Rustic Baked Rice with Chicken Drumsticks in Puff Pastry, Meat Samosas, and Vegetable Soup

Rustic baked rice with chicken drumsticks in puff pastry, meat samosas, and vegetable soup are delicious and nutritious dishes that offer various health benefits. Rice provides carbohydrates that supply the body with energy, while chicken is a rich source of protein essential for muscle building. Puff pastry can provide healthy fats when prepared with good-quality vegetable oils. Samosas contain a good amount of iron and protein due to the meat filling, whereas vegetable soup is an excellent source of vitamins and minerals that support immunity and improve digestion. However, consuming these dishes in excess may lead to increased calorie intake, so it is advisable to eat them in moderation to maintain a balanced diet.

Ingredients:

Rustic Baked Rice

• 2 cups Egyptian rice
• 2 cups full-fat milk
• 1 cup cooking cream
• 2 tbsp ghee
• 1 tsp salt
• ½ tsp black pepper
• ½ cup chicken broth (optional)
• 1 beaten egg (for brushing the rice top)

Baked Chicken Drumsticks in Puff Pastry

Ingredients:

• 6 chicken drumsticks (well cleaned)
• 1 tsp salt
• ½ tsp black pepper
• 1 tsp paprika
• ½ tsp garlic powder
• ½ tsp onion powder
• 1 tbsp lemon juice
• 1 tbsp olive oil or melted butter
• 1 tsp dried thyme (optional)
• 1 tsp honey (for a light sweetness – optional)
• 1 pack puff pastry dough (store-bought or homemade)
• 1 egg (for brushing)
• 1 tbsp milk (to mix with the egg)
• 1 tsp sesame seeds or black seeds (for garnish – optional)

Healthy Alternatives for Ingredients

• Rustic Baked Rice: Use low-fat milk instead of full-fat milk and replace ghee with olive oil.
• Chicken Drumsticks in Puff Pastry: Opt for low-fat pastry dough or substitute it with phyllo dough.
• Samosas: Bake them instead of frying and use healthy fillings such as grilled chicken or low-fat cheese.
• Vegetable Soup: Replace salt with natural herbs to enhance flavor without increasing sodium intake.

Preparation Method:

Step 1: Preparing the Rice

• Rinse 2 cups of Egyptian rice thoroughly under running water until the water runs clear.
• Drain the rice well and set it aside to dry slightly.

Step 2: Preparing the Liquid Mixture

• In a medium-sized bowl, add 2 cups of full-fat milk, 1 cup of cooking cream, and 2 tablespoons of ghee.
• Add 1 teaspoon of salt and ½ teaspoon of black pepper, then stir well until the ghee fully melts and the mixture is smooth.

Step 3: Preparing the Baking Dish

• Choose a clay pot or an oven-safe dish for even cooking.
• Place the washed and drained rice in the dish, then slowly pour the milk and cream mixture over the rice, ensuring it is fully covered.
• For added flavor, you may add ½ cup of chicken broth for a richer taste.
• Gently mix the ingredients with a wooden spoon to evenly distribute the liquids.

Step 4: Preparing the Topping and Adding the Egg

• In a small bowl, beat 1 egg using a fork or hand whisk until smooth.
• Carefully pour the beaten egg over the rice surface to create a golden crust while baking.

Step 5: Baking in the Oven

• Preheat the oven to 180°C (350°F) for 10 minutes.
• Place the dish on the middle rack of the oven and bake for 40-50 minutes.
• After 30 minutes, check the dish. If the top hasn't browned, turn on the broiler for the last 5 minutes to achieve a golden crust.
• Test doneness by inserting a knife or fork—if the liquid has evaporated and the rice is soft, it’s ready.

Step 6: Serving

• Carefully remove the dish from the oven and let it cool for 5 minutes before serving.
• Serve hot alongside chicken drumsticks in puff pastry, meat samosas, and vegetable soup for a complete and delicious meal.

Additional Tips:

✔️ For a creamier texture, add an extra ½ cup of cooking cream.
✔️ For a smoky flavor, sprinkle a dash of nutmeg into the milk mixture.
✔️ Clay pots are recommended as they distribute heat evenly, making the rice softer and more flavorful.

Baked Chicken Drumsticks in Puff Pastry

Step 1: Preparing the Chicken

In a large bowl, place the chicken drumsticks and add salt, black pepper, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, dried thyme, and lemon juice.

