Suffed hen/chicken

Bulgarian Stuffed Hen/Chicken Recipe with Cabbage and Corns

Region / culture: Bulgaria | Servings: 4

Introduction

Stuffed hen or chicken is a delicious and hearty dish that is perfect for a special occasion or a family dinner. The combination of tender poultry and flavorful filling makes this recipe a favorite among many.

History

The recipe for stuffed hen or chicken has been around for centuries and is a traditional dish in many cultures. It is often served during holidays and celebrations as a symbol of abundance and prosperity.

Ingredients

1 hen
3 coffee cups of grouts
1 coffee cup of vegetable oil
half a head of pickled cabbage (sauerkraut) or fresh cabbage
10 corns of pepper
2 teaspoonfuls of red pepper
1 teaspoonful of ground dry savory

How to prepare

To prepare the filling, pour boiling water over the grouts and add half of the thinly cut sauerkraut. Then add the oil and 2 coffee-cupfuls of warm water. Stew the sauerkraut in a covered pot over low heat. Season it with savory, pepper, and red pepper.
Stuff the poultry with this filling and sew it up with a scalded white thread. Lay the remaining thinly cut sauerkraut on the bottom of the cooking pot. Place the poultry on top.
Pour water and sauerkraut juice in equal proportions to cover 0.67 of the poultry's height with the liquid. If sauerkraut juice is not available, use only water. Before covering the pot with a lid, cover it with white paper.
Stew over low heat until the meat becomes tender. Serve this dish with a salad of roasted or pickled peppers. You can also garnish it with pickled cucumbers or stewed carrots.

Variations

You can add chopped vegetables like carrots, onions, and celery to the filling for added flavor and nutrition.
Instead of grouts, you can use rice or quinoa as the base of the filling for a different texture.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

Make sure to season the filling well to enhance the flavor of the dish.

- Sewing up the poultry with a scalded white thread helps to keep the filling inside while cooking.

- Stewing the poultry over low heat ensures that the meat becomes tender and juicy.

Serving Suggestions

Serve the stuffed hen or chicken with a side of roasted or pickled peppers, pickled cucumbers, or stewed carrots for a complete and satisfying meal.

Cooking Techniques

Stewing the poultry over low heat ensures that it cooks evenly and becomes tender. Covering the pot with white paper helps to retain the moisture and flavor of the dish.

Ingredient Substitutions

If you don't have grouts, you can use rice or quinoa as a substitute. You can also use olive oil instead of vegetable oil for a different flavor.

Make Ahead Tips

You can prepare the filling and stuff the poultry ahead of time and refrigerate it until ready to cook. This dish also reheats well, making it a great option for meal prep.

Presentation Ideas

Garnish the stuffed hen or chicken with fresh herbs like parsley or dill for a pop of color and flavor. You can also serve it on a bed of sauerkraut for a rustic and traditional presentation.

Pairing Recommendations

This dish pairs well with a glass of white wine or a light beer. You can also serve it with a side of crusty bread or mashed potatoes for a complete meal.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

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

Nutrition Information

Calories per serving

Each serving of stuffed hen or chicken contains approximately 400-500 calories, depending on the size of the poultry and the amount of filling used.

Carbohydrates

The carbohydrates in this dish mainly come from the grouts and sauerkraut, providing energy for the body.

Fats

The vegetable oil used in this recipe adds healthy fats to the dish, which are essential for overall health and wellbeing.

Proteins

The hen or chicken in this recipe is a great source of protein, which is important for muscle growth and repair.

Vitamins and minerals

The sauerkraut in this dish is rich in vitamins C and K, as well as minerals like potassium and calcium.

Alergens

This recipe contains gluten from the grouts and may not be suitable for those with gluten allergies. It also contains poultry, which may be an allergen for some individuals.

Summary

Overall, stuffed hen or chicken is a nutritious and balanced meal that provides a good mix of carbohydrates, fats, proteins, vitamins, and minerals.

Summary

Stuffed hen or chicken is a delicious and comforting dish that is perfect for a special occasion or a family dinner. With a flavorful filling and tender poultry, this recipe is sure to be a hit with your loved ones.

How did I get this recipe?

I remember the joy I felt when I first stumbled upon this recipe for stuffed hen. It was many years ago, when I was just a young girl, visiting my Aunt Rose for the summer. Aunt Rose was known in our family as the queen of the kitchen, and I was always eager to learn from her.

One day, while we were rummaging through her collection of cookbooks, Aunt Rose pulled out an old, weathered recipe card. It was handwritten in faded ink, and the title read "Stuffed Hen." Curious, I asked her about it, and she smiled and told me that it was a family recipe passed down from generation to generation.

Aunt Rose explained that the key to making the perfect stuffed hen was in the seasoning. She showed me how to mix together a blend of herbs and spices, including sage, thyme, and rosemary, to create a flavorful stuffing. She also taught me how to prepare the hen by carefully removing the giblets and gently seasoning the bird inside and out.

As we worked together in the kitchen, Aunt Rose shared stories of her own childhood, when she would help her own grandmother prepare the stuffed hen for special family gatherings. She spoke fondly of the memories they shared in the kitchen, laughing and singing as they worked side by side.

I listened intently as Aunt Rose shared her knowledge and experience with me, taking mental notes of each step in the process. I could feel the love and tradition that went into making this dish, and I knew that I wanted to carry on the tradition in my own family one day.

After hours of preparation, the stuffed hen was finally ready to be cooked. We placed it in the oven and waited patiently as the aroma of herbs and spices filled the kitchen. When it was finally done, Aunt Rose carved the hen into tender slices, revealing the perfectly seasoned stuffing inside.

As we sat down to enjoy our meal, I knew that this recipe would hold a special place in my heart forever. It was more than just a dish – it was a connection to my past, a link to my family's history and traditions.

Over the years, I have continued to make Aunt Rose's stuffed hen recipe for my own family. I have added my own twists and variations, experimenting with different ingredients and flavors. But no matter how I choose to adapt the recipe, the spirit of Aunt Rose's original creation always shines through.

Each time I make stuffed hen for my loved ones, I am reminded of the joy and love that went into its creation. I am grateful for the knowledge and wisdom that Aunt Rose passed down to me, and I hope to continue sharing this special dish with future generations to come.

As I look back on that fateful day when I first discovered the recipe for stuffed hen, I am filled with gratitude for the gift of cooking and the joy of sharing delicious meals with the ones I love. And I am thankful for the memories and traditions that have been passed down to me, shaping me into the cook and storyteller that I am today.