Hen with Eggplant

Hen with Eggplant Recipe from Romania - Ingredients: hen, eggplants, onion, flour, oil, salt, parsley

Region / culture: Romania | Preparation time: 30 minutes | Cooking time: 1 hour | Servings: 4

Introduction

Hen with Eggplant is a delicious and hearty dish that combines tender hen meat with flavorful eggplant. This recipe is perfect for a family dinner or a special occasion, as it is sure to impress your guests with its rich flavors and satisfying textures.

History

This recipe has its roots in traditional Mediterranean cuisine, where hen and eggplant are commonly used in various dishes. The combination of tender hen meat and creamy eggplant creates a harmonious blend of flavors that has been enjoyed for generations.

Ingredients

1 hen
3 medium eggplants
1 onion
1 tbsp flour
3 – 4 tbsp oil
salt
chopped parsley

How to prepare

Cut the eggplants into quarters lengthwise, and then halve each quarter.
Sprinkle with salt and let them sit for at least half an hour.
Slightly squeeze each piece, coat with flour, and fry in oil.
In a tablespoon of oil, sauté the hen pieces covered.
Add the grated onion and 2-3 tbsp of water.
Arrange the eggplant pieces over the hen, sprinkle with parsley, cover, and simmer on low heat until tender.
Transfer the pan to the oven and bake until fully cooked.

Variations

You can add diced tomatoes or bell peppers to the dish for added flavor and color.
For a vegetarian version, you can substitute the hen with tofu or chickpeas.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

Make sure to properly salt the eggplant before frying to remove any bitterness.

- Squeezing the eggplant pieces before coating with flour helps to remove excess moisture and ensures a crispy texture.

- Sautéing the hen pieces before adding the onion and water helps to seal in the juices and enhance the flavor of the dish.

- Baking the dish in the oven after simmering on the stovetop ensures that the hen is fully cooked and tender.

Serving Suggestions

Serve the Hen with Eggplant with a side of rice or crusty bread to soak up the delicious sauce.

Cooking Techniques

The key cooking techniques for this recipe include frying, sautéing, simmering, and baking.

Ingredient Substitutions

You can use chicken or turkey in place of hen if desired.

- Any type of oil can be used for frying and sautéing.

Make Ahead Tips

You can prepare the dish up to a day in advance and reheat before serving.

Presentation Ideas

Garnish the dish with fresh parsley or a sprinkle of paprika for a pop of color.

Pairing Recommendations

This dish pairs well with a crisp white wine or a light red wine.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

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

Nutrition Information

Calories per serving

300 per serving

Carbohydrates

15g per serving

Fats

12g per serving

Proteins

25g per serving

Vitamins and minerals

This dish is rich in vitamins A, C, and K, as well as minerals such as potassium and magnesium.

Alergens

This recipe contains gluten from the flour used to coat the eggplant.

Summary

This dish is a balanced meal that provides a good source of protein, healthy fats, and essential vitamins and minerals.

Summary

Hen with Eggplant is a flavorful and satisfying dish that is perfect for a family dinner or special occasion. With its rich flavors and tender textures, this recipe 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 joyful one. It was a warm summer day, and I was visiting my dear friend Maria in her quaint little village in Italy. Maria was known throughout the village for her delicious cooking, and she had graciously offered to teach me one of her favorite recipes. Little did I know that this recipe for Hen with Eggplant would become a cherished family favorite for years to come.

As we gathered the ingredients together, Maria began to tell me the story behind the recipe. She explained that this dish had been passed down from her grandmother, who had learned it from her own mother. The recipe had been in their family for generations, with each woman adding her own personal touch to make it truly special.

We started by preparing the eggplant, slicing it into thin rounds and sprinkling them with salt to draw out the bitterness. While the eggplant sat, Maria showed me how to season the hen with a blend of fresh herbs and spices, including rosemary, thyme, and garlic. The scent of the herbs filled the air, making my mouth water in anticipation of the meal to come.

Once the hen was seasoned to perfection, we seared it in a hot skillet until it was golden brown on all sides. The sizzle of the meat as it cooked was music to my ears, and I couldn't wait to taste the final result. As the hen finished cooking, Maria added the eggplant to the skillet, allowing it to soak up all the delicious flavors from the meat.

As we sat down to eat, Maria told me stories of her family and the traditions that had been passed down through the generations. She spoke of the love and care that went into each meal, and how important it was to her to keep those traditions alive. I could see the pride in her eyes as she watched me take my first bite of the Hen with Eggplant, and I knew that this recipe would hold a special place in my heart forever.

After that day, I made the recipe for Hen with Eggplant many times, perfecting it with each attempt. I added my own twist by incorporating a splash of white wine and a sprinkle of Parmesan cheese to the dish, giving it a rich and savory flavor that my family adored. Every time I made the dish, it brought back memories of that day in Maria's kitchen, of the laughter and joy we shared as we cooked together.

Now, as I pass the recipe on to my grandchildren, I know that it will continue to be a beloved family tradition for years to come. I can only hope that they will cherish the recipe as much as I do, and that it will bring them as much happiness and warmth as it has brought me over the years.

So, here it is, the recipe for Hen with Eggplant, passed down through the generations and filled with love and tradition. May it bring you joy and comfort, just as it has for me and my family for so many years. Bon appétit!