Izmir Herbed Tray Bake
Introduction
The Izmir Herbed Tray Bake is a culinary tribute to the bustling city of Izmir, located on Turkey's western coast. Known for its rich antiquity and cultural seascapes, Izmir boasts a distinctive cuisine that beautifully blends herbs and spices typical of the Aegean region. This dish, packed with fresh local herbs, vegetables, and meat, reflects the essence of Izmir’s vibrant markets and traditional flavors.
Ingredients
- Chicken Breast - 500g, skinless and boneless
- Olive Oil - 3 tablespoons
- Lemon - 1, juiced and zested
- Oregano - 2 teaspoons, dried
- Thyme - 2 teaspoons, dried
- Rosemary - 1 teaspoon, dried
- Garlic - 4 cloves, minced
- Onion - 1, large, sliced
- Red Bell Peppers - 2, sliced
- Potatoes - 3, medium-sized, cubed
- Zucchini - 2, sliced
- Salt - to taste
- Black Pepper - to taste
- Parsley - a handful, chopped for garnish
Preparation
Step 1: Marinate the Chicken
Begin by cutting the chicken breast into bite-sized pieces. In a large bowl, combine the olive oil, lemon juice and zest, oregano, thyme, rosemary, and half of the minced garlic. Add the chicken pieces and toss to coat evenly. Cover the bowl with cling film and refrigerate for at least one hour to allow the flavors to meld perfectly.
Step 2: Prepare the Vegetables
While the chicken is marinating, prepare the vegetables. Peel the potatoes and cube them into 1-inch pieces. Slice the onion, red bell peppers, and zucchini into even strips. This will ensure that all vegetables cook evenly in the oven.
Step 3: Preheat the Oven
Set the oven to 200°C (about 400°F) and allow it to preheat. This will ensure that the tray bake cooks evenly once placed inside.
Cooking Process
Once the chicken has marinated sufficiently and the oven is preheated, it’s time to assemble and cook the dish.
Step 4: Assemble the Tray
On a large baking tray, spread the marinated chicken pieces. Add the prepared vegetables: onions, bell peppers, potatoes, and zucchini. Season with salt and black pepper to taste, and drizzle with an additional tablespoon of olive oil. Sprinkle the remaining garlic over the top.
Step 5: Bake the Dish
Place the tray in the oven and set a cooking timer for 40 minutes. The dish is ready when the chicken is cooked through and the vegetables are tender, taking care to stir halfway through the cooking time to ensure even roasting and prevent burning.
Serving
Remove the baking tray from the oven. Before serving, garnish the dish with freshly chopped parsley. The herbs and lemon juices will have infused into both the chicken and vegetables, creating a harmonious blend of flavors.
Enjoying the Izmir Herbed Tray Bake
This savory Izmir Herbed Tray Bake pairs wonderfully with a crisp green salad or warm flatbread. The aromatic blend of oregano, thyme, and rosemary perfectly complements the freshness of a cucumber and tomato salad, drizzled with olive oil and a squeeze of lemon. Serve it with a glass of chilled white wine, which further enhances the meal's light, herbaceous tones. Whether for a family dinner or an impressive weeknight meal, the Izmir Herbed Tray Bake is an ode to wholesome, simple yet distinguished Aegean cuisine.
For those interested in a deeper culinary journey, visiting Izmir, Turkey, will undoubtedly provide an authentic taste of the city’s multifaceted and rich food culture.