Country Captain

Country Captain Recipe - A Spicy and Flavorful Dish from the USA

Region / culture: USA | Preparation time: 20 minutes | Cooking time: 45 minutes | Servings: 6

Introduction

Country Captain is a classic Southern dish that features tender chicken simmered in a flavorful tomato-based sauce with curry powder and other aromatic spices. This dish is perfect for a comforting and satisfying meal that will transport you to the heart of the South.

History

Country Captain is said to have originated in the Southern United States, particularly in Georgia. It is believed to have been brought to America by British sea captains who traveled to the South in the 19th century. The dish has since become a staple in Southern cuisine, loved for its unique blend of flavors and comforting appeal.

Ingredients

0.33 cup all-purpose flour
1.5 tsp salt
0.25 tsp ground black pepper
12 chicken pieces (about 2.5 lb or 1.13 kg)
2 tbsp vegetable oil
2 tbsp butter or margarine
1 onion, sliced and separated into rings
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 tsp curry powder
0.5 tsp thyme leaves, crushed
1 can (14.5-16 oz or 454 g) quartered tomatoes, undrained
1 can (4 oz or 113 g) sliced mushrooms, undrained
0.5 cup raisins
1 small green bell pepper, coarsely chopped (optional)
3 to 4 cups hot cooked rice
0.33 cup toasted slivered almonds (optional)

How to prepare

Combine flour, salt, and pepper in a paper or plastic bag.
Add chicken pieces, a few at a time, and shake to coat them with the mixture.
Reserve any remaining flour mixture.
Heat oil and butter in a large skillet or Dutch oven.
Add half of the chicken pieces and brown them on all sides.
Remove the chicken from the skillet and repeat the process.
Reduce the heat.
Add the onion to the skillet and cook until it becomes soft but not brown.
Stir in garlic, curry powder, and thyme; cook for 1 minute.
Add tomatoes and mushrooms.
Return the chicken to the pan.
Bring the mixture to a simmer, cover, and cook for 30 minutes or until the chicken becomes tender.
Blend the reserved flour mixture with a little water.
Stir it into the skillet.
Add green pepper and raisins.
Cover and cook for 3 minutes.
Adjust the seasonings if necessary.
Serve on beds of fluffy rice and sprinkle with almonds.

Variations

Substitute chicken thighs or drumsticks for a mix of chicken pieces for a different flavor and texture.
Add diced potatoes or carrots to the sauce for extra vegetables and heartiness.
Use different types of mushrooms, such as cremini or shiitake, for a more complex flavor profile.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

Make sure to brown the chicken pieces before simmering them in the sauce to enhance the flavor and texture of the dish.

- Adjust the seasonings to suit your taste preferences, adding more curry powder for a bolder flavor or reducing the amount for a milder taste.

- Serve the Country Captain over fluffy rice to soak up the delicious sauce and garnish with toasted almonds for added crunch and nuttiness.

Serving Suggestions

Country Captain is best served over hot cooked rice, with a side of steamed vegetables or a fresh green salad. Garnish with toasted almonds for added crunch and flavor.

Cooking Techniques

Browning the chicken before simmering it in the sauce helps to seal in the juices and enhance the flavor of the dish.

- Simmering the chicken in the sauce allows the flavors to meld together and creates a rich and aromatic dish.

Ingredient Substitutions

Use olive oil or coconut oil instead of vegetable oil for a different flavor profile.

- Substitute butter for margarine for a richer taste.

- Use golden raisins or dried apricots instead of regular raisins for a sweeter twist.

Make Ahead Tips

Country Captain can be made ahead of time and reheated before serving. Store the cooked dish in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

Presentation Ideas

Serve Country Captain in a large serving dish over a bed of fluffy rice, garnished with toasted almonds and fresh herbs for a beautiful and appetizing presentation.

Pairing Recommendations

Country Captain pairs well with a crisp white wine, such as a Chardonnay or Sauvignon Blanc. For a non-alcoholic option, serve with a glass of iced tea or lemonade.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Store any leftovers of Country Captain in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the microwave or on the stovetop until heated through.

