Roast Chicken with Balsamic Vinegar and Sage (Pollo Arrosto al Balsamico)
For cooking purposes, the less expensive commercially made balsamic vinegars will suffice. They add a pleasant sweet-tart lift to sauces and soups and form a lovely brown glaze on grilled meats and poultry.
Ingredients:
- 1 chicken, about 5 lb.
- 12 fresh sage leaves
- 2 large garlic cloves, chopped
- 2 Tbs. olive oil
- 2 Tbs. balsamic vinegar
- 1/2 tsp. sugar
- Salt and freshly ground pepper, to taste
Directions:
Rinse the chicken and pat dry. Tuck the wings behind the back. Using your fingers, gently loosen the skin on the breast and legs, being careful not to tear the skin. Insert a few of the sage leaves and some of the garlic under the skin, distributing them evenly. Pat the skin firmly back in place. Tuck the remaining sage leaves and garlic into the cavity.
In a small bowl, whisk together the olive oil, vinegar, sugar, salt and pepper. Rub some of the mixture over the chicken and pour the remainder inside the cavity. Cross the drumsticks and, using kitchen string, tie the legs together. Place the chicken, breast side up, on a rack in a roasting pan.
Roast the chicken, basting occasionally with the pan drippings, until an instant-read thermometer inserted into the thickest part of the thigh, away from the bone, registers 170ºF and the juices run clear when a thigh is pierced, about 1 1/2 hours.
Transfer the chicken to a carving board and cover loosely with aluminum foil.
Pour the pan juices through a fine-mesh sieve into a small saucepan. Skim off the fat. Reheat to serving temperature, if necessary.
Carve the chicken and arrange on a warmed platter. Pour the pan juices over the chicken and serve immediately.