Best Kotopoulo Youvetsi Recipes

YOUVETSI: GREEK LAMB STEW WITH ORZO

Steps:

• Pat the lamb dry and season with kosher salt and black pepper.
• In a large, ceramic braising pan or heavy pan with a lid, heat 3 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil over medium-high heat until shimmering but not smoking. Add the lamb and cook for 7 to 10 minutes, tossing regularly, until browned. Transfer the lamb to a large plate for now.
• In the same pan, add the onions and garlic. Season with kosher salt. Cook for 3 to 5 minutes, stirring regularly, until softened.
• Return the lamb to the pan. Add the red wine, oregano, paprika, cinnamon, nutmeg and bay leaf. Cook until the wine has reduced by at least ½, then add 1 cup of water and the tomatoes. Break the tomatoes up using a wooden spoon. Bring to a boil, then reduce the heat to low. Cover and let simmer for 45 minutes to 1 hour, or until the lamb is cooked through.
• Stir in the orzo and cover the pan. Let cook for another 20 minutes or until the orzo has cooked through and most of the moister has been absorbed.
• Garnish with parsley and crumbled feta, if you like, before serving.

YOUVETSI (TRADITIONAL GREEK ORZO BAKE)

Steps:

• Heat olive oil in a large saucepan over medium heat; cook meat until browned on all sides, about 5 minutes. Add pureed tomatoes, garlic, sugar, salt, and pepper. Cover and simmer for 1 hour, stirring occasionally. Set aside.
• Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C).
• Melt butter in a medium skillet over medium heat and add the orzo. Saute until slightly brown, 3 to 5 minutes. Transfer orzo to a baking pan, spreading it out evenly. Remove meat from the saucepan and place on top of the orzo. Pour tomato sauce evenly over meat. Add hot water. Cover with aluminum foil.
• Bake in the preheated oven until all water is absorbed and orzo is soft, about 1 hour. If the dish becomes too dry, add more water during baking.

KOTOPOULO YOUVETSI (BAKED CHICKEN WITH ORZO)

Steps:

• Preheat oven to 400?. In a large flameproof casserole or dutch oven that will hold the chicken or the drumsticks, heat the oil, and brown the chicken pieces or drumsticks on all sides (note: browning in batches speeds up the process). Remove them from the pan. Add the onion and cook it for 3 minutes or until it is soft. Add the sun-dried tomatoes, cinnamon, oregano, pepper, and tomatoes. Sprinkle the chicken or turkey with salt and return it to the pan. Add 1/2 cup stock, or enough to come about two-thirds of the way up the chicken or turkey. Bring to a boil, cover the pan, and transfer it to the oven. Cook the chicken or drumsticks for 1 1/2 hours, or until the meat is very tender. Transfer it to a platter, cover with foil, and keep warm. Bring the remaining 1 1/2 cups stock to a boil. Pour the stock into the casserole with the cooking liquid. Stir in the orzo or macaroni and transfer to the oven. Bake the pasta, uncovered, for 15 minutes or until most of the liquid has been absorbed, adding stock if the pasta begins to dry out. Place the chicken or drumsticks on the pasta and continue cooking for 10 minutes or until the pasta is tender. Sprinkle with parsley and cheese. Serve at once..

KOTOPOULO GIOUVETSI ( CHICKEN CASSEROLE WITH ORZO)

Steps:

• Preheat oven to 450øF.
• Wash chicken and rub outside and inside with 1 tablespoon olive oil.
• Season skin with salt and pepper.
• Place chicken in a medium-to-large baking pan, preferably glass or clay, and spread orzo evenly around chicken.
• Add remaining oil and other ingredients except cheese and toss in pan to combine.
• Place pan, uncovered, in hot oven and reduce heat to 350øF.
• Bake for 1 to 1-1/2 hours, basting chicken every 10 to 15 minutes with pan juices, until chicken is tender and orzo cooked, adding more water, if necessary, during baking if orzo seems too dry.
• Sprinkle with grated cheese before serving.

KOTOPOULO GIOUVETSI (CHICKEN AND PASTA)

Steps:

• Preheat oven to 450°F.
• Wash chicken and rub outside and inside with 1 tablespoon olive oil.
• Season skin with salt and pepper.
• Place chicken in a medium-to-large baking pan, preferably glass or clay, and spread orzo evenly around chicken.
• Add remaining oil and other ingredients except cheese and toss in pan to combine.
• Place pan, uncovered, in hot oven and reduce heat to 350°F
• Bake for 1 to 1-1/2 hours, basting chicken every 10 to 15 minutes with pan juices, until chicken is tender and orzo cooked, adding more water, if necessary, during baking if orzo seems too dry.
• Sprinkle with grated cheese before serving.