Chakhokhbili of Hen

Chakhokhbili of Hen Recipe from Georgia - Ingredients: Hen, Butter, Tomatoes, Onions, Coriander, Laurel-Leaf

Region / culture: Georgia | Preparation time: 30 minutes | Cooking time: 2 hours | Servings: 4

Introduction

Chakhokhbili of Hen is a traditional Georgian dish that is known for its rich flavors and hearty ingredients. This dish is perfect for a family meal or a special occasion, as it is both delicious and satisfying.

History

Chakhokhbili of Hen has been a staple in Georgian cuisine for centuries. It is believed to have originated in the Kakheti region of Georgia, where it was traditionally made with hen or chicken, tomatoes, onions, and a variety of herbs and spices. This dish has been passed down through generations and is still enjoyed by many today.

Ingredients

1 hen
0.5 cup of clarified butter
4 to 5 tomatoes
3 onions
1 bunch of greens (coriander and basil)
2 laurel leaves

How to prepare

Cut a thoroughly cleaned and washed hen into pieces and place them in a saucepan. Stew the hen on low heat with the pan covered.
Add finely shredded onions and butter or clarified butter to the saucepan and fry the ingredients.
Include a laurel leaf in the saucepan.
Occasionally stir the mixture with a spoon until the meat turns red.
Pour 1 glass of boiled water over the mixture and add separately stewed peeled tomatoes.
Continue boiling until the hen meat is fully cooked.
Finally, season with ground pepper, finely shredded pepper, and salt to taste.

Variations

Substitute chicken for hen for a lighter version of the dish.
Add bell peppers or other vegetables for added flavor and nutrition.
Use different herbs and spices to customize the dish to your taste preferences.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

Make sure to cut the hen into pieces before cooking to ensure even cooking.

- Use clarified butter for a richer flavor.

- Stir the mixture occasionally to prevent sticking and ensure even cooking.

- Season the dish to taste with ground pepper, shredded pepper, and salt.

Serving Suggestions

Serve Chakhokhbili of Hen with a side of rice, bread, or salad for a complete and satisfying meal.

Cooking Techniques

Stew the hen on low heat with the pan covered to ensure tender and juicy meat.

- Fry the onions and butter separately before adding to the saucepan for a richer flavor.

- Boil the mixture until the hen meat is fully cooked to ensure food safety.

Ingredient Substitutions

Use chicken instead of hen for a more readily available option.

- Substitute ghee or vegetable oil for clarified butter if desired.

- Use dried basil if fresh basil is not available.

Make Ahead Tips

Chakhokhbili of Hen can be made ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat before serving for best results.

Presentation Ideas

Serve Chakhokhbili of Hen in a decorative serving dish garnished with fresh basil leaves for a beautiful presentation.

Pairing Recommendations

Pair this dish with a glass of Georgian red wine for a perfect complement to the rich flavors of the Chakhokhbili of Hen.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in a saucepan over low heat until warmed through.

Nutrition Information

Calories per serving

Each serving of Chakhokhbili of Hen contains approximately 350-400 calories, depending on the portion size and ingredients used.

Carbohydrates

Chakhokhbili of Hen is a low-carb dish, with only a small amount of carbohydrates coming from the tomatoes and onions.

Fats

This dish is high in fats due to the use of clarified butter. However, these fats are healthy fats that can be beneficial for heart health when consumed in moderation.

Proteins

Chakhokhbili of Hen is a protein-rich dish, with the hen meat providing a good source of protein for muscle growth and repair.

Vitamins and minerals

This dish is rich in vitamins and minerals, particularly from the tomatoes, onions, and basil. These ingredients provide essential nutrients such as vitamin C, vitamin K, and potassium.

Alergens

This dish may contain allergens such as dairy (from the clarified butter) and gluten (if served with bread or grains).

Summary

Overall, Chakhokhbili of Hen is a nutritious and balanced dish that provides a good source of protein, healthy fats, and essential vitamins and minerals.

Summary

Chakhokhbili of Hen is a delicious and hearty dish that is perfect for a family meal or special occasion. With its rich flavors and nutritious ingredients, this dish is sure to become a favorite in your household.

How did I get this recipe?

The first time I saw this recipe, I was hooked. It was during a trip to the beautiful country of Georgia, where I was lucky enough to attend a traditional cooking class in a quaint little village. The dish we learned to make that day was called Chakhokhbili of Hen, a delicious and hearty stew that is a staple in Georgian cuisine.

As our instructor, a sweet elderly woman named Nana, began to explain the recipe to us, I was immediately drawn in by the rich flavors and fragrant spices that make up this dish. She told us that Chakhokhbili is a traditional Georgian dish made with hen, tomatoes, onions, and a blend of aromatic herbs and spices. It is a dish that is often served at special occasions and celebrations, as it is a symbol of hospitality and warmth.

Nana began by showing us how to prepare the hen, carefully cutting it into pieces and marinating it in a mixture of vinegar, garlic, and herbs. As the hen soaked up the flavors, she began to sauté onions and tomatoes in a large pot, letting them caramelize and release their natural sweetness. The kitchen filled with the scent of garlic and herbs, creating a warm and inviting atmosphere.

Once the onions and tomatoes were cooked down, Nana added the marinated hen pieces to the pot, along with a generous amount of chicken broth and a splash of white wine. She let the stew simmer slowly, allowing the flavors to meld together and the hen to become tender and juicy. As the stew bubbled away on the stove, Nana shared stories of her own childhood in Georgia, where she learned to cook from her grandmother and mother.

She told us about the importance of using fresh, local ingredients in Georgian cooking, and how each region of the country has its own unique culinary traditions. I listened intently, soaking up every word and savoring the experience of learning from someone who had such a deep connection to the food she was preparing.

Finally, after hours of simmering and stirring, the Chakhokhbili was ready. Nana ladled the steaming stew into bowls and garnished it with fresh herbs and a squeeze of lemon. The aroma that wafted up from the bowl was intoxicating, a blend of savory spices and tender hen that made my mouth water.

As I took my first bite of the Chakhokhbili, I was transported back to that little village in Georgia, surrounded by the sights and sounds of a traditional kitchen. The flavors were bold and comforting, a perfect balance of tangy tomatoes, sweet onions, and tender hen. It was a dish that spoke to my soul, reminding me of the power of food to connect us to our roots and to each other.

Since that day, I have made Chakhokhbili of Hen many times, each time with a sense of reverence and gratitude for the recipe and the memories it holds. I have shared it with friends and family, passing on the tradition of Georgian cooking and the joy of creating a dish that is both delicious and meaningful.

As I sit here now, writing this story and thinking back on that unforgettable cooking class, I am filled with a sense of warmth and nostalgia. The recipe for Chakhokhbili of Hen will always hold a special place in my heart, a reminder of the power of food to bring people together and to create lasting memories. And for that, I am eternally grateful.