FOOD NEWS
What Is Chicken Marbella And What Is The Most Unusual Ingredient?
BY ERICA MARTINEZ
Marbella is a Spanish town that caters to the super-rich, full of pristine beaches and Michelin-starred restaurants, but chicken Marbella has nothing to do with this vacation spot.
Chicken Marbella was invented in the 1970s in New York City, and the name is a nod to the Spanish influences that inspired the dish's originators, Sheila Lukins and Julee Rosso.
This chicken dish is particularly beloved by Jewish Americans, and makes many appearances at large gatherings of Jewish families as a convenient make-ahead meal.
Chicken Marbella begins by marinating a chicken in olive oil, vinegar, herbs, and spices for a day. Then, the chicken is roasted with the marinade, plus wine and brown sugar.
The most unusual ingredient in this dish is prunes, which go into the meat marinade. Julee Rosso told Tablet that this ingredient borrows from Moroccan cuisine.
Moroccan tagines often include dried fruit cooked with meat, and chicken Marbella is also similar to the French lapin aux pruneaux, in which rabbit is braised in prunes.
The original chicken Marbella recipe also includes green olives, and the roasted chicken pieces are served with the flavorful marinade, fruits, and olives poured over top.
The result is a savory, sweet, and tangy dish that can be served hot or at room temp, and often makes an appearance at Passover, Seder dinner, and simple family gatherings.