Potato Tray with Chicken or Meat and Vermicelli Rice – A Delicious Ramadan Dish

Potato tray with chicken or meat, served with vermicelli rice, is a delicious Ramadan dish that provides the body with energy and essential proteins for fasting. Potatoes contain potassium and fiber, which help improve digestion and promote heart health, while chicken or meat supplies the necessary protein for muscle building and tissue maintenance. As for vermicelli rice, it offers carbohydrates that provide energy, making it a complete meal. However, excessive consumption of this dish may lead to increased calorie intake, so it is best to eat it in moderation to maintain a balanced diet during Ramadan.

Ingredients:

🔸 For the Potato Tray with Chicken or Meat:

• 1 kg potatoes, sliced
• 500 g chicken pieces or meat slices
• 1 large onion, chopped
• 2 garlic cloves, minced
• 2 cups tomato juice
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1 teaspoon black pepper
• 1 teaspoon mixed spices
• 2 tablespoons vegetable oil

🔸 For the Vermicelli Rice:

• 2 cups Egyptian rice
• 1/2 cup vermicelli
• 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 3 cups hot water

Healthy Alternatives to Reduce Calories:

• Use baked potatoes instead of fried ones to reduce fat.
• Replace chicken thighs with chicken breasts for more protein and less fat.
• Use olive oil instead of ghee or butter.
• Opt for brown rice instead of white rice for more fiber.

Preparation Method:

Preparing the Potato Tray with Chicken or Meat:

Ingredient Preparation:

• Peel the potatoes and wash them thoroughly with water, then cut them into medium-thick slices. Avoid slicing them too thin to prevent them from melting during cooking or too thick to ensure they cook properly.
• Cut the chicken into medium-sized pieces, or slice the meat thinly to speed up cooking.
• Finely chop the onion and mash the garlic well to prepare the seasoning.

Sautéing the Onion and Garlic:

• In a large pan, heat two tablespoons of vegetable oil over medium heat.
• Add the chopped onion and sauté for 2-3 minutes until it becomes translucent.
• Add the minced garlic and stir for 30 seconds until fragrant.

Adding the Chicken or Meat:

• Place the chicken pieces or meat slices into the pan and stir well until they change color on all sides.
• Add salt, black pepper, and mixed spices, stirring for 5 minutes to infuse the flavors.

Preparing the Sauce:

• Pour the tomato juice over the chicken or meat mixture and mix well.
• Reduce the heat and let the mixture simmer for 15 minutes until the flavors blend and the sauce thickens.

Assembling the Tray:

• Arrange the potato slices in an even layer in a baking tray.
• Evenly distribute the chicken or meat mixture with the sauce over the potatoes.

Baking in the Oven:

• Cover the tray well with aluminum foil to prevent liquid evaporation and speed up cooking.
• Place the tray in a preheated oven at 180°C and bake for 40 minutes.
• After the time has passed, remove the aluminum foil and let the tray brown for an additional 10-15 minutes until it achieves a golden, appetizing color.

Preparing the Vermicelli Rice:

Toasting the Vermicelli:

• In a medium-sized pot, heat two tablespoons of vegetable oil over medium heat.
• Add the vermicelli and stir continuously until golden brown.

Adding the Rice:

• Wash the rice thoroughly with lukewarm water until the water runs clear, then drain it well.
• Add the rice to the toasted vermicelli and stir for a minute to give the rice a light roasted flavor.

Preparation Method:

Preparing the Potato Tray with Chicken or Meat:

Ingredient Preparation:

• Peel the potatoes and wash them thoroughly with water, then cut them into medium-thick slices. Avoid slicing them too thin to prevent them from melting during cooking or too thick to ensure they cook properly.
• Cut the chicken into medium-sized pieces, or slice the meat thinly to speed up cooking.
• Finely chop the onion and mash the garlic well to prepare the seasoning.

Sautéing the Onion and Garlic:

• In a large pan, heat two tablespoons of vegetable oil over medium heat.
• Add the chopped onion and sauté for 2-3 minutes until it becomes translucent.
• Add the minced garlic and stir for 30 seconds until fragrant.

Adding the Chicken or Meat:

• Place the chicken pieces or meat slices into the pan and stir well until they change color on all sides.
• Add salt, black pepper, and mixed spices, stirring for 5 minutes to infuse the flavors.

Preparing the Sauce:

• Pour the tomato juice over the chicken or meat mixture and mix well.
• Reduce the heat and let the mixture simmer for 15 minutes until the flavors blend and the sauce thickens.

Assembling the Tray:

• Arrange the potato slices in an even layer in a baking tray.
• Evenly distribute the chicken or meat mixture with the sauce over the potatoes.

