Chicken stew

Chicken stew with vegetables and creamy sauce: A comforting recipe

Preparation time: 20 minutes
Cooking time: 40 minutes
Total time: 60 minutes
Number of servings: 4

Welcome to the delicious world of cooking! Today, I present you a chicken stew recipe that combines the intense flavors of vegetables with the tenderness of the meat. This recipe is perfect for those days when you want to indulge in a warm and comforting dish, and you may already have the ingredients in your fridge. Let's get started!

A brief story about stew

Stew has deep roots in culinary tradition, being loved in many cultures. Whether cooked with beef, pork, or chicken, stew has always been a way to transform simple ingredients into rich and flavorful meals. This chicken stew recipe is a perfect combination of meat, vegetables, and a creamy sauce that harmoniously blends together, bringing a smile to your face.

Ingredients

- 4 chicken thighs (preferably upper, for juiciness)
- 3 medium onions
- 1 large carrot
- 2 small eggplants
- 2 cans of mushrooms (about 400 g)
- 100 g green or black olives (depending on preference)
- 2 pickled cucumbers
- 100 ml red wine (a quality wine that you like)
- 3 tablespoons sour cream (for a creamy sauce)
- 2 tablespoons mustard (for a more intense flavor)
- 4 tablespoons tomato paste (or tomato puree)
- 4 cloves of garlic
- 1 bunch of fresh parsley
- Oregano (optional)
- Delikat (or another preferred seasoning, optional)
- Oil (for frying)
- Salt and pepper to taste

Preparing the stew

1. Preparing the ingredients: Wash the chicken thighs and pat them dry with a paper towel. Cut the onions into cubes, the carrot into rounds, the eggplants into cubes, and mince the garlic. If using canned mushrooms, drain them well.

2. Frying the meat: In a large pot, add 3-4 tablespoons of oil and heat it over medium heat. Add the chicken thighs and fry them until golden brown on all sides (about 5-7 minutes).

3. Adding the vegetables: Once the thighs are browned, add the onion and let it sauté for 2-3 minutes until translucent. Add the carrot, eggplants, and mushrooms, stirring occasionally. Let it simmer for 10-15 minutes until the vegetables become slightly soft.

4. Creating the sauce: If the vegetables haven't broken down enough, you can add a little water (about 100 ml) and, if desired, dissolve a bit of Delikat for a more intense flavor. After that, add the red wine, mustard, and sour cream, stirring continuously to avoid lumps. Let the sauce simmer on low heat, stirring occasionally.

5. Finishing the stew: When the sauce reaches the desired consistency, add the minced garlic, fresh parsley, and tomato paste. Let it simmer for another 5-7 minutes, then adjust the salt and pepper to taste. If you prefer a more intense flavor, you can also add oregano.

6. Serving: Place the stew in a generous bowl and garnish with freshly chopped parsley. This stew pairs perfectly with a fresh salad or pickles, which add a pleasant contrast of flavors.

Useful tips

- Enhancing flavors: If you want a more complex flavor, you can add a few bay leaves during cooking. They will add a subtle yet very pleasant note.
- Variations: You can replace the chicken thighs with chicken breast, but be careful not to overcook them, as they can dry out. You can also add other seasonal vegetables, such as zucchini or bell peppers.
- Storing the stew: This recipe keeps very well in the fridge for 2-3 days. The taste actually gets better the next day when the flavors have melded perfectly.

Nutritional benefits

This chicken stew is an excellent source of protein, vitamins, and minerals. Chicken thighs are rich in quality protein, while the vegetables provide an important supply of fiber, vitamins A and C, as well as antioxidants. The sour cream adds a creamy taste, but you can opt for light versions if you are concerned about caloric intake.

Combining with other recipes

Chicken stew pairs wonderfully with side dishes like mashed potatoes, rice, or fresh bread. You can also serve it alongside a glass of red wine or a pale beer, which perfectly complements the dish's flavor.

Frequently asked questions

- Can I use turkey instead of chicken? Yes, the turkey version is delicious and lower in fat.
- How can I make the stew spicier? Add chili powder or chili sauce for a spicier taste.
- Is this recipe suitable for a diet? You can adjust the ingredients (for example, using light sour cream) to make it more diet-friendly.

I encourage you to try this chicken stew recipe! I guarantee it will quickly become one of your favorites. Enjoy your meal!