Celery Stew with Chicken

Chicken stew is a traditional dish, full of flavors and with a slightly sweet taste that delights the taste buds and brings comfort on cool days. We start by washing and cutting the chicken meat, making sure each piece is clean and well-cut. In a large pot, we heat the oil, being careful not to make it too hot so as not to burn the meat. We bring the chicken to the pot and lightly brown it on all sides until it gets a tempting golden color. This not only reveals the flavors of the meat but also enhances the final taste of the stew.

Once the meat is browned, we take it out of the pot and set it aside, and in the same pot, we add the chopped onion. We let it sauté, stirring occasionally, until it becomes translucent and starts to release its sweet aroma. Next comes the carrot, which we grate finely, and the bell pepper, cut into small cubes. These vegetables will add color and flavor to the stew, so we let them sauté for 2-3 minutes, stirring constantly to ensure they cook evenly.

After the vegetables have softened a bit, we add the cleaned, washed, and diced celery. We continue to sauté the vegetables for a few more minutes until they become tender and fragrant. Then, we put the chicken back into the pot and pour enough water (or broth) to cover all the ingredients. We cover the pot with a lid and let the stew simmer on low heat for about 30-35 minutes so that all the flavors combine and the meat becomes tender.

Towards the end of cooking, we add the pepper paste, which will intensify the color and flavor of the stew. We season to taste with salt, pepper, and, if desired, other spices we like, such as paprika or herbs. We dilute the flour with a little water and mix it into the stew, which will thicken the sauce and give it a velvety texture. We let it boil a few more times so that the sauce thickens evenly.

In the end, we add the chopped green parsley, which will give a fresh and aromatic note to the dish. We mix well, and the stew is now ready to serve. We can pair it with a side of polenta or mashed potatoes, and each serving will bring a touch of joy to your table. Enjoy your meal!