The Hirshon Georgian Cornish Game Hen with Garlic Sauce – ტაბაკა

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Chicken Tabaka Image Used Under Creative Commons License From pikachakula.com

When Americans see the word “Georgian”, they automatically assume it refers to the great state of Georgia. There is, however, another Georgia – one of the world’s most ancient countries in fact!

Located in the Caucasus mountains near Armenia, the country of Georgia is home to a noble people with a history stretching back tens of thousands of years. The people there live to be more than 110 on a regular basis, and invented winemaking, weaving, and many other crafts eventually re-discovered elsewhere in the world thousands of years later.

Their cuisine is unique, incorporating a multitude of herbs, garlic, berries, nuts and spices that makes for some of the most delicious and healthful recipes on the planet.

I have a life mission to expose their amazing cuisine to the world, Citizens!

For the first recipe – one of my favorites! Cooked in a skillet or on the grill, chicken tabaka (Georgian: ტაბაკა) is an excellent way to cook a whole chicken quickly. The meat turns out juicy and flavorful and the skin is incredibly crisp and delicious. Served with the Georgian garlic and cilantro sauce called Niortskali, you have a match truly made in heaven!

Chicken Tabaka is traditionally made with Cornish Game Hens – by splitting the hen along the breast, one can flatten the whole bird for quick, even cooking. A brick or other heavy object is then placed on top of the hen, which speeds the cooking and gives that amazing skin.

FYI – the word “tabaka” does not mean “tobacco.” It is derived from the Georgian word “tapha”, a type of skillet in which chicken tabaka is usually cooked. We will instead use a large cast-iron skillet.

გემრიელად მიირთვით! (gemrielad miirthvith) – Bon Appetit, Citizens!

Battle on – The Generalissimo