Boiled Hen

Boiled Hen Recipe from Romania with Carrots and Potatoes

Region / culture: Romania | Preparation time: 30 minutes | Cooking time: 2 hours | Servings: 4-6

Introduction

Boiled Hen is a classic, comforting dish that has been enjoyed by families for generations. This simple yet delicious recipe involves simmering a whole hen with a medley of root vegetables and optional spices until tender and flavorful. Perfect for a cozy dinner, this dish not only warms the heart but also provides a nutritious meal that can be easily adapted to suit various dietary needs and preferences.

History

The tradition of boiling hen dates back centuries and is found in various cultures around the world. Originally, this method was a practical way to cook older, tougher birds that would not have been suitable for roasting. Over time, it evolved into a beloved recipe, appreciated for its simplicity and the rich, comforting broth it produces. Each culture has added its own twist to the recipe, incorporating local vegetables, spices, and serving traditions.

Ingredients

1 medium hen
2 carrots
1 parsley root
1 celery root
1 parsnip
1 onion
2 juniper berries (optional)
1 bay leaf (optional)
3 – 4 potatoes
3 qt / 3 liter water
salt

How to prepare

Clean and wash the hen and place it in a pot with 3 qt/3 liter of water over low heat.
Remove any foam that forms on the surface, then add the vegetables, onion, juniper berries, bay leaf, and salt.
Cover the pot and let it simmer until the hen is almost cooked.
Add the halved potatoes (lengthwise) and continue simmering until they are cooked.
Remove the hen from the pot, cut it into pieces, and arrange them on a platter.
Garnish with boiled potatoes, sliced carrot, and celery.
Drizzle a few tablespoons of the boiling liquid over the dish.
Serve with a choice of oil and lemon juice or vinegar, horseradish sauce, or garlic juice, according to taste.

Variations

There are many ways to vary this recipe to suit different tastes and dietary needs:
For a spicier dish, add chili peppers or a dash of hot sauce to the broth.
Vegetarians can substitute the hen for a hearty mix of beans and lentils.
For a low-carb version, replace the potatoes with additional low-carb vegetables like cauliflower or turnips.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

To ensure your Boiled Hen turns out perfectly, consider the following tips:

- Use a hen rather than a younger chicken for more flavor.

- Keep the heat low and simmer gently to ensure the meat becomes tender without falling apart.

- Skim the foam from the top of the pot to keep the broth clear.

- Add the potatoes later in the cooking process to prevent them from becoming too soft.

- Let the hen rest for a few minutes after cooking for easier carving.

Serving Suggestions

Boiled Hen can be served in a variety of ways. Traditionally, it is presented on a platter with the vegetables and potatoes arranged around the carved hen pieces. The broth can be served on the side as a light soup or used as a base for sauces to accompany the dish.

Cooking Techniques

The key technique in this recipe is simmering, a gentle, slow cooking method that allows the flavors to meld together and the meat to become tender without becoming tough or dry.

Ingredient Substitutions

If you don't have all the specific vegetables on hand, feel free to substitute with what you have. Leeks can replace onions, and sweet potatoes can be an interesting alternative to regular potatoes. For a different flavor profile, try adding herbs like thyme or rosemary.

Make Ahead Tips

This dish can be made ahead and stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. In fact, letting it sit overnight can enhance the flavors. Simply reheat gently before serving.

Presentation Ideas

For an elegant presentation, carve the hen neatly and arrange the vegetables and potatoes symmetrically around it. Garnish with fresh herbs and a drizzle of the cooking liquid for added appeal.

Pairing Recommendations

Boiled Hen pairs well with a light, crisp white wine such as Sauvignon Blanc or a dry Riesling. For a non-alcoholic option, a sparkling water with a squeeze of lemon complements the dish nicely.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator. To reheat, place in a saucepan over low heat until warmed through. Alternatively, individual portions can be microwaved for 2-3 minutes.

Nutrition Information

Calories per serving

A serving of Boiled Hen with vegetables is relatively low in calories, with an average of 300-400 calories per serving. This makes it an excellent option for those monitoring their calorie intake.

