Chicken Ciulama - A Traditional Comfort Food Recipe
Preparation time: 20 minutes
Cooking time: 45 minutes
Total time: 65 minutes
Number of servings: 4
Chicken ciulama is a traditional Romanian dish that evokes childhood memories and the warmth of home. This simple and quick recipe combines the intense flavor of chicken with a creamy sauce, perfect to be served alongside warm polenta. Moreover, it is a versatile recipe, ideal for family meals, celebrating the simplicity of ingredients and the richness of taste.
Ingredients:
- 1 chicken breast (approximately 500g)
- 4-5 sprigs of fresh parsley
- 1 onion
- 1 carrot
- 1 bell pepper
- A pinch of salt
- Half a teaspoon of Delikat (or another preferred seasoning)
- 4 heaping tablespoons of flour
Preparing the chicken soup:
1. Cleaning and preparing the chicken: Wash the chicken breast well under cold running water. This not only removes impurities but also helps keep the meat fresh and tasty.
2. Boiling the chicken: Place the chicken in a 3-liter pot and add enough cold water to cover it completely. Then, turn the heat to medium. When the water starts to boil, add a pinch of salt to enhance the flavor.
3. Removing the foam: After the water starts to boil, foam will form on the surface. Use a skimmer to remove it, ensuring that the soup will be clear and free of impurities.
4. Adding the vegetables: Once you have removed the foam, add the whole onion (you can cut the root for a more intense flavor), the carrot sliced into rounds, and the diced bell pepper. These vegetables will add flavor and aroma to the soup. When all are added, sprinkle half a teaspoon of Delikat for extra taste.
5. Boiling the soup: Let everything boil for 30-35 minutes on low heat. After the chicken is well cooked, remove it from the pot and let it cool. Once cooled, cut it into thin strips.
Preparing the ciulama:
6. The flour: In a deep pan, add a little oil and heat it over medium heat. Add the 4 heaping tablespoons of flour and stir continuously. Lightly brown the flour until it turns golden yellow. This will add a creamy texture to your ciulama.
7. Adding the soup: Using a ladle, gradually add the chicken soup while constantly stirring to avoid lumps. It is essential to use only the liquid from the soup, without the vegetables. If you prefer, you can use a strainer to separate the vegetables.
8. Adjusting the consistency: Continue to add soup until you achieve the desired consistency. If you like your ciulama thicker, add less soup, and for a thinner version, add more liquid.
9. Finishing the dish: Once the ciulama has started to boil (about 5-7 minutes), add the cooked chicken strips and mix well. Ensure the chicken is well incorporated into the sauce, then turn off the heat.
10. Garnishing: Finely chop the fresh parsley and sprinkle it over the ciulama for a fresh and colorful look.
Serving:
Chicken ciulama is served hot, alongside a portion of steaming polenta. This combination is not only delicious but also comforting, perfect for chilly days or moments when you need something to brighten your day.
Useful tips:
- Vegetarian version: You can replace the chicken with mushrooms or tofu for a savory vegetarian version.
- Frequently asked questions: Can ciulama be frozen? Yes, but it is recommended to consume it fresh to maintain the sauce's texture.
- Personal tastes: If you prefer a more intense flavor, you can add spices like pepper or sweet paprika during the preparation of the ciulama.
Nutritional benefits:
Chicken ciulama is rich in protein from the chicken meat, providing essential nutrients to the body. Additionally, the vegetables used contribute vitamins and fiber, making this dish not only tasty but also healthy.
Estimated calories: Approximately 350-400 calories per serving, depending on the amount of oil and polenta served.
Possible variations:
1. Chicken ciulama with mushrooms: Add fresh sliced mushrooms when browning the flour for a rich flavor and unique texture.
2. Chicken ciulama with sour cream: At the end, you can add a tablespoon of sour cream for a creamier taste.
This recipe blends tradition with comfort, bringing a touch of nostalgia and joy to our tables. Enjoy your meal!
