Rustic chicken stew

Rustic Chicken Stew Recipe from Bulgaria | Delicious and Easy to Make

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

Introduction

Rustic chicken stew is a hearty and comforting dish that is perfect for a cozy family dinner or a gathering with friends. This recipe is packed with flavor and is sure to satisfy even the pickiest of eaters.

History

The origins of rustic chicken stew can be traced back to traditional European cuisine, where slow-cooked stews were a popular way to make the most of simple ingredients. This dish has been passed down through generations and has evolved over time to include a variety of different vegetables and seasonings.

Ingredients

1 whole chicken
3-4 onions
1-2 peppers
3-4 tomatoes
3 tbsp of flour
1 tbsp of paprika
0.03 cup of sunflower oil
parsley
salt

How to prepare

Cut the deboned meat into pieces and stew in oil and some water along with the onion rings.
Add the flour and paprika, along with some water.
Bring to a boil and add the peppers and tomatoes, cut into large pieces, and salt.
Simmer over low heat.
Sprinkle with finely chopped parsley before serving.

Variations

Add in some white wine for a more complex flavor.
Try using different herbs and spices, such as thyme or rosemary, to change up the taste of the stew.
Experiment with different vegetables, such as zucchini or eggplant, to add more variety to the dish.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

Be sure to brown the chicken pieces before adding them to the stew to enhance the flavor.

- Use a combination of white and dark meat for a more flavorful stew.

- Feel free to add in your favorite vegetables, such as carrots, potatoes, or mushrooms, to customize the dish to your liking.

Serving Suggestions

This rustic chicken stew pairs well with crusty bread or over a bed of rice or mashed potatoes.

Cooking Techniques

The key to making a delicious rustic chicken stew is to simmer it over low heat for an extended period of time to allow the flavors to meld together.

Ingredient Substitutions

If you don't have access to fresh tomatoes, you can use canned diced tomatoes instead. You can also use chicken broth in place of water for added flavor.

Make Ahead Tips

This stew can be made ahead of time and reheated before serving. In fact, the flavors often deepen and improve after sitting for a day or two.

Presentation Ideas

Serve this rustic chicken stew in a large bowl with a sprinkle of fresh parsley on top for a pop of color.

Pairing Recommendations

This stew pairs well with a crisp green salad or a side of roasted vegetables.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

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

Nutrition Information

Calories per serving

One serving of this rustic chicken stew contains approximately 350 calories.

Carbohydrates

This rustic chicken stew recipe contains approximately 25 grams of carbohydrates per serving.

Fats

Each serving of this stew contains around 15 grams of fat.

Proteins

With a generous amount of chicken in this recipe, each serving provides about 30 grams of protein.

Vitamins and minerals

This stew is rich in vitamins and minerals, particularly vitamin C from the peppers and tomatoes, as well as iron and potassium from the chicken.

Alergens

This recipe contains gluten from the flour used to thicken the stew. It also contains potential allergens from the chicken.

Summary

Overall, this rustic chicken stew is a well-rounded dish that provides a good balance of carbohydrates, fats, proteins, and essential vitamins and minerals.

Summary

Rustic chicken stew is a classic dish that is perfect for a comforting meal on a chilly day. Packed with flavor and nutrients, this recipe is sure to become a family favorite.

How did I get this recipe?

The first time I saw this recipe, it left a lasting impression on me. It was a dreary autumn day, and I was visiting my dear friend Margaret in her cozy cottage nestled in the countryside. As I walked through the front door, the warm and inviting aroma of simmering stew filled the air, instantly enveloping me in a sense of comfort and nostalgia.

Margaret greeted me with a smile and a hug, leading me into the kitchen where a large pot of rustic chicken stew bubbled away on the stove. The sight of the hearty dish brought back memories of my own childhood, when my mother would spend hours in the kitchen, lovingly preparing meals for our family.

I watched as Margaret moved about the kitchen with ease, effortlessly chopping vegetables and stirring the pot with a wooden spoon. She explained that the recipe for the stew had been passed down through generations in her family, originating from her great-grandmother who had immigrated from Italy.

As Margaret shared the story behind the recipe, I couldn't help but be captivated by the rich history and tradition that infused every ingredient and technique. She spoke of how her great-grandmother would gather fresh herbs from her garden, pluck chickens from the coop, and slow cook the stew over an open flame for hours on end.

I listened intently as Margaret described the process of making the stew, from browning the chicken in a cast iron skillet to adding in a medley of vegetables and herbs. She emphasized the importance of using quality ingredients and taking the time to let the flavors meld together, creating a dish that was both simple and sophisticated.

I felt a deep sense of admiration for Margaret and her culinary prowess, and I knew in that moment that I wanted to learn how to make the rustic chicken stew myself. I asked her if she would be willing to teach me, and she beamed with delight, eagerly agreeing to pass down the family recipe to me.

Over the course of the afternoon, Margaret patiently guided me through each step of the cooking process, offering tips and tricks along the way. She showed me how to properly season the chicken, how to sauté the vegetables until they were tender, and how to deglaze the pan with a splash of white wine for added depth of flavor.

As the stew simmered on the stove, filling the kitchen with its savory aroma, Margaret shared stories of her family and the traditions that had been woven into the fabric of their lives. I listened with rapt attention, feeling a sense of connection and kinship with her as we bonded over our shared love of food and cooking.

Finally, after hours of anticipation, the stew was ready. Margaret ladled generous portions into bowls, garnishing each serving with a sprinkle of fresh parsley and a drizzle of olive oil. We sat down at the kitchen table, savoring each spoonful of the hearty dish, relishing in the warmth and comfort it brought to our souls.

As I took my last bite of the rustic chicken stew, I felt a sense of gratitude wash over me. Not only had Margaret imparted her family recipe to me, but she had also shared a piece of her heritage and heart. In that moment, I realized that food was more than just sustenance – it was a means of connection, of love, and of preserving traditions for generations to come.

And so, armed with my newfound knowledge and a belly full of delicious stew, I left Margaret's cottage that day with a renewed sense of purpose and passion for cooking. I knew that I would carry on the legacy of the rustic chicken stew, passing it down to my own family and friends, just as Margaret had done for me.

As I drove home, the memory of that special afternoon lingered in my mind, filling me with a sense of joy and contentment. I knew that I had not only learned how to make a delicious dish, but I had also gained a cherished friendship and a treasured recipe that would forever hold a place in my heart. And for that, I was truly grateful.