Carbohydrates

This dish is relatively low in carbohydrates, with the primary sources being the root vegetables and potatoes. A serving of Boiled Hen with vegetables contains approximately 20-30 grams of carbohydrates, making it a suitable option for those on moderate to low-carb diets.

Fats

The fat content in Boiled Hen can vary depending on the part of the bird consumed. However, much of the fat is rendered into the broth during the cooking process, and it can be skimmed off if desired. On average, a serving without skin can contain about 10-15 grams of fat.

Proteins

Boiled Hen is an excellent source of high-quality protein, essential for muscle repair and growth. A single serving can provide approximately 25-35 grams of protein, making it a great option for those looking to increase their protein intake.

Vitamins and minerals

This dish is rich in vitamins and minerals, particularly those found in the root vegetables such as vitamin A, vitamin C, potassium, and iron. The hen itself contributes B vitamins, particularly niacin and vitamin B6, as well as phosphorus and selenium.

Alergens

Boiled Hen is naturally free from most common allergens, including gluten, nuts, dairy, and soy. However, those with specific food sensitivities should always check the ingredients list and adapt the recipe as necessary.

Summary

Overall, Boiled Hen is a nutritious, balanced meal that provides a good mix of proteins, fats, and carbohydrates, along with essential vitamins and minerals. It's a wholesome choice for anyone looking for a comforting and healthy meal.

Summary

Boiled Hen is a timeless recipe that offers comfort, nutrition, and versatility. Whether you're looking for a simple weeknight dinner or a nutritious meal to share with family and friends, this dish is sure to satisfy. With its rich history, nutritional benefits, and endless variations, Boiled Hen is a recipe that can be enjoyed in countless ways for generations to come.

How did I get this recipe?

I recall the feeling of curiosity that overcame me when I found this recipe for boiled hen in an old, dusty cookbook that I inherited from my grandmother. The pages were yellowed with age, and the handwriting was faded, but the recipe itself was clear as day.

As I read through the ingredients and instructions, I couldn't help but wonder about the origins of this dish. Who had first come up with the idea of boiling a hen until it was tender and flavorful? What inspired them to add the various herbs and spices that gave the dish its unique taste?

My mind was filled with questions as I set out to make the boiled hen for the first time. I gathered all the necessary ingredients - a plump hen, onions, garlic, celery, carrots, bay leaves, thyme, and parsley - and set to work preparing the dish.

I began by rinsing the hen under cold water, removing any giblets or excess fat. Then, I placed the hen in a large pot filled with water and added the onions, garlic, celery, carrots, bay leaves, thyme, and parsley. I brought the water to a boil, then reduced the heat and let the hen simmer gently for several hours.

As the hen cooked, the aroma of the herbs and spices filled my kitchen, making my mouth water in anticipation. I couldn't wait to taste the finished dish and see if it lived up to the expectations set by the recipe.

Finally, after what seemed like an eternity, the hen was ready. I carefully removed it from the pot and placed it on a platter, surrounded by the vegetables and herbs that had been simmering with it. The meat was so tender that it practically fell off the bone, and the broth was rich and flavorful, with a hint of all the herbs and spices I had added.

I served the boiled hen to my family that evening, watching eagerly as they took their first bites. To my delight, they all raved about how delicious it was, praising the tenderness of the meat and the depth of flavor in the broth. I felt a sense of pride and satisfaction knowing that I had successfully recreated a dish that had been passed down through generations.

As I continued to make the boiled hen over the years, I added my own touches and variations to the recipe, making it my own. Sometimes I would add a splash of white wine or a squeeze of lemon juice to brighten up the flavors, or substitute different herbs and spices to create a new twist on the classic dish.

Each time I made the boiled hen, I felt a connection to the past and to all the generations of cooks who had come before me. I imagined them standing in their own kitchens, preparing the dish with the same care and attention to detail that I did, passing down their knowledge and love of cooking to their children and grandchildren.

And as I sat around the table with my own family, sharing a meal made with a recipe that had been handed down through the ages, I knew that I was carrying on a tradition that would continue to bring joy and nourishment for many years to come. Cooking was not just about following a recipe, but about connecting with the past and creating memories that would last a lifetime.