I love it so much I decided to brake in my new oven with this recipe. Why I put so much thought into what I should cook first in it–like some sort of good luck ritual–I don’t know, some sort of foodie neurosis or something. I am a superstitious weirdo though, always touching wood and making the sign to ward off the evil eye behind my back. That’s what a Catholic upbringing does to you I say.
Anyway, this dish is perfect if you have to cook en mass. The tomatoes are so tasty and perfect with potatoes (I really like those knobbly, odd-looking Anya ones which I roast skin on with olive oil and sea salt) or mopped with a heap of good bread.
Great quality chicken (thighs, drumsticks and legs to keep the cost down and the taste up) is the key to this dish as are the anchovy fillets. I left them out once and what a mistaka-to-makea. Anchovies do something quite magical to tomatoes when they disintegrate into them.
that makes two of us- superstitious psychos. Must be a mediterranean thing perhaps. Sounds divine and i'll have 2 try :)
ReplyDeleteI've cooked this recipe many times.
ReplyDeleteIt's a great standby, and I always try to have too much so that there's enough sauce left for a pasta dish the next say.
You're right about the anchovies. they just make the whole thing sing. it's very strange.
Oooh what a great chicken dish. I've got that book, but never made it. I will now.
ReplyDeleteHow's the new oven?
Anchovies are brilliant, they lend such a deep savoury note that is irreplacable. I haven't tried this recipe, but it looks great and will be added to the list.
ReplyDeleteHi Beth.. yup must be something in those waters!
ReplyDeleteThem apples -It is great isn't it. Never managed to have leftovers even though I cook a vat of it each time!
Jan - Oven is great and a real tank. Need to crane off the pot stands, it's solid. Only paid £80 off Gumtree - my first ever 2nd hand appliance purchase and so worth it - amazing what people throw away as it was practically new and must have cost a fortune. It was only supposed to be temporary now I'm not sure I'll part with it!
Lizzie, yes do. I must start using anchovies to richen up all tomato sauces and yes a savory note is the perfect description.
Oooh, this looks yummy. I love it when you open a recipe book and find the manky pages - it's always the best loved recipe in the book. I picked up a few recipe books when my dad moved house, and it was great going through them and finding all the things we used to have when I was a child!
ReplyDeletedog-eared cookbooks make me happy -- the stains and ripped pages tell a story.
ReplyDeleteJenny, that is lovely to find your childhood dishes. Taste is a great memory.
ReplyDeleteJustin, I totally agree. They make me happy too.
Fran, thanks for the heads up on this recipe. Ive got Jamies Italy, but have never cooked this dish. Now you've given it your seal of approval, I think I'll have a go at cooking it. Looks Delicious.
ReplyDeleteI think this dish would be right up your street Dan...
ReplyDeleteThis is right up my alley. A dish that is salty, savory, and takes care of itself in the oven.
ReplyDelete