Chicken Ciulama - A traditional recipe, full of flavor and memories
Preparation time: 30 minutes
Cooking time: 1 hour
Total time: 1 hour and 30 minutes
Number of servings: 4
I invite you to discover with me a recipe that combines tradition with the comfort of home cooking - chicken ciulama. This savory dish has been cherished for generations, with deep roots in our cuisine. Its rich aroma and creamy texture will delight you, and each bite will bring pleasant memories.
Necessary ingredients:
- 1/2 free-range chicken (about 1 kg)
- 3 tablespoons of flour
- 50 g canned mushrooms (or fresh mushrooms, if you prefer)
- 50 g poultry fat (or oil)
- 30 g butter
- Salt, to taste
- 1 Knorr cube (or another concentrated broth)
- A little pepper, to taste
Preparing the chicken ciulama - Step by step:
1. Preparing the chicken:
Start by cutting the chicken into smaller pieces for even cooking. Rinse the meat well under cold running water. In a large pot, add water and the cut chicken. Bring it to a boil over medium heat. After a few minutes, when the water starts to boil, skim off the foam that forms on the surface with a ladle. This step is important as it will help you achieve a clear and tasty broth.
2. Adding flavors:
After skimming the chicken, add the Knorr cube. This will add a savory flavor to the dish. Let the chicken boil over medium heat for 30-40 minutes or until the meat becomes tender.
3. Preparing the mushrooms:
If using fresh mushrooms, rinse them, slice them, and blanch them in boiling water for a few minutes to soften them. If using canned mushrooms, make sure to drain them well. They will add an umami note to your ciulama.
4. Preparing the sauce:
In a separate pot, add the poultry fat and butter. When the butter has completely melted, gradually add the 3 tablespoons of flour. Stir continuously with a spatula or whisk to avoid lumps. Cook the mixture for 2-3 minutes until it turns golden and develops a pleasant aroma.
5. Including the chicken broth:
Now, it’s time to gradually add the chicken broth while stirring constantly. Continue to mix until the sauce becomes smooth and has a consistency similar to thinner sour cream. This step is essential to achieve a creamy and fine ciulama.
6. Finalizing the dish:
Add the mushrooms and the boiled chicken pieces to the sauce. Mix well to combine all the ingredients. Season the ciulama with salt and pepper to taste. Let it simmer on low heat, covered, for 5-10 minutes, to blend the flavors.
7. Serving:
Chicken ciulama is served hot, alongside polenta or fresh bread. A green salad with tomatoes and cucumbers can perfectly complement this dish, bringing a touch of freshness.
Practical tips:
- For a more intense flavor, you can add a few bay leaves while boiling the chicken.
- If you want a thicker ciulama, you can add an extra tablespoon of flour, but make sure to mix well to avoid lumps.
- Variations: You can experiment with other vegetables, such as carrots or peas, adding them to the ciulama sauce.
Nutrition and calories:
This chicken ciulama recipe has about 350 calories per serving, being a good source of proteins and healthy fats. The chicken is rich in B vitamins, which help maintain a healthy metabolism, while the mushrooms provide a significant amount of fiber, thus contributing to digestive health.
Frequently asked questions:
1. Can I replace the chicken with another type of meat?
Yes, ciulama can also be made with turkey or duck meat, keeping in mind that the cooking time may vary.
2. What is the best way to store ciulama?
Chicken ciulama can be stored in the refrigerator in airtight containers for 2-3 days. It can be easily reheated in the microwave or on the stovetop.
3. Can ciulama be frozen?
Yes, chicken ciulama can be frozen, but it is recommended to reheat it on low heat and add a little water or broth to restore its consistency.
So, embark on the culinary adventure of preparing chicken ciulama! This recipe is not just a simple dish, but a story passed down from generation to generation. Each bite will carry you on the wings of pleasant memories, enriching your meals with warmth and joy. Enjoy your meal!
