Homemade chicken ciulama

Chicken Ciulama: A Classic Recipe That Warms Your Heart

Preparation time: 20 minutes
Cooking time: 1 hour
Total time: 1 hour and 20 minutes
Servings: 4

Introduction

At the heart of traditional cuisine, chicken ciulama holds a special place. It is a dish that not only delights your senses but also evokes pleasant memories, reminding us of warm and welcoming meals at home. With a creamy sauce based on onion and sour cream, this ciulama becomes truly delicious by using free-range chicken. I invite you to discover the simple steps to prepare this dish and share some useful tips to achieve a perfect result.

Ingredients

- 500 g free-range chicken breast (or thighs, as preferred)
- 50 g flour
- 300 ml sour cream
- 1 large onion, finely chopped
- 1 carrot, peeled and diced
- 1 parsley root, peeled and diced
- 1 small piece of celery (optional), peeled and finely chopped
- 500 ml meat broth (or water with a vegetable cube)
- Salt, to taste
- A little oil for frying

Preparation

1. Preparing the meat: Start by washing the chicken well. If you use free-range chicken, it will add a unique flavor to your ciulama. Place the meat in a pot and cover it with cold water. Add a teaspoon of salt and let it boil. If you have a pressure cooker, it will reduce the cooking time. Boil the meat for 30-40 minutes until tender.

2. Preparing the vegetable sauce: In another pot, add the diced carrot, parsley root, and celery. These vegetables will add a special flavor to your ciulama. After the meat has boiled, add the vegetables to the pot with the broth and let them simmer together for about 30 minutes.

3. Preparing the roux: In a pan, heat a little oil over medium heat. Add the flour and continuously stir with a spatula or wooden spoon until it becomes lightly golden. It is essential not to leave it on the heat too long to avoid burning.

4. Thickening the sauce: Carefully take about 500 ml of the broth in which the meat boiled and gradually pour it over the fried flour. Stir continuously to avoid lumps. Continue adding broth until you achieve a consistency similar to sour cream. Let it simmer on low heat, stirring occasionally, for about 5-10 minutes.

5. Adding the sour cream: Once the sauce has thickened, remove the pan from the heat. In a separate bowl, beat the sour cream with 2 tablespoons of cold water, then gradually add it to the sauce, stirring constantly. This step will make the sauce creamy and flavorful.

6. Combining the ingredients: Add the boiled meat and vegetables to the sour cream sauce. Mix well to combine all the flavors. Let everything simmer together on low heat for another 5-10 minutes for the flavors to meld.

7. Serving: Chicken ciulama is served hot, usually alongside polenta, which adds a delicious contrast. You can top it with freshly chopped parsley for an extra touch of freshness.

Practical tips

- Chicken: Using free-range chicken is essential for achieving an authentic and rich flavor. If you don't have access to free-range meat, make sure to choose high-quality chicken.
- Sour cream: Choose a full-fat sour cream to achieve a creamier sauce. Avoid light sour cream, as it may curdle the sauce.
- Storing the sauce: If you have leftover sauce, you can keep it in the fridge, but make sure to heat it well before consuming. It can also be used with other types of meat.

Possible variations

To vary the recipe, you can add mushrooms or bell peppers to the sauce, which will add an extra note of flavor. You can also replace the sour cream with Greek yogurt for a lighter version.

Frequently asked questions

1. Can I use another type of meat? Yes, you can use turkey or pork, but the taste will be different.
2. Is this recipe suitable for children? Yes, chicken ciulama is easy to digest and very tasty for little ones.
3. How can I enhance the flavor of the sauce? You can add some herbs, such as thyme or bay leaf, during the boiling of the vegetables.

Nutritional values (per estimated serving)

- Calories: 450 kcal
- Protein: 38 g
- Fat: 25 g
- Carbohydrates: 20 g

This chicken ciulama is not just a dish, but a culinary experience that brings comfort and warmth in every bite. I encourage you to try it and share your impressions! Of course, don't forget to serve it with warm polenta and a glass of white wine or a refreshing lemonade to complete a perfect meal. Enjoy your meal!