Nutrition Information

Calories per serving

Each serving of Country Captain contains approximately 400 calories, making it a satisfying and filling meal option.

Carbohydrates

Country Captain is a carbohydrate-rich dish due to the inclusion of rice as a base. Each serving contains approximately 45 grams of carbohydrates.

Fats

The fats in Country Captain come from the vegetable oil, margarine, and almonds used in the recipe. Each serving contains approximately 15 grams of fats.

Proteins

Chicken is the primary source of protein in Country Captain, with each serving providing around 25 grams of protein.

Vitamins and minerals

Country Captain is a good source of vitamins and minerals, particularly vitamin C from the tomatoes and bell pepper, as well as iron and zinc from the chicken.

Alergens

Country Captain contains gluten from the all-purpose flour used to coat the chicken. It also contains nuts from the almonds used as a garnish.

Summary

Country Captain is a well-rounded dish that provides a good balance of carbohydrates, fats, proteins, vitamins, and minerals. It is a hearty and flavorful meal that is sure to please your taste buds.

Summary

Country Captain is a classic Southern dish that is rich in flavor and history. With its tender chicken, aromatic spices, and hearty sauce, this dish is sure to become a favorite in your household. Serve it over fluffy rice with a side of vegetables for a complete and satisfying meal.

How did I get this recipe?

I recall the feeling of curiosity that overcame me when I found this recipe for Country Captain. It was a warm summer day, and I was cleaning out my old recipe box when I stumbled upon a yellowed piece of paper with faded handwriting. The title at the top read "Country Captain" and underneath were a list of ingredients and instructions that were unfamiliar to me.

I had heard of Country Captain before, a traditional Southern dish with chicken, tomatoes, and exotic spices, but I had never attempted to make it myself. As I read through the recipe, I realized that it was quite different from any other dish I had ever made. The combination of flavors intrigued me, and I knew I had to give it a try.

I decided to make Country Captain for dinner that night, even though I didn't have all the ingredients on hand. I made a trip to the grocery store and picked up everything I needed, including a whole chicken, tomatoes, onions, and a variety of spices such as curry powder, cinnamon, and cayenne pepper.

As I began to prepare the dish, I found myself getting lost in the process. Chopping the onions, browning the chicken, and simmering the sauce filled my kitchen with delicious aromas that reminded me of my childhood. I could almost picture my mother and grandmother standing beside me, guiding me through the steps just as they had done so many years ago.

As the dish cooked, I couldn't resist sneaking a taste of the sauce. The flavors were unlike anything I had ever experienced - savory, sweet, and spicy all at once. I knew then that Country Captain would become a new favorite in my repertoire of recipes.

When the dish was finally ready, I served it over a bed of fluffy white rice and garnished it with fresh herbs. My family gathered around the table, eager to try this new creation. As they took their first bites, their faces lit up with delight.

"This is incredible, Grandma!" my granddaughter exclaimed. "Where did you learn to make this?"

I smiled, thinking back to the faded recipe card that had sparked my curiosity. "I found this recipe in an old box of mine," I replied. "It's a traditional Southern dish that has been passed down through generations. I'm so glad I decided to give it a try."

As we enjoyed our meal together, I couldn't help but think about all the recipes I had learned over the years. From my mother's homemade biscuits to my grandmother's peach cobbler, each dish held a special place in my heart. And now, Country Captain would join the ranks as a beloved family favorite.

In the days that followed, I shared the recipe for Country Captain with friends and neighbors, who all raved about its unique and delicious flavors. I felt a sense of pride knowing that I had mastered a new dish and added it to my repertoire of culinary creations.

As I sit here now, reflecting on that fateful day when I found the recipe for Country Captain, I am grateful for the sense of curiosity that led me to try something new. Cooking has always been a passion of mine, and I am constantly inspired by the flavors and traditions that have been passed down through generations.

I may not know where the recipe for Country Captain originally came from, but I am grateful for the opportunity to make it my own and share it with those I love. And as I continue to cook and create in my kitchen, I know that my curiosity will always lead me to new and exciting culinary adventures.