Chicken brine

Chicken brine is a traditional Romanian recipe, full of flavor and aroma, that brings together tender meat, fresh vegetables, and spices, resulting in a dish that will delight all who have the privilege of trying it. This specialty is often associated with festive meals and family gatherings, being a dish that brings warmth and joy to every home. Although it is more popular in the southern part of the country, versions of this recipe can also be found in other corners of Romania.

Preparation time: 20 minutes
Baking time: 30 minutes
Total time: 50 minutes
Number of servings: 4

Ingredients:
- 1 chicken (approximately 1.5 kg)
- 2 large, ripe tomatoes
- 2 bell peppers (preferably one red and one green for color contrast)
- 1/2 sweet pepper
- 1 head of garlic
- 2 hot peppers (can be adjusted according to preference)
- 1 carrot
- 1 onion
- 2 tablespoons homemade ketchup (or store-bought, but preferably natural)
- 2 tablespoons olive oil or sunflower oil
- A handful of fresh parsley
- Salt and pepper to taste

Preparation:

1. Preparing the chicken: Start by cleaning the chicken. Cut it into suitable pieces, washing it well under a stream of cold water. Make sure the chicken is drained of excess water before cooking.

2. Preparing the vegetables: While the chicken is draining, clean and wash the vegetables. For example, I recommend using well-ripened tomatoes and meaty bell peppers, which will add a special flavor. Chicken thighs can be deboned for easier serving.

3. Grilling: Preheat the grill or grill pan. Place the deboned chicken thighs and bell peppers on the grill (leave 1/2 of the hot peppers for later use). Grill the vegetables until they become slightly caramelized and the chicken gets a golden crust. This step is essential to intensify the flavors.

4. Preparing the sauce: In a separate pan, add the oil and place the whole onion, sautéing it until it becomes transparent. Cut the remaining vegetables (peppers, sweet pepper, carrot, garlic) into slices or cubes. Add them to the pan and let them sauté for a few minutes. Add salt and pepper to taste, and if desired, you can add a tablespoon of homemade ketchup for a richer flavor.

5. Boiling the vegetables: Add water (or chicken broth) to the pan to boil the vegetables, leaving them on the heat until softened. This is the perfect time to add 1/2 of the chopped garlic.

6. Assembling the dish: In a heat-resistant dish, place the browned chicken, add the sauce made from the boiled vegetables, chopped tomatoes, and roasted peppers, as well as the remaining garlic. Mix everything well to combine the flavors.

7. Baking: Place the dish in a preheated oven at 180 degrees Celsius for about 30 minutes. This step will allow all the flavors to blend perfectly, and the meat to become even more tender.

8. Serving: Although traditionally served with polenta, I suggest a slightly different variant: serve the chicken brine with parsley rice pilaf and a crunchy green salad. This combination will add a contrast of textures and flavors, making the meal even more enjoyable.

9. Finishing touches: Don’t forget to add a sprinkle of freshly chopped parsley before serving for an extra touch of freshness. You can also use lemon slices for a more vibrant taste.

Practical tips:
- Choose a quality chicken, preferably free-range, as it will have a better taste and a more tender texture.
- If you don’t have homemade ketchup, you can use tomato sauce, but make sure it is natural, without additives.
- On the grill, you can also add other vegetables, such as zucchini or eggplant, for a more colorful and nutritious variant.
- If you like more intense flavors, you can add additional spices, such as smoked paprika or oregano.

Nutritional benefits:
Chicken brine is an excellent source of protein due to the chicken meat. The vegetables add fiber, essential vitamins, and minerals, and the dish is relatively low in calories if served with rice pilaf instead of polenta.

Frequently asked questions:
- Can I use another type of meat? Of course! This recipe also works with pork or fish.
- How can I store leftovers? Keep the brine in an airtight container in the refrigerator, where it can last up to 3 days. It can be reheated in the oven or in a pan.
- What drinks pair well? A dry white wine or a cold beer are excellent choices that complement the dish's flavors.

I hope this chicken brine recipe inspires you to try it! It is a dish that brings together tradition and joy, perfect for enjoying with loved ones. Enjoy your meal!