balsamic-brined salt-crusted chicken
- 2½ cups (625ml) balsamic vinegar
- ½ cup (90g) brown sugar
- 1 litre water
- 4 bay leaves
- 1 litre cold water
- 1.6kg whole chicken
- 2kg rock salt
- 3 egg whites
- Place the vinegar, sugar, water and bay leaves in a large saucepan over high heat and bring to the boil, stirring to dissolve the sugar. Remove from heat, add the cold water and mix to combine. Add the chicken, breast-side down, ensuring it is completely submerged. Refrigerate for 4 hours to brine.
- Preheat oven to 180°C (350°F). Remove the chicken and pat dry, discarding the brine.
- Place the salt and egg whites in a large bowl and mix to combine. Place half of the salt mixture in a small roasting dish.
- Top with the chicken and cover with the remaining salt mixture. Cook for 1 hour and 15 minutes or until the salt is hard and dry. Set aside to rest for 15 minutes before cracking the salt off and discarding to serve. Serves 4–6.
© DONNA HAY GROUP
