Basque Chicken

Basque Chicken: A Mediterranean Flavored Delicacy

Preparation Time: 20 minutes
Cooking Time: 1 hour
Total Time: 1 hour and 20 minutes
Servings: 4

The history of Basque Chicken is fascinating, blending the culinary influences of Mediterranean regions with ancient traditions. This recipe is an explosion of flavors that transforms simple cooking into an unforgettable culinary experience. Prepare for a gastronomic adventure, where the chicken perfectly combines with fresh vegetables and aromatic spices.

Ingredients

- 1 free-range chicken (approximately 1.5 kg)
- 150 g ham (preferably smoked for extra flavor)
- 3 large onions
- 1 kg roasted red peppers (or fresh red peppers if you don't have roasted ones)
- 4 cloves of garlic
- 200 ml dry white wine
- 1 kg tomatoes (you can mix red and yellow tomatoes for a colorful presentation)
- 1 bay leaf
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Dried thyme
- Sweet paprika (or smoked, depending on your preference)
- Olive oil (3-4 tablespoons)

Necessary Utensils

- Large skillet or pot
- Wooden spatula
- Kitchen knife
- Cutting board
- Wooden spoon
- Marinade bowl

Step by Step

1. Preparing the Ingredients: Start by peeling the onions and garlic. Slice the onions into julienne strips and mince the garlic. If you don't have roasted peppers, roast them in the oven until the skin is blackened and easily removable. Once roasted, slice them.

2. Cutting the Chicken: Cut the chicken into smaller pieces (thighs, breast, wings). This will help with even and faster cooking. Season the chicken with salt, pepper, paprika, and thyme, ensuring each piece is well coated.

3. Cooking the Chicken: In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the chicken pieces and sauté until browned on all sides. This step is essential for achieving a delicious crust. Once the chicken is browned, remove it from the skillet and keep it warm.

4. Sautéing the Vegetables: In the same skillet, add the onion and sauté in the remaining fat until translucent. This will add a deep flavor to the dish. Add the minced garlic and sliced ham, allowing them to sauté together for a few minutes.

5. Adding the Wine and Tomatoes: Pour the white wine into the skillet, letting it simmer for a few minutes to evaporate the alcohol. Then, add the diced tomatoes and bay leaf. Mix everything well, then return the chicken to the skillet.

6. Simmering: Cover the skillet and let it simmer on low heat for about 40 minutes, until the chicken is well cooked and juicy. Check occasionally to ensure it doesn't stick to the bottom of the skillet.

7. Adding the Roasted Peppers: In the last 10 minutes of cooking, add the slices of roasted peppers. Allow the sauce to reduce slightly, concentrating the flavors.

8. Serving: This delicious recipe can be served with rice, polenta, mashed potatoes, or couscous. Personally, I love to serve it with layered rice, adding roasted peppers between the layers. The flavors blend beautifully!

Chef's Tip

To add a personal touch, you can try adding green or black olives during cooking. These will bring an additional Mediterranean flavor. Also, don’t forget to use high-quality olive oil, as it will significantly influence the final taste of the dish.

Nutritional Information

This Basque Chicken recipe is rich in protein due to the chicken and ham. The tomatoes and peppers contribute essential vitamins and antioxidants, being low in calories. A serving has about 450 calories, depending on how it is served.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can I use frozen chicken?
Yes, but make sure to fully thaw it before cooking.

2. What white wine should I use?
A dry white wine, such as Sauvignon Blanc or Chardonnay, is ideal. Avoid sweet wines, as they will alter the sauce's flavor.

3. How can I adapt this recipe to make it spicier?
You can add minced hot peppers or chili flakes to the tomato sauce.

Possible Variations

- Chicken with Olives: Add green or black olives to the recipe for a Mediterranean flavor.
- Vegetarian Version: Replace the chicken with tofu or mushrooms for a delicious vegetarian option.
- Add Greens: A handful of freshly chopped parsley on top when serving will add a touch of freshness and color.

Drink Pairing Recommendations

This Basque Chicken pairs excellently with a dry white wine or a blonde beer. Additionally, a citrus-flavored herbal tea can add a refreshing note.

I hope you find this Basque Chicken recipe as delicious as I made it! I encourage you to experiment and adapt the recipe to your preferences. Enjoy your meal!