Preparation time: 20 minutes
Cooking time: 45 minutes
Total time: 65 minutes
Number of servings: 4
Chicken ciulama is a traditional Romanian dish that evokes childhood memories and the warmth of home. This simple and quick recipe combines the intense flavor of chicken with a creamy sauce, perfect to be served alongside warm polenta. Moreover, it is a versatile recipe, ideal for family meals, celebrating the simplicity of ingredients and the richness of taste.
Ingredients:
- 1 chicken breast (approximately 500g)
- 4-5 sprigs of fresh parsley
- 1 onion
- 1 carrot
- 1 bell pepper
- A pinch of salt
- Half a teaspoon of Delikat (or another preferred seasoning)
- 4 heaping tablespoons of flour
Preparing the chicken soup:
1. Cleaning and preparing the chicken: Wash the chicken breast well under cold running water. This not only removes impurities but also helps keep the meat fresh and tasty.
2. Boiling the chicken: Place the chicken in a 3-liter pot and add enough cold water to cover it completely. Then, turn the heat to medium. When the water starts to boil, add a pinch of salt to enhance the flavor.
3. Removing the foam: After the water starts to boil, foam will form on the surface. Use a skimmer to remove it, ensuring that the soup will be clear and free of impurities.
4. Adding the vegetables: Once you have removed the foam, add the whole onion (you can cut the root for a more intense flavor), the carrot sliced into rounds, and the diced bell pepper. These vegetables will add flavor and aroma to the soup. When all are added, sprinkle half a teaspoon of Delikat for extra taste.
5. Boiling the soup: Let everything boil for 30-35 minutes on low heat. After the chicken is well cooked, remove it from the pot and let it cool. Once cooled, cut it into thin strips.
Preparing the ciulama:
6. The flour: In a deep pan, add a little oil and heat it over medium heat. Add the 4 heaping tablespoons of flour and stir continuously. Lightly brown the flour until it turns golden yellow. This will add a creamy texture to your ciulama.
7. Adding the soup: Using a ladle, gradually add the chicken soup while constantly stirring to avoid lumps. It is essential to use only the liquid from the soup, without the vegetables. If you prefer, you can use a strainer to separate the vegetables.
8. Adjusting the consistency: Continue to add soup until you achieve the desired consistency. If you like your ciulama thicker, add less soup, and for a thinner version, add more liquid.
9. Finishing the dish: Once the ciulama has started to boil (about 5-7 minutes), add the cooked chicken strips and mix well. Ensure the chicken is well incorporated into the sauce, then turn off the heat.
10. Garnishing: Finely chop the fresh parsley and sprinkle it over the ciulama for a fresh and colorful look.
Serving:
Chicken ciulama is served hot, alongside a portion of steaming polenta. This combination is not only delicious but also comforting, perfect for chilly days or moments when you need something to brighten your day.
Useful tips:
- Vegetarian version: You can replace the chicken with mushrooms or tofu for a savory vegetarian version.
- Frequently asked questions: Can ciulama be frozen? Yes, but it is recommended to consume it fresh to maintain the sauce's texture.
- Personal tastes: If you prefer a more intense flavor, you can add spices like pepper or sweet paprika during the preparation of the ciulama.
Nutritional benefits:
Chicken ciulama is rich in protein from the chicken meat, providing essential nutrients to the body. Additionally, the vegetables used contribute vitamins and fiber, making this dish not only tasty but also healthy.
Estimated calories: Approximately 350-400 calories per serving, depending on the amount of oil and polenta served.
Possible variations:
1. Chicken ciulama with mushrooms: Add fresh sliced mushrooms when browning the flour for a rich flavor and unique texture.
2. Chicken ciulama with sour cream: At the end, you can add a tablespoon of sour cream for a creamier taste.
This recipe blends tradition with comfort, bringing a touch of nostalgia and joy to our tables. Enjoy your meal!