Albanian Chicken Drumsticks
Looking for a delicious and unique meal to impress your dinner guests? Try making Albanian chicken drumsticks with corn flour porridge! This hearty dish is packed with flavour and is easy to prepare.
Making the Albanian Drumsticks
To make the chicken drumsticks, start by marinating them in a mixture of olive oil, lemon juice, garlic, and a blend of traditional Albanian spices like paprika, cumin, and oregano. Let the chicken marinate for at least an hour to allow the flavours to fully infuse.
Next, preheat the oven to 375 degrees Fahrenheit and place the chicken drumsticks
on a baking sheet. Bake for 25-30 minutes or until the chicken is cooked through and the skin is crispy and golden brown.
Making the Flour Porridge
While the chicken is baking, prepare the corn flour porridge by combining cornmeal, water, salt, and butter in a pot. Bring the mixture to a boil, stirring constantly, then reduce the heat and simmer for 10-15 minutes until the porridge is thick and creamy.
Serving the Chicken Drumsticks
To serve, place the chicken drumsticks alongside a generous scoop of corn flour porridge. Garnish with fresh herbs like parsley or cilantro and enjoy!
This meal is sure to impress your dinner guests with its unique flavours and comforting textures. Plus, it’s a great way to introduce them to the delicious cuisine of Albania. Give it a try and see for yourself!
How to Make the Albanian Drumsticks
Ingredients:
For 2-3 servings:
- 4 chicken breasts
- 1 carrot
- 1 onion
- 1 stalk of celery
- Salt
- Peppercorns
For the porridge:
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 3 tablespoons corn flour
- 1/2 teaspoon sweet red pepper powder
- chilli powder (optional)
- 1/2 teaspoon nutmeg (optional)
- Freshly ground pepper
- 2-3 cloves of garlic, finely chopped
- 1 tablespoon full of chopped nuts
Method:
- In a saucepan, combine the chicken thighs with the onion, carrot, celery, salt and pour 1.5 litters of water.
- Put to simmer over medium heat until the meat is simmering.
- Once boiled, place the thighs in a casserole with 1 cup of coffee from the boiling liquid and place in the preheated oven at 200 ° C.
- Meanwhile drain the juice from the vegetables. Melt the butter over low heat and fry the flour over low heat, stirring constantly until it becomes light brown.
- Add the sweet pepper powder, mix and then gradually add the boiling liquid, stirring constantly so that no grains form. Stir until it starts to thicken.
- Add nutmeg, chilli peppers, minced garlic, nuts and mix.
- Put the porridge in the casserole and put it back in the oven until the thighs have turned cheeks and become creamy on top, about 25 min.
Recommended Wine for Chicken Drumsticks with Corn Flour Porridge
For a meal featuring chicken drumsticks paired with corn flour porridge, the flavours tend to be hearty, slightly rustic, and mild. The wine choice will depend on the seasoning and preparation style of the chicken and porridge, but here are some recommendations:
White Wine Recommendations
Chardonnay (Unoaked or Lightly Oaked)
Its medium body and mild citrus or apple notes complement the chicken without overpowering the porridge.
Go for unoaked or lightly oaked versions to avoid heavy buttery flavours that might clash with the corn porridge.
Sauvignon Blanc
If the chicken is seasoned with herbs or has a tangy marinade, Sauvignon Blanc’s crisp acidity and herbal undertones will enhance those flavours.
Viognier
A Viognier offers a richer mouth feel with floral and stone fruit notes, which pair well with the comforting flavours of the corn porridge.
Rosé Wines Pairing
Provence Rosé or any dry rosé:
These wines are versatile and bring a touch of berry-like fruitiness while remaining light. Perfect if the chicken has light spices or a glaze.
Red Wine Recommendations
Pinot Noir
Its soft tannins and red fruit notes (like cherry or raspberry) make it a great match for lighter chicken dishes.
Beaujolais Gamay
This wine has vibrant acidity and low tannins, with a fresh, fruity profile that works well with the mild sweetness of corn porridge.
Grenache
A medium-bodied Grenache or Grenache blend complements lightly spiced or roasted chicken without overwhelming the dish.
Other Considerations
If the porridge is served with butter or cream, a fuller-bodied white like Chenin Blanc or a light Chardonnay works well.
Riesling Dry White
Gewürztraminer White
If the chicken is spicy or smoky, a slightly off-dry wine like Riesling or Gewürztraminer can balance the heat with a touch of sweetness.
Enjoy your meal!