Ingredients:

For the Chicken and Vegetables:

• 7 chicken drumsticks
• 2 tbsp tomato paste
• 3 tbsp olive oil
• Salt (to taste)
• Black pepper (to taste)
• Curry (to taste)
• Thyme (to taste)
• 200 ml hot water
• 3 potatoes (medium-sized)
• 4 carrots
• 1 red onion
• 1 paprika (bell pepper)
• 5 cloves of garlic
• 1 onion
• 1 zucchini
• 1 eggplant
• 100 ml tomato sauce

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Step-by-Step Instructions:

Step 1: Prepare the Chicken Marinade

1. Season the Chicken:
   • In a small bowl, mix the tomato paste, olive oil, a generous pinch of salt, black pepper, curry, and thyme. This mixture will act as the marinade for the chicken.
   • Rub the chicken drumsticks thoroughly with the marinade, ensuring each drumstick is coated evenly. Set aside while you prepare the vegetables.

Step 2: Prepare the Vegetables

1. Peel and Chop the Vegetables:
   • Peel and chop the potatoes into small cubes (about 1-inch pieces) for even cooking.
   • Peel the carrots and cut them into thick slices.
   • Peel and slice the red onion and regular onion into thin wedges.
   • Dice the bell pepper (paprika) into medium-sized chunks.
   • Cut the zucchini and eggplant into half-moon slices.
2. Prepare the Garlic:
   • Peel the garlic cloves and leave them whole. The garlic will roast with the vegetables, infusing the dish with a rich flavor.

Step 3: Assemble the Dish

1. Arrange the Vegetables:
   • Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
   • In a large baking dish or roasting pan, arrange the potatoes, carrots, onions, garlic cloves, bell pepper, zucchini, and eggplant. Spread them out evenly to ensure even roasting.
2. Add Seasoning:
   • Drizzle the vegetables with olive oil and season them with salt, pepper, curry, and thyme. Toss the vegetables to ensure everything is well coated.
3. Add Chicken to the Dish:
   • Nestle the marinated chicken drumsticks among the vegetables in the baking dish, ensuring they are evenly spaced out.

Step 4: Add the Tomato Sauce and Water

1. Mix Tomato Sauce with Water:
   • In a small bowl or measuring jug, mix the hot water and tomato sauce. Stir well until combined.
2. Pour the Sauce:
   • Pour the tomato sauce mixture evenly over the chicken and vegetables in the baking dish. This will add moisture to the dish and create a rich sauce as it bakes.

Step 5: Bake the Dish

1. Roast in the Oven:
   • Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil and place it in the preheated oven. Roast for about 45 minutes.
2. Uncover and Continue Baking:
   • After 45 minutes, remove the foil and increase the oven temperature to 400°F (200°C). Continue roasting for an additional 20-25 minutes until the chicken is golden brown and cooked through, and the vegetables are tender and slightly caramelized.
3. Check for Doneness:
   • Ensure the chicken has reached an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) by using a meat thermometer. The vegetables should be tender when pierced with a fork.

Step 6: Serve

1. Garnish and Serve:
   • Remove the Mediterranean Chicken and Vegetable Bake from the oven and let it rest for 5 minutes before serving.
   • Garnish with fresh thyme or parsley if desired and serve warm. This dish pairs well with crusty bread or a simple side salad.

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Cooking Tips:

• Cut Vegetables Evenly: To ensure the vegetables cook evenly, try to cut them into similar-sized pieces. Smaller pieces may cook faster than larger ones, so keep an eye on them during baking.
• Spices: Adjust the spices to your liking. If you prefer a spicier dish, you can add a pinch of paprika or red chili flakes to the seasoning mix.
• Chicken Options: You can substitute the drumsticks with chicken thighs or breasts if you prefer. Just adjust the cooking time as necessary; chicken breasts may cook a little faster.
• Roasting Tip: For extra crispy chicken skin, finish the dish under the broiler for the last 5 minutes of cooking, but keep a close eye to prevent burning.

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Storage:

• Refrigerating: Store any leftovers in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3 days. The flavors of the dish tend to deepen as it sits, making it even more delicious the next day.
• Freezing: You can freeze the baked chicken and vegetables in a freezer-safe container for up to 2 months. When reheating, thaw overnight in the fridge and warm in the oven until heated through.
• Reheating: To reheat, place the chicken and vegetables in a baking dish and warm in a 350°F (175°C) oven until hot. You can also reheat it in the microwave, though the vegetables may lose some crispness.

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Nutritional Facts (per serving, based on 4 servings):

• Calories: 420
• Total Fat: 20g
• Saturated Fat: 4g
• Cholesterol: 120mg
• Sodium: 650mg
• Carbohydrates: 28g
• Fiber: 7g
• Sugar: 9g
• Protein: 32g

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Frequently Asked Questions:

1. Can I use chicken thighs instead of drumsticks? Yes, chicken thighs work just as well in this recipe. Adjust the cooking time accordingly, as thighs might cook faster than drumsticks.

2. Can I add more vegetables to the dish? Absolutely! Feel free to add any vegetables you like, such as mushrooms, bell peppers, or cherry tomatoes. Just ensure they are cut to similar sizes for even cooking.

3. Is this recipe spicy? The dish is mildly spiced with curry powder, but it is not overly spicy. If you prefer more heat, you can add a pinch of red pepper flakes or chili powder.

4. How do I ensure the chicken stays moist? Covering the dish with aluminum foil for the first part of the cooking process helps to lock in moisture. Afterward, uncovering it will allow the chicken skin to become crispy while keeping the inside juicy.

5. Can I make this dish in advance? Yes, you can assemble the dish ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours before baking. When ready to cook, simply pop it in the oven and follow the baking instructions.

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Conclusion:

The Mediterranean Chicken and Vegetable Bake is a delightful and healthy one-pan meal that’s packed with flavor. The combination of tender chicken, savory vegetables, and aromatic spices creates a comforting dish perfect for a family dinner or a casual get-together. It’s easy to prepare, versatile with the vegetables you can use, and requires minimal cleanup thanks to the one-pan method. Whether you’re a seasoned cook or a beginner, this recipe is simple yet impressive. Serve it with a side of crusty bread, or enjoy it as a standalone meal. Enjoy the rich Mediterranean flavors right from your kitchen!