
2 chicken thighs and 2 drumsticks (or any meat you like, or vegetarian)
1 tbsp butter or oil
1 spring onion, finely chopped
1 tbsp tomato paste
1 tsp paprika
Your choice of vegetables: 2 tomatoes (quartered) and ½ eggplant (cubed)
Salt and pepper
Method
Preheat your oven to 220°C (200°C fan). Season the chicken pieces with salt and pepper.
Place the chopped vegetables in a bowl, season with salt and pepper, and set aside.
In a large, oven-safe pan, heat the butter over medium heat. Add the spring onion and rice, and fry gently for 2 minutes.
Stir in the tomato paste and paprika, cooking for another minute until fragrant. Turn off the heat.
Pour in the stock or water, add a pinch of salt, and stir to combine.
Scatter the seasoned vegetables over the rice mixture. Place the chicken on top. Transfer the pan to the oven and bake for 20-30 minutes, until the rice is tender and the meat is cooked through. Remove from the oven and let it rest for 5 minutes before serving.
Tips
Use what you have: This recipe works with any protein—lamb, beef, sausages, or chickpeas for a vegetarian version.
Vegetable swaps: Zucchini, capsicum, carrots, or potatoes all work beautifully.
Serve with: A dollop of yoghurt or a simple green salad on the side.
