Chicken Potato Stew

Chicken potato stew is a traditional dish that brings comfort to every meal. This simple and delicious recipe combines the rich flavors of vegetables with succulent chicken, resulting in a nourishing and flavorful dish. Throughout history, stews have been an excellent way to transform simple ingredients into hearty meals, bringing families together around the table. Whether served at a family dinner or a special occasion, this dish will bring warmth and joy.

Preparation time: 20 minutes
Cooking time: 60 minutes
Total time: 80 minutes
Servings: 6

Ingredients:
- 5 chicken thighs (preferably bone-in for richer flavor)
- 4 medium onions
- 2 carrots
- 10 potatoes
- 1 bunch of fresh dill
- 1 bell pepper (any color you prefer)
- 5 tablespoons of oil (sunflower or olive oil)
- 2 tablespoons of tomato paste (or tomato puree)
- Salt to taste
- Water (enough to cover the ingredients)

Preparation instructions:

1. Preparing the chicken
Start by washing the chicken thighs under cold running water. Then, cut them in half for more even cooking. Place them in a large pot with water and add a teaspoon of salt. Bring to a boil. When the water starts boiling and foam forms on the surface, remove the thighs with a slotted spoon and discard the water. This step helps remove impurities and the taste of the carcass.

2. Boiling the chicken
Add clean water to the pot, enough to cover the thighs, and bring them to a boil again. Boil for about 30 minutes or until the meat is tender.

3. Preparing the vegetables
While the chicken is boiling, peel the onions and slice them thinly. Grate the peeled carrots, and dice the bell pepper. These vegetables will add flavor and texture to the stew.

4. Sautéing the vegetables
In a large pot, add 5 tablespoons of oil and heat it over medium heat. Add the onion and sauté until it becomes translucent, about 5-7 minutes. This step is essential to release the flavors of the onion and integrate them into the dish.

5. Adding the carrot and bell pepper
Once the onion is sautéed, add the grated carrot and diced bell pepper. Continue to sauté the vegetables for 5-7 minutes, gradually adding a little water to help them soften.

6. Preparing the potatoes
Peel the potatoes and cut them into cubes or round slices, depending on your preference. Add them to the pot over the sautéed vegetables and mix well.

7. Adding water and seasonings
Pour water into the pot until the ingredients are covered. Add salt to taste and let it simmer over medium heat, covered, for 20-25 minutes or until the potatoes are soft.

8. Finishing the stew
When the chicken thighs are cooked, remove them from the pot and add them to the pot, along with the tomato paste. Mix well and let it simmer together for 15 minutes, allowing the flavors to combine perfectly. Finally, add the finely chopped dill to the stew for an extra touch of freshness and flavor.

9. Serving
The chicken potato stew is served hot, ideally alongside a slice of fresh bread. You can add a simple green salad or pickles for a delicious contrast.

Practical tips:
- Choosing the meat: Bone-in chicken thighs provide a richer flavor to the stew than chicken breast. If you prefer leaner meat, you can use breast, but remember to adjust the cooking time.
- Vegetarian option: You can replace the chicken with mushrooms or tofu, and the tomato paste with vegetable broth for a delicious vegetarian variant.
- Additional seasonings: You can also add seasonings like black pepper, sweet paprika, or garlic to intensify the flavors.

Nutritional information:
A serving of chicken potato stew contains approximately 350-400 calories, depending on the amount of oil used and the type of meat. It provides a good source of protein from the chicken, carbohydrates from the potatoes, and fiber from the vegetables.

Frequently asked questions:
1. Can I use other vegetables?
Absolutely! You can add carrots, celery, zucchini, or even peas, depending on your preferences.

2. How can I store the stew?
The stew keeps well in the refrigerator for 3-4 days. You can reheat it on the stovetop or in the microwave.

3. Can it be frozen?
Yes, chicken potato stew can be frozen. Make sure to store it in airtight containers.

4. What drink pairs well?
A dry white wine or a pale beer pairs wonderfully with this stew, but a fresh lemonade can be an excellent choice for those who prefer non-alcoholic beverages.

5. What are the regional variations of the stew?
Over time, many cultures have developed their own versions of stew, adding specific ingredients and local spices.

Now that you have all the necessary details, all that’s left is to start cooking! Enjoy the delicious aroma of chicken potato stew, which will bring warmth and comfort to every plate.