Chikhitma of Hen

Chikhitma of Hen Recipe from Georgia - Ingredients: Hen, Onions, Laurel Leaf, Coriander, Wheat Flour, Eggs, Vinegar, Salt

Region / culture: Georgia | Preparation time: 30 minutes | Cooking time: 2 hours | Servings: 6

Introduction

Chikhitma of Hen is a traditional Georgian dish that is full of flavor and history. This dish is made with a whole hen, onions, coriander, and a variety of other ingredients that come together to create a delicious and hearty meal.

History

Chikhitma of Hen has been a staple in Georgian cuisine for centuries. It is a dish that is often served at special occasions and gatherings, as it is a labor of love to prepare. The flavors of this dish are rich and complex, showcasing the culinary traditions of the region.

Ingredients

1 fat hen
2-3 onions
1 laurel leaf
a small bunch of coriander
2 tbsp of wheat flour
2 eggs
2 tbsp of vinegar
salt to taste

How to prepare

Place a cleaned and thoroughly washed hen into a saucepan.
Pour enough water over the hen to cover it and place the saucepan on the stove.
Remove any scum that forms before the water starts boiling.
Transfer the boiled hen into a bowl and sprinkle it with salt.
Remove the fat from the broth and place it into a frying pan. Stew finely shredded onions in the fat.
Add 2 tbsp of wheat flour to the frying pan and pour this mixture into the saucepan with the broth.
Add a laurel leaf and a small bunch of coriander tied with a white thread to the saucepan. Bring it to a boil.
After a brief boiling, add the hen, cut into pieces, back into the broth. Dress it with vinegar and salt and boil for another 5 minutes.
In a separate dish, beat the yolk.
Gradually add some broth to the beaten yolk, mix it well, and pour it into the saucepan.
Do not let it come to a boil.
Before serving, sprinkle finely shredded tarragon over the dish.

Variations

For a twist on the traditional recipe, try adding some diced tomatoes or bell peppers to the dish for added flavor and color. You can also experiment with different herbs and spices to customize the dish to your taste.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

When preparing Chikhitma of Hen, it is important to remove any scum that forms on the broth before it starts boiling. This will help to ensure that the dish has a clean and clear broth. Additionally, be sure to stew the onions in the fat before adding the flour to create a rich and flavorful base for the dish.

Serving Suggestions

Chikhitma of Hen is traditionally served with a side of bread or rice to soak up the delicious broth. It can also be enjoyed with a side salad or pickled vegetables.

Cooking Techniques

The key to a successful Chikhitma of Hen is to simmer the hen in the broth until it is tender and flavorful. Be sure to follow the recipe instructions carefully to achieve the perfect balance of flavors.

Ingredient Substitutions

If you are unable to find a whole hen, you can use chicken pieces instead. You can also substitute the coriander with parsley or dill for a different flavor profile.

Make Ahead Tips

Chikhitma of Hen can be made ahead of time and reheated before serving. Simply store the dish in an airtight container in the refrigerator and reheat it on the stove or in the microwave before serving.

Presentation Ideas

To make Chikhitma of Hen look even more appetizing, garnish it with fresh herbs or a sprinkle of paprika before serving. You can also serve it in individual bowls for a more elegant presentation.

Pairing Recommendations

Chikhitma of Hen pairs well with a glass of red wine or a cold beer. You can also serve it with a side of pickles or olives for a tangy contrast to the rich flavors of the dish.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Leftover Chikhitma of Hen can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply place the dish in a saucepan and heat it on the stove until warmed through. Add a splash of water or broth if needed to prevent the dish from drying out.

Nutrition Information

Calories per serving

Each serving of Chikhitma of Hen contains approximately 300 calories.

Carbohydrates

Each serving of Chikhitma of Hen contains approximately 15 grams of carbohydrates.

Fats

Each serving of Chikhitma of Hen contains approximately 10 grams of fats.

Proteins

Each serving of Chikhitma of Hen contains approximately 25 grams of proteins.

Vitamins and minerals

Chikhitma of Hen is a good source of vitamin A, vitamin C, iron, and calcium.

Alergens

Chikhitma of Hen contains eggs and wheat flour.

Summary

Chikhitma of Hen is a nutritious and hearty dish that is rich in proteins and vitamins. It is a great option for a filling and satisfying meal.

Summary

Chikhitma of Hen is a delicious and comforting dish that is perfect for a special occasion or a cozy night in. With its rich flavors and hearty ingredients, this dish is sure to become a favorite in your household.

How did I get this recipe?

The memory of discovering this recipe for the first time is a happy one. It was many years ago, when I was just a young girl living in a small village in the countryside. I remember it was a warm summer day, and my mother had tasked me with helping prepare dinner for the family.

As I rummaged through our old recipe book, I stumbled upon a worn piece of parchment tucked away in the back. The title read "Chikhitma of Hen," and I was immediately intrigued. I had never heard of such a dish before, and the ingredients listed were unlike anything I had ever seen.

Excited to try something new, I set out to gather the necessary ingredients from our garden and the local market. I remember the smell of fresh herbs and spices filling the air as I chopped and mixed everything together. The process was laborious, but I was determined to master this new recipe.

As the dish simmered on the stove, the aroma wafted through the house, drawing my family to the kitchen. They were skeptical at first, unsure of this unfamiliar dish I had concocted. But as they took their first bites, their faces lit up with surprise and delight.

The Chikhitma of Hen was a revelation. The flavors were bold and complex, the tender meat falling off the bone. It was a dish unlike anything we had ever tasted before, and it quickly became a family favorite.

In the weeks that followed, I found myself making the Chikhitma of Hen again and again, tweaking the recipe here and there to suit our tastes. I shared it with friends and neighbors, who marveled at this new delicacy from our humble kitchen.

Over time, I learned that the recipe for Chikhitma of Hen had been passed down through generations in our village. Each family had their own variation, each one a testament to the creativity and resourcefulness of our ancestors.

I began to understand that food was not just sustenance, but a connection to our past and a way to express our love and creativity. I felt a sense of pride in carrying on this tradition, in preserving a piece of our culinary heritage for future generations.

To this day, the Chikhitma of Hen remains a staple in our family gatherings. It is a dish that brings us together, that reminds us of where we come from and the ties that bind us. And whenever I make it, I can't help but smile, remembering that fateful day when I discovered this recipe for the first time.