Add olive oil or melted butter and mix well until the drumsticks are fully coated.

Cover the bowl and let the chicken marinate in the fridge for 30-60 minutes to absorb the flavors.

Step 2: Partially Cooking the Chicken

Preheat the oven to 200°C (390°F).

Place the marinated drumsticks on a baking tray lined with parchment paper and bake for 20-25 minutes until they are partially cooked (they should be halfway done).

Remove the drumsticks from the oven and let them cool completely before wrapping them in the puff pastry.

Step 3: Preparing the Puff Pastry

Roll out the puff pastry on a lightly floured surface, then cut it into long strips about 3-4 cm wide.

Wrap each drumstick tightly with a strip of puff pastry, leaving the top part of the bone exposed for a distinctive look.

Step 4: Coating and Garnishing

In a small bowl, whisk the egg with milk, then use a brush to coat the surface of the pastry for a golden, shiny finish.

Sprinkle some sesame seeds or black seeds on top for an appetizing look and extra flavor.

Step 5: Baking in the Oven

Preheat the oven to 200°C (390°F), then place the wrapped drumsticks on a baking tray lined with parchment paper.

Bake for 20-25 minutes or until the pastry is puffed and golden brown.

Remove from the oven and let them cool slightly before serving.

Serving Suggestions

✔️ Serve hot with garlic sauce, ketchup, or barbecue sauce for a delicious experience.
✔️ Can be served as a main dish with rustic baked rice or as a light meal with a side salad.

Suggested Serving Combinations

🍚 Rustic Baked Rice: Serve with yogurt cucumber salad for a light and refreshing touch.
🍗 Chicken Drumsticks in Puff Pastry: Pair with garlic yogurt sauce or cheese sauce.
🥟 Samosas: Serve with spicy tomato sauce or labneh dip.
🥣 Vegetable Soup: Enjoy with toasted bread or garlic croutons.

Tips for Storing Dishes

🍚 Rustic Baked Rice: Store in the refrigerator in an airtight container and reheat in the oven with a little milk.

🍗 Chicken Drumsticks in Puff Pastry: Store uncooked in the freezer. When ready to use, bake directly without thawing.

🥟 Samosas: Can be frozen before baking or frying and cooked directly when needed.

🥣 Vegetable Soup: Store in the refrigerator for 3-4 days or freeze for up to a month.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

❓ What is the difference between rustic baked rice and regular baked rice?
Rustic baked rice is cooked with ghee and larger amounts of cream and milk, making it richer and creamier.

❓ Can baked rice be made in a healthier way?
Yes! Use low-fat milk, reduce the amount of ghee, and replace it with olive oil for a healthier option.

❓ Can I use different types of rice instead of Egyptian rice?
Egyptian short-grain rice is preferred for its creamy texture, but basmati rice can be used with an adjusted liquid ratio.

❓ How can I make the chicken drumsticks in puff pastry crispier?
Brush the pastry with an egg and milk mixture, bake at a high temperature, and turn on the broiler in the last few minutes.

❓ How long can baked rice be stored in the fridge?
It can be stored for 2-3 days. Reheat in the oven with a little milk to restore its creamy texture.

❓ Can I prepare chicken drumsticks in puff pastry in advance?
Yes! You can marinate and partially cook the chicken, then wrap it in pastry and bake it when needed.

Nutritional Values of Rustic Baked Rice Ingredients & Benefits

🥄 2 cups Egyptian rice

• Calories: 720
• Carbohydrates: 160g
• Protein: 12g
• Fat: 2g
• Vitamins: B1, B6, Magnesium

✅ Health Benefits:

• A rich source of carbohydrates for energy.
• Contains fiber that improves digestion.

🥛 2 cups whole milk

• Calories: 300
• Protein: 16g
• Fat: 16g
• Calcium: 600mg (60% of daily needs)

✅ Health Benefits:

• Calcium-rich, strengthens bones and teeth.
• Provides proteins essential for muscle building.

🥄 1 cup cooking cream

• Calories: 400
• Fat: 44g

✅ Health Benefits:

• Provides healthy fats that enhance the absorption of fat-soluble vitamins (A & D).

