Chicken brine

Chicken brine with polenta: A savory and comforting recipe

Preparation time: 20 minutes
Cooking time: 30 minutes
Total time: 50 minutes
Servings: 4

The history and tradition of brine

Brine is a recipe with deep roots in culinary traditions, prepared in various forms over time. It highlights the beauty of simple and natural ingredients, emphasizing the intense flavors of meat, spices, and vegetables. This chicken brine recipe brings an unmistakable taste and special aroma, perfect for family meals or special occasions.

Preparing the ingredients

To achieve a delicious chicken brine, we will need the following ingredients:

For the chicken:
- 4 pieces of chicken (thighs, breast, or any preferred part)
- 1 teaspoon of salt
- 1/2 teaspoon of ground black pepper
- 1 teaspoon of paprika (sweet or spicy, according to preference)
- 1 teaspoon of dried herbs (oregano, thyme, rosemary)

For the brine:
- 1 clove of garlic, sliced thinly
- 2-3 tablespoons of salt (to taste)
- 5-6 peppercorns (or 1/2 teaspoon of ground pepper)
- 1-2 hot peppers, sliced into rounds
- 1 teaspoon of paprika
- 1-2 slices of bell pepper
- 1 green onion, finely chopped
- 1 tablespoon of dried aromatic herbs (optional)

For serving:
- Polenta (prepared from water, cornmeal, and salt, according to preference)

Step by step: Cooking the chicken brine

1. Seasoning the meat: Start by seasoning the chicken pieces well. In a bowl, mix the salt, pepper, paprika, and dried herbs. Rub these spices well onto each piece of meat, making sure they are evenly coated. This step will add an intense flavor to the meat.

2. Preparing on the grill: Heat the grill or a pan over low heat. Place the chicken pieces on the grill and let them cook slowly. It is essential to cook them on low heat to allow the meat to penetrate well, keeping its juiciness. Cook for about 15-20 minutes on each side, turning them carefully.

3. Preparing the brine: In a pot, add a cup of water, garlic, salt, peppercorns, hot pepper, paprika, bell pepper slices, and green onion. Place the pot over medium heat and let it boil for 5-10 minutes, so the flavors combine perfectly.

4. Completing the dish: Once the chicken is ready, add the pieces of meat to the pot with the brine. Let them simmer together for 2-3 minutes, so the chicken absorbs the delicious flavors from the brine.

5. Preparing the polenta: Meanwhile, prepare the polenta. Boil water with salt, gradually add the cornmeal, and stir continuously to avoid lumps. Cook until you achieve a creamy consistency.

Serving and variations

Once everything is ready, serve the chicken brine alongside warm polenta. This combination is not only delicious but also comforting, reminiscent of family meals from childhood. You can add a fresh summer salad for a crunchy contrast and a touch of freshness.

Useful tips:
- Make sure the chicken is at room temperature before placing it on the grill for even cooking.
- Experiment with different spices or add vegetables like carrots or celery to the brine for extra flavor.
- If you want a spicier version, add more hot peppers or even a few drops of hot sauce.

Frequently asked questions:
1. Can I use turkey instead of chicken? Yes, you can adapt the recipe using turkey; cooking time may vary.
2. Is it possible to prepare the brine without garlic? Of course, garlic can be omitted, but it will miss a bit of the specific aroma.
3. Can I store leftover brine? Yes, it can be stored in the fridge and consumed in the following days, but it is best freshly prepared.

Calories and nutritional benefits

This chicken brine recipe with polenta is not only tasty but also nutritious. One serving contains approximately 350-400 calories, depending on the amount of oil used and the portion of polenta. Chicken is an excellent source of protein, while polenta provides complex carbohydrates, essential for energy.

In conclusion, chicken brine with polenta is a simple yet extremely flavorful recipe, ideal for any occasion. So, don't hesitate to prepare it and enjoy its unique flavors! Bon appétit!