Chicken Ostropel

Chicken Ostropel - A delicious recipe for winter evenings

Preparation time: 15 minutes
Cooking time: 30 minutes
Total time: 45 minutes
Number of servings: 4

Ostropel is a traditional Romanian dish that combines the rich flavors of vegetables with succulent chicken breast. This simple and quick recipe is perfect for a comforting dinner and can be prepared with the help of a food processor, making the whole process even more efficient. Here’s how to prepare a chicken ostropel that will impress everyone!

Ingredients:
- 1 large chicken breast
- 2 medium onions
- 1 carrot
- ½ red bell pepper
- 200 ml tomato juice (or 3-4 tablespoons of tomato paste)
- 3-4 garlic cloves
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 teaspoon curry (optional, for a flavor twist)
- 1 bay leaf
- 2-3 tablespoons of oil for sautéing
- Fresh parsley for decoration

Step by step:

1. Preparing the ingredients: Start by washing and peeling all the vegetables. Chop the onion, carrot, and bell pepper into small pieces. Use a food processor to save time - it will chop the vegetables evenly and quickly.

2. Blanching the chicken breast: Cut the chicken breast into small pieces, about 2-3 cm, to cook evenly. You can blanch it for a few minutes in hot water to make it more tender and remove any impurities.

3. Sautéing the vegetables: In a large pot, add 2-3 tablespoons of oil and heat it over medium heat. Add the chopped onion, carrot, and bell pepper and sauté for 5-7 minutes until they become golden and soft. This is the stage where the vegetables release their flavors, so don’t skip this step!

4. Adding the chicken breast: As soon as the vegetables are ready, add the chicken breast pieces to the pot. Stir well to coat them with the flavored oil. Add a little water, just enough to cover all the ingredients, and let them simmer on low heat.

5. Adding the sauce: When the chicken breast is almost cooked, add the tomato juice or tomato paste, salt, pepper, curry, and bay leaf. Let it boil for a few minutes, about 5-10 minutes, for the flavors to combine.

6. Finalizing the dish: Finally, add the sliced garlic and let it simmer for another 2-3 minutes. Turn off the heat and remove the bay leaf.

7. Serving: Garnish the ostropel with freshly chopped parsley. It is delicious served alongside warm polenta, but you can choose to pair it with mashed potatoes or a roasted pepper salad for a lighter meal.

Useful tips:
- You can experiment with different types of meat, such as chicken thighs or turkey, for a juicier variant.
- Add olives or mushrooms for a more complex flavor.
- If you prefer a spicier taste, you can add hot peppers or spices like paprika.

This chicken ostropel recipe is an excellent choice for a quick and nutritious dinner, full of flavors and tradition. Try it and enjoy a dish that brings warmth and comfort on any cold winter day!