Baking in the Oven:

• Cover the tray well with aluminum foil to prevent liquid evaporation and speed up cooking.
• Place the tray in a preheated oven at 180°C and bake for 40 minutes.
• After the time has passed, remove the aluminum foil and let the tray brown for an additional 10-15 minutes until it achieves a golden, appetizing color.

Preparing the Vermicelli Rice:

Toasting the Vermicelli:

• In a medium-sized pot, heat two tablespoons of vegetable oil over medium heat.
• Add the vermicelli and stir continuously until golden brown.

Adding the Rice:

• Wash the rice thoroughly with lukewarm water until the water runs clear, then drain it well.
• Add the rice to the toasted vermicelli and stir for a minute to give the rice a light roasted flavor.

Cooking the Rice:

• Add 3 cups of hot water and 1 teaspoon of salt.
• Let the rice boil over medium heat until it absorbs the water.
• Reduce the heat to low, cover the pot, and let the rice cook for 15 minutes without stirring.

Serving:

• Gently fluff the rice with a fork to avoid breaking the grains.
• Serve the baked potato dish hot with vermicelli rice and enjoy a nutritious and delicious Ramadan meal. 😋✨

Preparation & Cooking Time:

• Preparation time: 15 minutes
• Cooking time: 55 minutes
• Total time: 70 minutes

Cooking Tips for the Best Results:

• Preventing potatoes from sticking to the baking dish: Grease the dish lightly with oil before placing the potatoes, or use parchment paper.
• Making fluffy vermicelli rice: Toast the vermicelli until golden brown, then add boiling water at a ratio of 1.5 cups of water for every cup of rice. Reduce stirring after boiling.
• Achieving perfectly browned chicken: For a crispy golden crust, brush the chicken pieces with a little butter or oil before baking.

Serving & Garnishing Suggestions:

• Serve the potato casserole with vermicelli rice and garnish with toasted nuts like almonds or cashews.
• Add a side of yogurt salad with cucumber and mint for a balanced flavor.
• Sprinkle some chopped parsley on top for an appealing color contrast.

Frequently Asked Questions & Answers:

How can I keep the potatoes firm after cooking?
To prevent potatoes from falling apart, use a variety suitable for baking, cut them into medium-thickness slices, and soak them in cold water for 10 minutes before use.

Can I make the potato dish without chicken or meat?
Yes, you can make a vegetarian version by using vegetables like zucchini, carrots, or bell peppers and adding chickpeas or beans as a plant-based protein alternative.

How do I prevent vermicelli rice from becoming mushy?
Ensure the vermicelli is well-toasted until golden, use the correct water ratio for the rice type, and minimize stirring after adding water.

Can I prepare the dish in advance?
Yes, you can assemble the casserole in advance and store it in the refrigerator for a day, then reheat it in the oven before serving.

What is the best way to reheat leftover potato casserole?
It’s best to reheat it in the oven at 180°C (356°F) for 10-15 minutes instead of using a microwave to maintain its texture and flavor.

Nutritional Values per Serving (Approximate):

• Calories: 450-500 kcal
• Protein: 35g
• Fat: 15g
• Carbohydrates: 55g
• Fiber: 5g

Nutritional Values & Calories of Ingredients:

1 kg Potatoes

• Calories: 770 kcal
• Carbohydrates: 177g
• Protein: 20g
• Fat: 1g
• Sodium: 40mg

Vitamins:

• Vitamin C: 70mg (78% of daily requirement)
• Vitamin B6: 2mg (100% of daily requirement)

Health Benefits: Potatoes are a good source of energy and fiber, promoting digestive health and boosting immunity.

500g Chicken

• Calories: 825 kcal
• Carbohydrates: 0g
• Protein: 97g
• Fat: 45g
• Sodium: 120mg

Vitamins:

• Vitamin B3 (Niacin): 20mg (125% of daily requirement)
• Vitamin B6: 1.5mg (75% of daily requirement)

Health Benefits: A rich source of protein essential for muscle growth and immune system support.

2 Cups Egyptian Rice

• Calories: 580 kcal
• Carbohydrates: 130g
• Protein: 12g
• Fat: 1g
• Sodium: 5mg

Health Benefits: Provides essential energy and is easy to digest, making it ideal for fasting.

1/2 Cup Vermicelli

• Calories: 180 kcal
• Carbohydrates: 40g
• Protein: 5g
• Fat: 2g
• Sodium: 10mg

Health Benefits: Enhances the flavor and texture of rice while adding extra carbohydrates.

This meal combines delicious taste with complete nutritional benefits, making it a perfect choice for Iftar during Ramadan. 🍽️