🧈 2 tbsp ghee

• Calories: 200
• Fat: 22g

✅ Health Benefits:

• Rich in fatty acids beneficial for heart health when consumed in moderation.

🥚 1 egg

• Calories: 70
• Protein: 6g
• Fat: 5g
• Vitamins: D, B12, Biotin

✅ Health Benefits:

• High in protein, supports muscle health.
• Packed with vitamins essential for brain and heart health.

General Benefits of Rural-Style Maamour Rice:

• Provides the body with energy due to its carbohydrate content.
• Helps strengthen bones and teeth thanks to calcium-rich milk.
• Offers beneficial healthy fats when using natural ghee.
• Improves digestion due to the fiber in rice.

Chicken Drumsticks (6 pieces – approximately 600g):

• Calories: 1,020 kcal
• Protein: 120g
• Fats: 60g
• Carbohydrates: 0g
• Sodium: 360mg

🔹 Nutritional Benefit:
Chicken drumsticks are a rich source of protein, essential for muscle building and overall body health. They also contain healthy fats that provide energy.

Puff Pastry Dough (250g pack):

• Calories: 1,280 kcal
• Protein: 18g
• Fats: 84g
• Carbohydrates: 112g
• Sodium: 540mg

🔹 Nutritional Benefit:
Puff pastry contains a high amount of fats and carbohydrates, making it an energy-rich source. However, it should be consumed in moderation to avoid weight gain.

One Egg (for brushing):

• Calories: 70 kcal
• Protein: 6g
• Fats: 5g
• Carbohydrates: 0.5g
• Sodium: 65mg

🔹 Nutritional Benefit:
Eggs are an excellent source of protein and healthy fats, and they contain essential vitamins such as B12 and D, which support bone health and the nervous system.

Olive Oil (1 tbsp):

• Calories: 120 kcal
• Fats: 14g
• Carbohydrates: 0g
• Sodium: 0mg

🔹 Nutritional Benefit:
Olive oil contains monounsaturated fats that help reduce bad cholesterol and promote heart health.

Garlic Powder (½ tsp):

• Calories: 5 kcal
• Carbohydrates: 1g
• Sodium: 1mg

🔹 Nutritional Benefit:
Enhances the immune system and contains antioxidants that protect against inflammation.

Onion Powder (½ tsp):

• Calories: 4 kcal
• Carbohydrates: 1g
• Sodium: 2mg

🔹 Nutritional Benefit:
Improves digestion and contains antioxidants that support overall health.

Dried Thyme (1 tsp):

• Calories: 3 kcal
• Carbohydrates: 1g
• Sodium: 1mg

🔹 Nutritional Benefit:
Has antibacterial properties and supports respiratory health.

Sesame Seeds (1 tsp – optional):

• Calories: 52 kcal
• Protein: 2g
• Fats: 4.5g
• Carbohydrates: 2g

🔹 Nutritional Benefit:
Rich in calcium and magnesium, promoting bone health and reducing inflammation.

Approximate Total Nutritional Values for the Full Recipe (6 Chicken Drumsticks with Puff Pastry):

• Calories: 2,500 – 2,700 kcal
• Protein: 145 – 150g
• Fats: 170 – 180g
• Carbohydrates: 115 – 120g
• Sodium: 1,000 – 1,200mg

💡 Nutritional Tip:
This dish is high in protein and fats, making it a satisfying meal. However, since it includes puff pastry, it is best consumed in moderation if following a low-calorie diet.

Health Benefits of Each Dish:

Maamour Rice:

• Contains a good amount of carbohydrates that provide energy.
• Milk and eggs add high nutritional value with proteins and calcium essential for bone health.
• Using low-fat milk is recommended to reduce saturated fats.

Chicken Drumsticks with Puff Pastry:

• Chicken is an excellent source of protein necessary for muscle building and overall health.
• Grilling the chicken instead of frying helps reduce excess fats.
• Replacing puff pastry with a low-fat alternative provides a healthier option.

Samosa:

• A good source of carbohydrates and proteins when prepared healthily.
• Baking instead of frying helps reduce oil intake.
• Healthy fillings like roasted vegetables or boiled chicken can be used.

Vegetable Soup:

• Rich in essential vitamins and minerals that boost immunity.
• Low in calories, making it ideal for those on a diet.
• Using natural chicken broth instead of ready-made stock cubes helps reduce sodium intake.