Pollo guisado

Pollo Guisado Recipe from Dominican Republic | Ingredients & Directions

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

Introduction

Pollo guisado is a traditional Spanish dish that translates to "stewed chicken." This flavorful and comforting dish is perfect for a family meal or a special occasion. The combination of tender chicken, vegetables, and herbs creates a delicious and satisfying meal.

History

Pollo guisado has its roots in Spanish cuisine, where stewed dishes are a popular and traditional way of cooking meat. The slow cooking process allows the flavors to meld together, creating a rich and savory dish that is loved by many.

Ingredients

2 lb (907 g) of chicken, cut into small pieces
2 lemons, cut into halves
2 green bell peppers
0.5 cup of chopped celery
1 small red onion, chopped into small cubes
4 plum tomatoes, cut into quarters
2 tbsp of oil
0.13 cup of seedless sliced (optional)
2 tbsp of tomato sauce
0.5 tsp of mashed garlic
0.5 tsp of sugar
a pinch of oregano
salt

How to prepare

In a bowl, mix the chicken, oregano, onion, celery, tomatoes, a pinch of salt, and garlic.
Marinate for 30 minutes.
In a pot, heat up the oil. Add the sugar and let it heat up until it becomes dark brown.
Add the chicken (reserving vegetables and herbs) and sauté until the meat is light brown.
Add 2 tbsp of water.
Cover and simmer over medium heat until the meat is tender, adjusting water when necessary.
Add the remaining ingredients (except tomato paste), cover, and simmer until they are tender. Adjust water if necessary.
Add tomato paste and half a cup of water. Simmer over low heat to produce a light sauce.
Adjust salt to taste.

Variations

Add olives, capers, or raisins for a unique twist on this classic dish.
Use different vegetables such as carrots, peas, or zucchini to customize the dish to your liking.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

Marinating the chicken before cooking helps to infuse it with flavor and tenderize the meat.

- Browning the sugar before adding the chicken adds a depth of flavor to the dish.

- Adjust the amount of water as needed to ensure the chicken is cooked to perfection.

- Taste and adjust the seasoning before serving to ensure the dish is perfectly seasoned.

Serving Suggestions

Serve pollo guisado with rice, potatoes, or crusty bread to soak up the delicious sauce.

- Garnish with fresh herbs such as parsley or cilantro for a pop of color and flavor.

Cooking Techniques

Simmering the chicken slowly allows the flavors to develop and the meat to become tender.

- Browning the sugar adds a caramelized flavor to the dish.

Ingredient Substitutions

You can use boneless, skinless chicken thighs or breasts instead of a whole chicken for a quicker cooking time.

- Substitute red or yellow bell peppers for green if desired.

Make Ahead Tips

You can marinate the chicken and prepare the vegetables ahead of time to save time on the day of cooking.

Presentation Ideas

Serve pollo guisado in a large serving dish with a sprinkle of fresh herbs on top for a beautiful presentation.

Pairing Recommendations

Pair pollo guisado with a light and refreshing salad or a side of steamed vegetables for a complete meal.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

- Reheat gently in a pot on the stove or in the microwave until heated through.

Nutrition Information

Calories per serving

320 per serving

Carbohydrates

12g per serving

Fats

15g 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 iron.

Alergens

This recipe contains celery and may not be suitable for those with allergies to this ingredient.

Summary

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

Summary

Pollo guisado is a delicious and comforting dish that is perfect for a family meal or a special occasion. With its tender chicken, flavorful vegetables, and aromatic herbs, this dish is sure to become a favorite in your household. Enjoy the rich flavors and satisfying meal that pollo guisado has to offer.

How did I get this recipe?

The first time I saw this recipe, I knew it was something I had to try. It was for Pollo guisado, a delicious and savory chicken stew that reminded me of the flavors of my childhood. I had always been passionate about cooking and experimenting with new recipes, so when I came across this one, I knew it was going to be a winner.

I first learned of Pollo guisado from my dear friend Maria, who had learned the recipe from her grandmother. Maria and I would often swap recipes and cook together, and one day she brought over a pot of Pollo guisado for us to enjoy. The aroma that filled my kitchen was simply irresistible, and as soon as I took my first bite, I knew I had to learn how to make it myself.

Maria was kind enough to share her family recipe with me, and I eagerly set out to recreate the dish in my own kitchen. The first step was to gather all the necessary ingredients: chicken pieces, onions, peppers, tomatoes, garlic, olives, and a variety of spices. As I chopped and diced, I could already feel the magic of the dish coming together.

The key to making a flavorful Pollo guisado lies in the seasoning. I made sure to marinate the chicken in a mixture of garlic, oregano, cumin, and paprika for at least an hour before cooking. This allowed the flavors to penetrate the meat and create a rich and robust base for the stew.

Once the chicken was marinated, I heated some oil in a large pot and browned the pieces on all sides. This step not only added depth to the flavor but also helped to seal in the juices and keep the meat tender. As the chicken sizzled in the pot, the aroma of the spices and herbs filled my kitchen, making my mouth water in anticipation.

Next, I added in the onions, peppers, and garlic, sautéing them until they were soft and fragrant. Then came the tomatoes, olives, and a splash of chicken broth, which would simmer and meld together to create a rich and flavorful sauce. I let the stew simmer on low heat, allowing the chicken to become tender and the flavors to intensify.

As the Pollo guisado cooked, I couldn't help but feel a sense of satisfaction and joy. The familiar aromas and flavors reminded me of my childhood in the countryside, where my grandmother would spend hours in the kitchen creating delicious meals for our family. I felt a deep connection to my roots and a sense of pride in carrying on the tradition of cooking with love and passion.

Finally, after a few hours of simmering, the Pollo guisado was ready to be served. I ladled generous portions of the stew into bowls and garnished it with fresh herbs and a squeeze of lime. The vibrant colors and enticing aromas made my mouth water, and I couldn't wait to dig in.

As I took my first bite of the Pollo guisado, I was transported back to simpler times, surrounded by loved ones and enjoying a home-cooked meal made with care and attention to detail. The flavors were bold and comforting, with a perfect balance of spices and textures that danced on my tongue.

I knew then that Pollo guisado would become a staple in my repertoire of recipes, a dish that I would pass down to future generations with pride and joy. It was more than just a meal—it was a connection to my past, a reminder of the love and dedication that went into every dish my grandmother cooked.

And so, whenever I make Pollo guisado now, I do so with a heart full of memories and a spirit of gratitude for all the lessons and recipes that have been passed down to me over the years. Cooking is more than just a task—it is a labor of love, a way to nourish the body and soul, and a way to connect with the past and the present in a meaningful and delicious way.