Chicken Ostropel

Chicken Ostropel: a traditional recipe full of flavor and warmth

Chicken ostropel is a traditional dish that brings not only exquisite flavors to the plate but also cherished childhood memories when family meals were filled with lovingly cooked delights. This simple yet flavorful recipe will delight your senses and will surely become one of your favorite recipes in your kitchen.

Preparation time: 20 minutes
Cooking time: 40 minutes
Total time: 1 hour
Number of servings: 4

Necessary ingredients:
- 500 g chicken thighs (preferably bone-in for a richer taste)
- 2 bell peppers (one red and one green for vibrant colors)
- 1 bunch of green onions
- 1 large onion
- 2 carrots
- 100 g smoked meat (optional, but recommended for extra flavor)
- 8 ripe tomatoes (or a can of tomatoes if out of season)
- 5 cloves of garlic
- salt to taste
- pepper to taste
- fresh lovage (one bunch)
- 1 teaspoon sweet paprika
- oil for sautéing (olive oil is a healthy choice)

Preparation steps:

1. Preparing the meat: Start by cutting the chicken thighs into suitable pieces so they cook evenly. Place them in a pot with water and salt, bringing to a boil. Skimming is essential, so remove the foam that forms on the surface. After about 5 minutes of boiling, remove the pot from the heat.

2. Cleaning the vegetables: While the meat is boiling, clean and chop the vegetables. Chop the large onion finely, and dice the peppers and carrots. The tomatoes can be chopped finely or, for a quicker method, use a food processor – add the garlic to create a fragrant mix.

3. Sautéing the vegetables: In a deep pot, heat the oil. Add the onion and sauté until it becomes translucent. Then, add the carrots and peppers, letting them sauté for 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally.

4. Combining the ingredients: After the vegetables have sautéed, add the drained chicken pieces, the chopped tomatoes, and a cup of the broth in which the meat boiled. Let everything simmer on low heat. If using smoked meat, now is the time to add it. Season with salt, pepper, and sweet paprika to taste.

5. Cooking the ostropel: Cover the pot and let the ostropel simmer on low heat for 20-30 minutes until the sauce thickens and the meat becomes tender. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.

6. Finalizing the dish: With 5 minutes before turning off the heat, add the finely chopped lovage for a fresh taste. Mix well and let the aroma unfold.

7. Serving: Chicken ostropel is served hot, ideally alongside a slightly salty polenta that will absorb the delicious sauce. A green salad or a summer salad can perfectly complement the meal, bringing a note of freshness.

Practical tips:
- Choosing the meat: Use bone-in chicken thighs for a richer taste. If you prefer breast meat, it will cook faster, but it won’t have the same level of flavor.
- Vegetarian option: You can replace chicken with mushrooms or tofu for a delicious vegetarian version.
- Enhancing the sauce: Add some black olives or capers to the sauce for an extra flavor boost and an interesting contrast.

Nutritional information:
A serving of chicken ostropel contains approximately 350-400 calories, depending on the amount of oil and smoked meat used. It is a good source of protein, vitamins, and minerals, thanks to the fresh vegetables used.

Frequently asked questions:
- Can I use turkey instead of chicken? Yes, turkey is an excellent choice with a similar taste.
- Is this dish suitable for freezing? Yes, chicken ostropel freezes well. Make sure to let it cool completely before storing it in airtight containers.
- What can I serve with ostropel? Besides polenta, rice or mashed potatoes are also excellent options.

Now that you have all the necessary information, all that’s left is to start cooking! Enjoy the unmistakable aroma of chicken ostropel and share it with your loved ones. This recipe is not just a meal, but a culinary experience that will bring the whole family to the table. Enjoy your meal!