Hen with Tarragon

Hen with Tarragon Recipe from Romania | Simple and Flavorful

Region / culture: Romania | Preparation time: 20 minutes | Cooking time: 1 hour | Servings: 4

Introduction

Hen with Tarragon is a classic French dish that combines the rich flavors of tender hen meat with the aromatic herb tarragon. This dish is perfect for a special occasion or a cozy family dinner.

History

The origins of Hen with Tarragon can be traced back to traditional French cuisine, where tarragon is a popular herb used in many dishes. The combination of tender hen meat with the unique flavor of tarragon creates a delicious and comforting meal that has stood the test of time.

Ingredients

1 medium hen
1 tbsp lard
1 onion
4 – 5 tomatoes
0.5 tsp flour
tarragon
salt

How to prepare

Fry the chicken pieces in lard until they turn golden.
Add the finely chopped onion and flour.
Once the onion starts to turn golden, add 3 – 4 tbsp of water, juice from 4 – 5 tomatoes, salt, and tarragon.
The amount of tarragon can be adjusted according to taste.
Cover and let it simmer.
When the meat is almost cooked, transfer it to the oven and bake for at least 20 minutes until it becomes tender.
Alternatively, you can use raw onion in this recipe.
If using raw onion, add it along with the water.

Variations

You can substitute chicken or turkey for the hen in this recipe.
Add mushrooms or bell peppers for extra flavor and texture.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

Make sure to brown the chicken pieces well before adding the onion and flour to develop a rich flavor.

- Adjust the amount of tarragon according to your taste preferences.

- For a richer sauce, you can add a splash of white wine or chicken broth.

- Be sure to cover the dish while simmering to keep the meat tender and juicy.

Serving Suggestions

Serve Hen with Tarragon with a side of roasted vegetables or a fresh green salad for a complete meal.

Cooking Techniques

Browning the chicken before simmering and baking ensures a flavorful and tender dish.

Ingredient Substitutions

You can use butter or olive oil instead of lard for frying.

- Fresh or dried tarragon can be used in this recipe.

Make Ahead Tips

You can prepare the dish up to the baking step ahead of time and refrigerate until ready to bake.

Presentation Ideas

Garnish the dish with fresh tarragon leaves for a pop of color and flavor.

Pairing Recommendations

Pair Hen with Tarragon with a crisp white wine or a light red wine for a perfect match.

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

250 per serving

Carbohydrates

3g per serving

Fats

12g per serving

Proteins

25g per serving

Vitamins and minerals

This dish is a good source of vitamin A, vitamin C, iron, and calcium.

Alergens

This recipe contains gluten from the flour used for thickening the sauce.

Summary

Hen with Tarragon is a nutritious dish that provides a good balance of carbohydrates, fats, and proteins, along with essential vitamins and minerals.

Summary

Hen with Tarragon is a delicious and comforting dish that combines tender hen meat with the aromatic herb tarragon. With a rich flavor profile and nutritious ingredients, this recipe is sure to become a family favorite.

How did I get this recipe?

The first time I saw this recipe, I was immediately drawn to it. It was a rainy afternoon in the small village where I grew up, and I was flipping through an old cookbook that belonged to my mother. As I turned the pages, a recipe for Hen with Tarragon caught my eye. The ingredients were simple, yet the combination of flavors seemed so intriguing to me. I knew I had to try it.

I asked my mother about the recipe, but she had never made it before. So, I decided to seek out someone who could teach me. That's when I remembered an old friend of my grandmother, Mrs. Jenkins. She was known for her delicious home-cooked meals, and I was sure she would have the recipe for Hen with Tarragon.

I went to Mrs. Jenkins' house the next day and asked her about the recipe. She smiled warmly and invited me into her cozy kitchen. As she pulled out the ingredients and began to prepare the dish, she told me stories about her own grandmother who used to make it for her when she was a little girl.

Mrs. Jenkins explained that the key to a good Hen with Tarragon lies in the quality of the hen itself. She always used a free-range hen from the local farm, as she believed it made a difference in the flavor of the dish. She also stressed the importance of using fresh tarragon, which she grew in her own garden.

As we cooked together, Mrs. Jenkins shared her tips and tricks for making the perfect Hen with Tarragon. She showed me how to season the hen just right, how to infuse the flavors of the tarragon into the meat, and how to achieve the perfect balance of savory and herbaceous notes.

After a few hours of cooking and chatting, the Hen with Tarragon was finally ready. Mrs. Jenkins plated it beautifully and we sat down to enjoy the fruits of our labor. The first bite was heavenly – the tender hen, the fragrant tarragon, the rich sauce that coated each bite. It was a meal I would never forget.

From that day on, Hen with Tarragon became a staple in my cooking repertoire. I made it for my family, my friends, and anyone who would come to visit. Each time I recreated the dish, I would think back to that rainy afternoon in Mrs. Jenkins' kitchen and smile.

Over the years, I have made my own tweaks and adjustments to the recipe, adding my own personal touch to make it truly mine. But the essence of the dish – the tender hen, the fragrant tarragon, the rich sauce – remains the same.

Now, whenever I make Hen with Tarragon, I think of Mrs. Jenkins and the invaluable lesson she taught me that day. Cooking is not just about following a recipe – it's about creating memories, sharing stories, and passing down traditions from one generation to the next.

And so, as I stand in my own kitchen, preparing a steaming pot of Hen with Tarragon for my grandchildren, I hope that they will remember this recipe as more than just a dish – but as a connection to their past, to their roots, and to the love that goes into every homemade meal.