Recipe for Salt-Crusted Rooster (Galletto al Sale)
Category: Main Courses
Serves: 2
This Italian-inspired dish combines the aromatic essence of fresh herbs and spices, with a unique twist of salt-crusted cooking. The salt crust helps retain the moisture, leaving the rooster tender, juicy, and packed with flavors from the fragrant herbs and spices. Perfect for an impressive dinner, this recipe is simple yet elegant, ideal for special occasions or cozy weeknight meals. Here’s how to recreate this mouthwatering Salt-Crusted Rooster at home.
Ingredients:
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Rooster (Galletto) | 500g |
| Coarse sea salt | 2kg |
| Fresh rosemary | 20g |
| Fresh marjoram | 15g |
| Fresh parsley | 10g |
| Fresh thyme | 10g |
| Fresh sage | 10g |
| Bay leaves | 10g |
| White peppercorns | 20g |
| Pink peppercorns | 10g |
| Sun-dried tomatoes in oil | 40g |
| Garlic cloves | 2 |
| Lemons | 1 |
| Extra virgin olive oil | 10g |
| Sweet paprika | 5g |
Instructions:
-
Prepare the Aromatic Herbs and Spices:
- Begin by finely chopping the fresh herbs. Start with the sage, parsley, and marjoram, followed by rosemary, thyme, and bay leaves. Place the chopped herbs in a large mixing bowl.
- Next, crush the white and pink peppercorns, then add them to the herb mixture. Stir everything together thoroughly.
-
Prepare the Salt Mixture:
- In the same mixing bowl, add the coarse sea salt. Mix the herbs, crushed peppercorns, and salt until well combined, creating your aromatic salt mixture.
-
Stuff the Rooster:
- Place the rooster on a cutting board and carefully stuff its cavity with garlic cloves (smashed), lemon halves (cut into wedges), and a few sprigs of fresh parsley. This will infuse the rooster with additional flavor as it cooks.
-
Season the Rooster:
- In a small bowl, mix the olive oil with sweet paprika. Brush the entire surface of the rooster generously with this oil mixture, ensuring it’s evenly coated.
-
Prepare for Cooking:
- Take a cast-iron pan (around 21 cm in diameter) and cover the bottom with a layer of the herb-infused salt mixture.
- Carefully place the stuffed and seasoned rooster on top of the salt, ensuring it’s well-supported and secure in the pan.
-
Roast the Rooster:
- Preheat your oven to 200°C (392°F) in static mode. Place the pan with the rooster in the oven and cook for approximately 45 minutes. The salt crust will harden and help lock in the flavors and moisture.
-
Let the Rooster Rest:
- Once cooked, remove the rooster from the oven. Allow it to rest at room temperature for at least 30 minutes to cool slightly, as this helps the juices redistribute, making the meat tender and succulent.
-
Serve:
- After the resting period, carefully remove the salt crust from the rooster using a spoon. Serve the delicious salt-crusted rooster with your favorite sides and enjoy the fragrant, juicy, and aromatic flavors.
Tips:
- You can use a variety of fresh herbs depending on your preference. Thyme and rosemary are classic choices, but feel free to experiment with others like oregano or basil.
- The salt crust not only adds flavor but also helps retain moisture in the rooster, making it incredibly tender.
- Pair this dish with roasted vegetables or a simple salad for a well-rounded meal.
Enjoy this delightful Italian-inspired Salt-Crusted Rooster, a flavorful dish that will surely impress your guests with its aromatic, tender meat and savory crust. Perfect for any occasion, it’s a true celebration of the art of slow, flavorful cooking!
