Chicken baked in hay

judsoncarroll4

Seriously, this is a real thing! It is actually a classic French country recipe that I have been wanting to make for well over 20 years, when I first experienced it. I still haven't gotten around to it, but I was reminded how good it is when I saw this video. It is super simple. And, the chef is funny taking about his failed subterfuge in buying hay.

https://youtu.be/o5PmxCR-vfQ

LaurieLovesLearning

I have heard that using hay while baking (something...in this case a chicken), adds a really unique & lovely flavor to food. I don’t remember what food it was that I read about. Maybe it was cheese? Or chicken? I don't remember. I just thought it was interesting too.

You should just go ahead and finally make it & report back. Make sure that you use organic (or at least non sprayed) hay.

I am curious to know if different types of hay might impart subtly different flavors.

judsoncarroll4

https://community.thegrownetwork.com/discussion/comment/907249#Comment_907249

The only experience I have had with it, the chicken was also stuffed with wild mushrooms and garlic. AMAZING!

Tave

Cool! I wonder what would happen if you include other wild herbs with the hay, maybe some lambs quarters, shepherd's purse, and a little lemongrass.

silvertipgrizz

looks good. The only thing close to that I have done with a whole chicken is to put kosher salt pack covering it on the baking dish. That was the very best chicken I have ever eaten...Lots of moisture and of course the salt calling attention to max flavor.

I like the presentation of this hay chicken alot though..... Wonder what a roast might be like baking in hay..

judsoncarroll4

https://community.thegrownetwork.com/discussion/comment/907258#Comment_907258

I think that would be great, especially floral herbs

judsoncarroll4

https://community.thegrownetwork.com/discussion/comment/907260#Comment_907260

Salt curst is as an excellent technique! I think the hay roasting may be much older than we realize. Definitely worth trying different meats and herbs.

Jens the Beekeeper

Ah interesting, I only knew about salmon or trout baked in hay.

Chicken sounds delicious.

monica197

So interesting - hay has so many uses - I just heard something the other day about hay being a great insulator to keep things cold.

I would love to try the chicken!

silvertipgrizz

@monica197 I like it that hay/straw is an insulator. I used straw to line everything my outside cat needed for comfort. He stayed nice and warm in the winter, and a little cooler in the summer..

monica197

@silvertipgrizz Yes it is amazing - I have been watching this series on YouTube about WWII gardens and the home and one of the things they said in there is that the insulating ability of hay enables you to cook with less fuel and keep things cooler (with less fuel too) - I guess it was something they promoted during war time.

silvertipgrizz

@monica197 Could you share the link? I'm feeling vibes of things getting worse sooner than later and there is so much I need to learn still..it also sounds interesting..

monica197

Here is the link:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rLBRK5Tf1I4

I loved watching this and I learned a lot!!