Chicken brine

Chicken brine is a traditional recipe that highlights the authentic flavors of simple yet exceptionally tasty ingredients. This recipe is not just a delicious dish, but also a celebration of conviviality, perfect for a family meal or with friends.

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

Ingredients:
- 2 boneless chicken thighs
- 2 ripe tomatoes
- 2 bell peppers (preferably one green and one red for color contrast)
- 4 cloves of garlic
- Salt, to taste
- Pepper, to taste
- 1 bunch of fresh dill
- 2-3 tablespoons of olive oil
- 1 hot pepper (optional, depending on spice preference)

Recipe history:
Chicken brine has deep roots in the culinary traditions of many cultures, being essentially a way to preserve meat and enhance its flavors. The method of grilling chicken along with vegetables not only adds a smoky flavor but also a crispy texture. This recipe is ideal for warm summer days when outdoor meals become a pleasure.

Step by step:

1. Preparing the meat:
Start by preparing the boneless chicken thighs. Wash them well under cold water and dry them with a kitchen towel. This step is essential to ensure even frying.

2. Seasoning:
In a bowl, combine the olive oil, salt, and pepper. Rub the chicken thighs with this mixture, ensuring they are evenly coated. This will not only add flavor but also help achieve a delicious crust on the grill.

3. Preparing the vegetables:
Wash the tomatoes and peppers, then cut them into large pieces. If you prefer, you can leave them whole, but cut ones will cook more evenly. Peel the garlic and crush it slightly with the blade of a knife to release its flavors.

4. The grill:
Preheat the grill to medium heat. Place the chicken thighs and vegetables on the grill. Cook the thighs for about 15-20 minutes on each side, until golden brown and fully cooked. The vegetables should be lightly caramelized and have a crispy texture.

5. Preparing the brine:
In a pot, add water (about 1 liter) and bring it to a boil. Add salt, pepper, finely chopped hot pepper, crushed garlic, and chopped dill. Let it boil for 5 minutes to allow the flavors to combine.

6. Assembly:
Once the thighs and vegetables are ready, let them cool slightly, then slice them into thin strips. Add the meat to the pot with the brine and let it rest for 10-15 minutes. This step is essential as it allows the flavors to develop and blend.

7. Serving:
Serve the chicken brine warm, alongside steaming polenta. A well-made polenta will perfectly complement this dish, adding a touch of rusticity and flavor.

Practical tips:
- You can also add other vegetables to the grill, such as zucchini or eggplant, to diversify the dish.
- If you don’t have a grill, you can use a grill pan or even the oven (at 200 degrees Celsius).
- Fresh dill is essential for adding a special flavor, but if you don’t have it on hand, you can also use dried dill.
- This recipe can easily be adapted to include spices like paprika or cumin for an even more complex taste.

Frequently asked questions:
- Can I use another type of meat for this recipe?
Yes, you can use chicken breast, but the cooking time will be shorter.
- What are the best side dishes to accompany chicken brine?
Along with polenta, you can also serve a summer salad with tomatoes, cucumbers, and red onion.

Nutrition:
This chicken brine recipe is rich in protein due to the chicken and contains essential vitamins from the vegetables. Tomatoes and bell peppers are excellent sources of antioxidants, while garlic provides benefits for the immune system. One serving has approximately 350 calories, making it a filling yet healthy dish.

Chicken brine is a versatile and flavorful recipe that brings family and friends together around the table. I encourage you to try this recipe and personalize it to your tastes. Enjoy your meal!