| Every cuisine has its own version of fried chicken. | | | | astonished! The chicken can be a finger food in a |
| While it's a favourite dish in almost all countries, it's an | | | | picnic hamper or a meal course by itself. If you're |
| obsession with people of southern United States. This | | | | having guests, this is one dish that can be made easily |
| is why the dish is called the "southern Fried Chicken". | | | | and without any hassles. With the ride side dishes, a |
| However, this is not a native southern dish. Food | | | | plate of chicken can itself be a gourmet meal. So |
| historians have found that many medieval civilizations | | | | learning to make this dish sure has its benefits. |
| have their own fried chicken recipes. This was a | | | | Here's my recipe: |
| favourite dish in medieval Italy, Egypt, Scotland and | | | | You'll need - |
| China. It's believed that Scottish families who moved to | | | | - Cut chicken - 1 (to weigh 3 lbs) |
| the US introduced this dish to the country. The | | | | - All purpose flour - 1 cup |
| influence of Afro-American culture added seasoning | | | | - Salt |
| and garnish to make new versions of the chicken that | | | | - Pepper |
| soon became a world favourite dish. | | | | - Paprika - 1 tsp |
| Over the years, there have been several additions and | | | | - Vegetable oil - 1 quart |
| several changes to the original recipe. Fried chicken | | | | Preparation: |
| now is a leaner and more fat-free version that uses | | | | Toss the chicken pieces around in a mixture of |
| safflower oil instead of the traditional lard. It's easy to | | | | paprika, salt and pepper. Coat these pieces with flour. |
| make chicken at home; there are many different | | | | In a heavy skillet, pour oil and heat. Drop the chicken |
| variants of this recipe. Select one that's convenient and | | | | pieces in hot oil and cover. Let it rest in oil for 15 to 20 |
| start cooking; you don't have to go out each time you | | | | minutes; turn them around once while cooking. Remove |
| crave for fried chicken. | | | | excess oil using paper tissues. |
| This is a versatile dish; you could use different | | | | Serve this chicken with a side dish of your choice. Ideal |
| ingredients for batter and get a different taste each | | | | side dishes would be sweet potato pie, bean salad, |
| time, else you could even use your fried chicken to | | | | coleslaw, fresh vegetables, corn on the cob or |
| make something. Try making a salad using fried | | | | creamed corn or mashed potatoes. Or just dip chicken |
| chicken as one of the ingredients and you'll be | | | | in honey and relish the delightful taste. |