Chicken stew with mushrooms

Chicken Ostropel with Mushrooms - a traditional Romanian dish, full of flavors and taste, that will transport you directly to childhood memories. This dish is perfect for family meals and stands out for its simplicity and unmistakable taste. Get ready to enjoy a delicious ostropel, cooked in grandma's style, with fresh ingredients and simple techniques.

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

Ingredients:
- 1 kg chicken back (or thighs, as preferred)
- 300 g fresh mushrooms (champignon or trout)
- 2 medium onions
- 3-4 cloves of garlic
- 2-3 tomatoes or 400 g canned tomatoes
- 200 ml dry white wine
- 100 ml olive oil
- 1 bunch of fresh parsley
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 teaspoon sweet paprika (optional)
- 1 bay leaf

Preparation:

1. Preparing the ingredients: Start by washing the chicken back well under cold running water, then cut it in half. This technique helps to cook the meat evenly. Chop the onion into small cubes, and slice the mushrooms. Finely chop the garlic to release its aroma.

2. Heating the pot: Place the pot on the stove and add the olive oil. Once the oil is hot, add the onion. Sauté the onion over medium heat for 5-7 minutes until it becomes golden and soft. This is the key step to bring a sweet taste to your ostropel.

3. Cooking the chicken: Add the chicken pieces to the pot, seasoning them with salt, pepper, and, if you like, a teaspoon of sweet paprika. Brown the chicken on all sides for 10-15 minutes until the meat turns slightly golden. This will add a delicious texture and intensify the flavors.

4. Adding the mushrooms: After the chicken is browned, add the mushrooms and chopped garlic. Mix well and let them cook together for 5 minutes. The mushrooms will release water, and this liquid will help form the sauce.

5. Tomato and wine sauce: Chop the tomatoes into small cubes if using fresh tomatoes. Add them to the pot along with the white wine and bay leaf. Cover the pot with a lid and let the ostropel simmer on low heat for 20-25 minutes. The sauce will reduce and enrich with the flavors of the ingredients.

6. Finishing the dish: After 25 minutes, check if the chicken is tender and well-cooked. Taste the sauce and adjust the seasoning with salt and pepper if necessary. Finally, add the finely chopped parsley for an extra touch of freshness.

Serving: Chicken ostropel with mushrooms is served hot, perfect alongside a side of polenta or mashed potatoes. This dish pairs wonderfully with a crunchy green salad, bringing a perfect balance of flavors.

Possible variations: You can also add other vegetables, such as carrots or bell peppers, to diversify the taste. Additionally, for a spicy version, you can add a finely chopped hot pepper.

Useful tips: Make sure all ingredients are fresh and that the chicken is of good quality, preferably from a trusted producer. Try to use a quality white wine, as it will influence the final taste of the ostropel. Don’t hesitate to experiment with spices and add a personal touch to your recipe.

Enjoy this chicken ostropel with mushrooms, a simple and delicious recipe that will remind you of warm family meals!