Transylvanian Cricală

Transylvanian Chicken Stew – A Warm Delicacy from the Heart of Transylvania

Preparation time: 20 minutes
Cooking time: 45 minutes
Total: 1 hour 5 minutes
Servings: 4

Welcome to the Transylvanian kitchen, where traditions and flavors intertwine to create delicious and comforting dishes! Today, I will present the recipe for Transylvanian chicken stew, a hearty meal full of flavor and perfect for cool evenings. It is a dish based on chicken, onions, peppers, and tomatoes, perfectly blended with selected spices, offering an unforgettable culinary experience.

A Brief History of the Stew

The stew has deep roots in Transylvanian gastronomy, being a traditional dish often prepared in families from this region. Its name evokes images of lavish meals, where flavors become part of family stories. This recipe is not just a simple meal, but a symbol of the hospitality of Transylvanians, who know how to combine simple ingredients to create a rich and nourishing dish.

Ingredients

- 750 g chicken (ideally breast, thighs, or mixed pieces)
- 650 g onions (about 4-5 large onions)
- 1 tablespoon roasted pepper paste (for a slightly spicy taste)
- 1 teaspoon gulyás cream (a Hungarian specialty that adds extra flavor)
- 3-4 cloves of garlic (for an aromatic touch)
- 200 ml white wine (a dry wine is ideal)
- 100 g lard (or oil, but lard gives a special taste)
- 1 tomato (fresh, for a note of freshness)
- ½ bell pepper (preferably red or yellow, for color)
- Salt and pepper (to taste)
- Chopped fresh parsley (for garnish)

Necessary Utensils

- An oven or stovetop
- A deep pan or cooking pot with a lid
- A spatula or wooden spoon
- A sharp knife
- A large plate for serving

Step-by-Step Preparation

1. Preparing the meat: Cut the chicken into suitable pieces (about 4-5 cm). This will allow for even cooking. Heat the lard in a deep pan over medium heat. Once the lard is well heated, add the chicken pieces and fry them until golden on all sides. This step will add a rich flavor to the dish.

2. Onions and garlic: While the meat is browning, peel and finely chop the onions. Once the meat is fried, remove it from the pan and add the onions to the remaining lard. Sauté the onions over low heat, stirring occasionally, until they become translucent. Add the sliced garlic and continue to cook for a few minutes to release the aroma.

3. Combining the ingredients: Return the fried chicken to the pan. Season with salt, pepper, and any other preferred spices. Add the roasted pepper paste and gulyás cream, mixing all the ingredients well.

4. Wine and vegetables: Pour the white wine over the mixture in the pan, allowing it to boil for a few minutes to evaporate the alcohol. Then, add the diced tomato and bell pepper. These vegetables will add a pleasant freshness and vibrant color to the dish.

5. Simmering the stew: Cover the pan with a lid and let it simmer on low heat for about 45 minutes. It is important to avoid stirring with a spoon; instead, gently shake the pan to prevent sticking.

6. Finishing the dish: After 45 minutes, check if more wine or water is needed to keep the dish moist. Add the chopped fresh parsley before serving.

7. Serving: The stew is served hot, ideally alongside freshly made polenta. Sprinkle a little fresh parsley on top for added flavor and color.

Serving Suggestions and Variations

For an even richer experience, I recommend serving the stew alongside a fresh summer salad with cucumbers and tomatoes or a pickled cabbage salad. Another delicious variation would be to add some slices of chorizo or sausage to the meat mixture to intensify the flavors.

If you want to experiment, try replacing the chicken with pork or lamb for a different flavor, or add seasonal vegetables like zucchini or eggplant to make the dish more colorful and nutritious.

Nutritional Benefits and Calories

This Transylvanian stew recipe is rich in protein due to the chicken, while the onions and vegetables provide essential vitamins and antioxidants. A serving of stew (about 250 g) contains around 400-500 calories, depending on the amount of lard used and the side dishes. It is a hearty meal, perfect for providing energy and satisfying hunger.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can I use turkey instead of chicken?
Yes, turkey is a healthy alternative and will provide a different flavor.

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

3. What wine is best for this recipe?
A dry white wine, such as Sauvignon Blanc or Chardonnay, will pair perfectly with the dish's flavors.

I hope I have convinced you to try this Transylvanian chicken stew recipe! It is a dish that not only nourishes the body but also the soul, bringing friends and family together around the table. Enjoy your meal!