Smothered Hen

Introduction

History

Smothered Hen has roots in traditional Southern cooking, where slow-cooking methods were used to create delicious and comforting meals. This recipe has been passed down through generations and continues to be a favorite for many families.

Ingredients

How to prepare

Variations

Cooking Tips & Tricks

Make sure to season the hen generously with salt before cooking to enhance the flavor.

- Be sure to fry the hen on all sides to ensure even cooking.

- Adding water or chicken broth while simmering will help keep the chicken moist and tender.

- Adding garlic towards the end of cooking will add a delicious aroma and flavor to the dish.

Serving Suggestions

Serve the Smothered Hen with a side of french fries and a green lettuce or cucumber salad for a complete meal.

Cooking Techniques

Slow-cooking the chicken in a pan with lard ensures that the meat stays tender and juicy.

Ingredient Substitutions

You can use butter or vegetable oil as a substitute for lard if desired.

Make Ahead Tips

You can marinate the chicken in salt and seasonings ahead of time to save time on the day of cooking.

Presentation Ideas

Serve the Smothered Hen on a platter with the french fries and salad arranged neatly for a beautiful presentation.

Pairing Recommendations

This dish pairs well with a glass of white wine or a cold beer.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

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

Nutrition Information

Calories per serving

200 per serving

Carbohydrates

0g per serving

Fats

10g per serving

Proteins

25g per serving

Vitamins and minerals

This dish is a good source of iron, niacin, and vitamin B6.

Alergens

This recipe contains lard, which may be a potential allergen for some individuals.

Summary

This dish is high in protein and fats, making it a satisfying and hearty meal option.

Summary

Smothered Hen is a delicious and comforting dish that is perfect for a family meal or special occasion. With simple ingredients and easy preparation, this recipe is sure to become a favorite in your household.

How did I get this recipe?

I can't forget the moment I stumbled upon this recipe for Smothered Hen. It was a crisp autumn day, the leaves falling gently to the ground as I made my way through the bustling farmers market. The smell of fresh produce and baked goods filled the air, enticing me to explore each stall.

As I wandered, I came across an elderly woman selling a variety of homemade jams and preserves. Her stall was adorned with jars of every color, the labels handwritten in elegant script. Intrigued, I struck up a conversation with her, asking about the recipes she used for her delicious creations.

She smiled warmly and invited me to sit at a small table set up next to her stall. Over steaming cups of tea, she began to share stories of her childhood spent in the countryside, learning the art of preserving fruits and vegetables from her own grandmother. She spoke of long days spent in the kitchen, stirring pots of bubbling jam and listening to the comforting sounds of the countryside outside.

As she talked, she pulled out a tattered old recipe book from her bag, its pages yellowed with age and stained with splatters of jam. Flipping through the pages, she came to a recipe for Smothered Hen that she claimed had been passed down through her family for generations.

Intrigued, I leaned in closer as she began to explain the ingredients and method for making this traditional dish. The recipe called for a whole hen, plump and juicy, seasoned with a blend of herbs and spices before being seared to a golden brown in a hot skillet. The hen was then simmered in a rich gravy made from the pan drippings, creating a dish that was tender and flavorful.

As she spoke, I could almost taste the dish in my mind, imagining the aroma of the herbs and spices mingling together to create a mouthwatering meal. I felt a sudden urge to try my hand at making Smothered Hen, to recreate the flavors of a bygone era and share them with my own family.

After thanking the kind woman for sharing her recipe with me, I purchased a jar of her homemade strawberry jam and made my way home, eager to try out the recipe for myself. As I gathered the ingredients and prepared the hen, I found myself lost in memories of my own grandmother, who had taught me so much about cooking and baking over the years.

The kitchen filled with the warm, comforting smells of roasting chicken and simmering gravy, and I felt a sense of peace and contentment wash over me. As I sat down to enjoy my meal, I couldn't help but feel grateful for the chance encounter that had led me to discover this wonderful recipe.

Since that day, Smothered Hen has become a staple in my family's meal rotation, a dish that never fails to bring us together around the dinner table. I often think back to the kind woman at the farmers market, whose stories and recipes have inspired me to continue learning and growing in my own culinary journey.

As I write this, my heart is full of gratitude for the traditions and recipes that have been passed down through the generations, connecting me to my past and shaping the future of my family. I am forever thankful for the day I stumbled upon that recipe for Smothered Hen, a dish that will always hold a special place in my heart and on my table.

Categories

| Chicken Recipes | Garlic Recipes | Romanian Meat Dishes | Romanian Recipes |

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