Honduran Pollo con Salsa

Honduran Pollo con Salsa Recipe - A Flavorful Chicken Dish with Spices and Vegetables

Region / culture: Honduras | Preparation time: 15 minutes | Cooking time: 1 hour | Servings: 4-6

Introduction

Honduran Pollo con Salsa is a traditional Honduran dish that features tender chicken cooked in a flavorful sauce. This dish is a favorite among Honduran families and is often served at special occasions and gatherings.

History

The recipe for Pollo con Salsa has been passed down through generations in Honduras. It is a dish that showcases the rich culinary heritage of the country and is loved for its delicious flavors and comforting qualities.

Ingredients

3.5 lb (1.59 kg) whole frying chicken
0.25 cup cooking oil
0.13 – 0.5 tsp hot chili powder
0.25 cup ground sesame seeds
3 whole cloves
1 cinnamon stick
1 tsp brown sugar
0.25 tsp fenugreek seeds
0.5 tsp salt
0.25 tsp pepper
2 cups boiling water
2 tomatoes, chopped
1 green pepper, chopped
1 onion, chopped

How to prepare

In a pot, brown the chicken in oil on all sides; then remove from the pot.
Add chili powder, sesame seeds, cloves, cinnamon, brown sugar, fenugreek, salt, and pepper to the pot; brown the mixture in oil.
Add the remaining ingredients to the pot.
Simmer the mixture until the chicken is tender.
Add the chicken back to the pot and continue cooking until it is tender, turning occasionally.
Add more water to the pot if necessary.

Variations

Add diced potatoes or carrots to the sauce for added texture and flavor.
Use boneless, skinless chicken thighs for a quicker cooking time.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

Make sure to brown the chicken well before adding it back to the pot to ensure a rich flavor.

- Adjust the amount of hot chili powder to suit your spice preference.

- Be sure to simmer the sauce until it thickens and the flavors meld together.

Serving Suggestions

Serve Pollo con Salsa with rice and beans for a complete and satisfying meal.

Cooking Techniques

Browning the chicken before simmering it in the sauce helps to develop a rich flavor.

- Simmering the sauce slowly allows the flavors to meld together and creates a delicious sauce.

Ingredient Substitutions

Use chicken broth instead of water for added flavor.

- Substitute ground cumin for fenugreek seeds if needed.

Make Ahead Tips

Pollo con Salsa can be made ahead of time and reheated before serving. Store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

Presentation Ideas

Garnish Pollo con Salsa with fresh cilantro or parsley for a pop of color and freshness.

Pairing Recommendations

Serve Pollo con Salsa with a side of Honduran rice and beans for a traditional meal. A side salad or steamed vegetables also pair well with this dish.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

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

Nutrition Information

Calories per serving

Calories: 300 per serving

Carbohydrates

Carbohydrates: 5g per serving

Fats

Total Fat: 15g per serving

Saturated Fat: 3g per serving

Proteins

Protein: 25g per serving

Vitamins and minerals

Iron: 2mg per serving

Vitamin C: 20mg per serving

Alergens

Contains sesame seeds

Summary

Pollo con Salsa is a balanced dish that provides a good source of protein and essential vitamins and minerals.

Summary

Honduran Pollo con Salsa is a delicious and comforting dish that showcases the flavors of Honduras. With tender chicken cooked in a flavorful sauce, this dish is sure to become a favorite in your household. Enjoy!

How did I get this recipe?

The moment I found this recipe is etched in my memory like a vivid painting on the walls of my mind. It was a warm summer day in the small village of Santa Lucia, Honduras, where the aroma of spices and the sound of sizzling pots filled the air. I had always been passionate about cooking, and I was determined to learn as much as I could from the talented women in my community.

One day, as I walked through the bustling marketplace, I stumbled upon a group of women gathered around a makeshift kitchen. They were preparing a traditional Honduran dish called Pollo con Salsa, a savory chicken dish cooked in a rich tomato sauce. Intrigued by the delicious smells wafting from the pots, I approached the women and asked if I could watch them cook.

To my surprise, they welcomed me with open arms and invited me to join them in the kitchen. I eagerly rolled up my sleeves and set to work, chopping vegetables, stirring pots, and soaking in every detail of the cooking process. As the hours passed, the women shared stories of their own grandmothers and the recipes that had been passed down through generations.

I was captivated by their tales of tradition and family, and I knew that I had stumbled upon something truly special. As the Pollo con Salsa simmered on the stovetop, the women taught me the secret ingredients and techniques that made this dish so delicious. I watched in awe as they expertly seasoned the chicken, sautéed the vegetables, and simmered the sauce to perfection.

After hours of cooking and laughter, the Pollo con Salsa was finally ready to be served. The women ladled generous portions onto plates and handed me a fork with a smile. I took my first bite, and my taste buds exploded with flavor. The tender chicken, the tangy sauce, the aromatic spices – it was a symphony of tastes and textures that I had never experienced before.

From that moment on, I knew that I had to learn how to make Pollo con Salsa for myself. I begged the women to share their recipe with me, and they graciously agreed. They wrote down the ingredients and instructions on a scrap of paper, and I tucked it away in my apron pocket like a precious treasure.

When I returned home that evening, I immediately set to work recreating the dish in my own kitchen. I followed the recipe to the letter, using the same techniques and ingredients that the women had taught me. As the Pollo con Salsa bubbled away on the stove, the familiar smells of cumin, garlic, and tomatoes filled my kitchen, transporting me back to that sunny day in Santa Lucia.

When the dish was finally ready, I took a hesitant bite and closed my eyes in bliss. It tasted just like the Pollo con Salsa that the women had cooked – rich, savory, and bursting with flavor. I knew that I had unlocked a culinary treasure, and I vowed to share it with my family and friends for years to come.

Since that fateful day in Santa Lucia, Pollo con Salsa has become a staple in my kitchen. I have cooked it for countless gatherings, celebrations, and family dinners, always with the same love and care that the women showed me all those years ago. And every time I take a bite of that tender chicken in its tangy sauce, I am reminded of the power of tradition, community, and the joy of sharing a delicious meal with the ones we love.