Monastic chicken

Monastery Chicken with Mushrooms and Polenta

In the heart of traditional cuisine, the recipe for Monastery Chicken shines like a true symbol of culinary joy. This recipe, full of flavors and textures, takes us back to storybook times when meals were rich in flavor and warmth. Whether you are preparing for a family dinner or want to impress friends, this dish will surely delight your guests!

Preparation Time
- Preparation time: 15 minutes
- Cooking time: 50 minutes
- Total time: 1 hour and 5 minutes
- Number of servings: 4

Ingredients
- 4-5 chicken thighs (preferably upper thighs for juiciness)
- 2 onions (preferably yellow onions for sweetness)
- 1 pinch of paprika (for color and flavor)
- ½ handful of parsley (fresh, finely chopped)
- 1 pinch of mixed pepper (freshly ground for intensity)
- 1 pinch of salt (let's not forget about balance in taste)
- 4 tablespoons of sunflower oil (or olive oil for a more pronounced flavor)
- 1-2 tablespoons of white flour (to thicken the sauce)
- 150 ml of white wine (ideally a dry, quality wine)
- 300 ml of cream (for cooking, with a fat content of 20%)
- 1 tablespoon of chicken spices (optional, for added flavor)
- 400 g of mushrooms (preferably champignon, but you can also use porcini for a more intense taste)
- 2-3 sprigs of fresh dill (for finishing)

Preparing the Monastery Chicken

1. Preparing the Chicken Thighs
Start by washing the chicken thighs well under cold running water. Dry them with a paper towel to remove excess water. Then, generously season them on all sides with salt, pepper, and chicken spices. This essential step will ensure a deep flavor.

2. Frying the Thighs
In a wok or deep skillet, heat 2 tablespoons of oil over medium heat. Add the chicken thighs and fry them for 5-7 minutes on each side, or until they turn golden. The flavors will blend and delight you!

3. Boiling the Thighs
Once the thighs are fried, add a cup of water and cover the wok. Reduce the heat to low and let it simmer for 30 minutes. This stage will make the meat tender and juicy.

4. Preparing the Mushroom Mixture
While the thighs are simmering, clean and finely chop the onions. In the same skillet, add the remaining oil and sauté the onion until it becomes translucent (about 5 minutes). Add the chopped mushrooms and continue to cook for another 5 minutes, until lightly browned. Then, deglaze with the white wine and simmer for 5 minutes to evaporate the alcohol.

5. Finalizing the Dish
Add the pressed garlic and the mushroom mixture over the chicken thighs. Pour in 3 tablespoons of cream, season with salt and pepper, and add a little water if necessary. Let it simmer on low heat for 10 minutes.

6. Thickening the Sauce
Finally, mix the remaining cream with the flour and, if desired, with two whole eggs for a richer sauce. Add this mixture to the wok and let it boil a few times until the sauce thickens. Sprinkle fresh dill and parsley before serving.

Preparing the Polenta

1. In a pot, add 1 liter of water with a pinch of salt and bring to a boil.
2. When the water starts to boil, gradually add 300 g of cornmeal, stirring constantly to prevent lumps from forming.
3. Let it simmer on low heat, stirring frequently, for 20-30 minutes, until the polenta becomes creamy and thick.

Serving
Serve the monastery thighs alongside hot polenta. Place the polenta on a plate, over which you can add a splash of cream for extra flavor. Don't forget the fresh herbs for a more vibrant appearance!

Practical Cooking Tips
- Choosing the Thighs: Upper chicken thighs are ideal for this recipe as they are juicier than breasts.
- Mushroom Variations: You can experiment with different types of mushrooms, such as shiitake or portobello, to add a more complex flavor.
- Spices: Play with the spices. Adding rosemary or thyme can provide a different and aromatic taste.

Drink Pairings
A dry white wine or a blonde beer pairs excellently with this dish. If you prefer a non-alcoholic beverage, a herbal tea or a natural apple juice will complement the food's flavors.

Frequently Asked Questions
- Can I use turkey instead of chicken?
Yes, turkey meat is a healthy alternative and will cook similarly.
- How can I make the recipe easier to prepare?
You can use boneless chicken thighs to reduce cooking time.
- Is there a vegetarian version of this recipe?
You can replace the chicken with tofu or a mix of vegetables and mushrooms.

Conclusion
Monastery chicken is more than just a recipe; it is an invitation to the table, a moment of relaxation and joy in the company of loved ones. Whether you prepare it for a special occasion or simply to pamper yourself, this recipe will bring a touch of tradition and warmth to every plate. Try it, and you will discover how easy it is to bring joy to the kitchen!