Preparation time: 30 minutes
Cooking time: 1 hour
Total time: 1 hour and 30 minutes
Number of servings: 4
I invite you to discover with me a recipe that combines tradition with the comfort of home cooking - chicken ciulama. This savory dish has been cherished for generations, with deep roots in our cuisine. Its rich aroma and creamy texture will delight you, and each bite will bring pleasant memories.
Necessary ingredients:
- 1/2 free-range chicken (about 1 kg)
- 3 tablespoons of flour
- 50 g canned mushrooms (or fresh mushrooms, if you prefer)
- 50 g poultry fat (or oil)
- 30 g butter
- Salt, to taste
- 1 Knorr cube (or another concentrated broth)
- A little pepper, to taste
Preparing the chicken ciulama - Step by step:
1. Preparing the chicken:
Start by cutting the chicken into smaller pieces for even cooking. Rinse the meat well under cold running water. In a large pot, add water and the cut chicken. Bring it to a boil over medium heat. After a few minutes, when the water starts to boil, skim off the foam that forms on the surface with a ladle. This step is important as it will help you achieve a clear and tasty broth.
2. Adding flavors:
After skimming the chicken, add the Knorr cube. This will add a savory flavor to the dish. Let the chicken boil over medium heat for 30-40 minutes or until the meat becomes tender.
3. Preparing the mushrooms:
If using fresh mushrooms, rinse them, slice them, and blanch them in boiling water for a few minutes to soften them. If using canned mushrooms, make sure to drain them well. They will add an umami note to your ciulama.
4. Preparing the sauce:
In a separate pot, add the poultry fat and butter. When the butter has completely melted, gradually add the 3 tablespoons of flour. Stir continuously with a spatula or whisk to avoid lumps. Cook the mixture for 2-3 minutes until it turns golden and develops a pleasant aroma.
5. Including the chicken broth:
Now, it’s time to gradually add the chicken broth while stirring constantly. Continue to mix until the sauce becomes smooth and has a consistency similar to thinner sour cream. This step is essential to achieve a creamy and fine ciulama.
6. Finalizing the dish:
Add the mushrooms and the boiled chicken pieces to the sauce. Mix well to combine all the ingredients. Season the ciulama with salt and pepper to taste. Let it simmer on low heat, covered, for 5-10 minutes, to blend the flavors.
7. Serving:
Chicken ciulama is served hot, alongside polenta or fresh bread. A green salad with tomatoes and cucumbers can perfectly complement this dish, bringing a touch of freshness.
Practical tips:
- For a more intense flavor, you can add a few bay leaves while boiling the chicken.
- If you want a thicker ciulama, you can add an extra tablespoon of flour, but make sure to mix well to avoid lumps.
- Variations: You can experiment with other vegetables, such as carrots or peas, adding them to the ciulama sauce.
Nutrition and calories:
This chicken ciulama recipe has about 350 calories per serving, being a good source of proteins and healthy fats. The chicken is rich in B vitamins, which help maintain a healthy metabolism, while the mushrooms provide a significant amount of fiber, thus contributing to digestive health.
Frequently asked questions:
1. Can I replace the chicken with another type of meat?
Yes, ciulama can also be made with turkey or duck meat, keeping in mind that the cooking time may vary.
2. What is the best way to store ciulama?
Chicken ciulama can be stored in the refrigerator in airtight containers for 2-3 days. It can be easily reheated in the microwave or on the stovetop.
3. Can ciulama be frozen?
Yes, chicken ciulama can be frozen, but it is recommended to reheat it on low heat and add a little water or broth to restore its consistency.
So, embark on the culinary adventure of preparing chicken ciulama! This recipe is not just a simple dish, but a story passed down from generation to generation. Each bite will carry you on the wings of pleasant memories, enriching your meals with warmth and joy. Enjoy your meal!
Ingredients
half a country chicken, 3 tablespoons of flour, 50g canned mushrooms, poultry fat and a little butter, salt, a Knorr cube, a little pepper