Chicken ciulama

Chicken ciulama with sour cream and garlic – a delicious dish that brings comfort and warmth to your plate. This chicken ciulama recipe is perfect for chilly days when we want to indulge in a hearty and flavorful dish. Cooking chicken ciulama is not just a simple recipe, but a true culinary art that combines tradition with taste. I will guide you step by step on how to prepare this delight, offering useful tips and little tricks to achieve a perfect result.

Preparation time: 15 minutes
Cooking time: 40 minutes
Total time: 55 minutes
Servings: 4

Ingredients:

- 4 chicken thighs (or 800 g chicken meat)
- 2 medium onions
- 1-2 ripe tomatoes
- 2 bell peppers (preferably one sweet and one hot for a more complex flavor)
- 7-8 cloves of garlic
- 1 teaspoon sweet paprika (optional, for added color and flavor)
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 2-3 tablespoons oil (preferably sunflower or olive oil)
- 200 ml sour cream (fatty sour cream for a richer taste)
- 1-2 tablespoons flour (to thicken the sauce)
- 1 bunch of fresh parsley, finely chopped

Step by step: How to prepare chicken ciulama

1. Preparing the ingredients: Start by washing the chicken thighs well under cold running water. Dry them with a kitchen towel. Cutting the meat is not necessary, but if you prefer, you can cut the thighs into smaller pieces. Peel the onions and chop them finely. Dice the tomatoes, and clean the peppers from seeds and cut them into cubes.

2. Searing the meat: In a large skillet or a deep pot, add the oil and heat it over medium heat. Add the chicken thighs and brown them on all sides until golden (about 5-7 minutes). This step will add a special flavor to the dish.

3. Adding the vegetables: Once the meat is browned, add the chopped onion and pepper. Sauté them together with the chicken for about 5 minutes, until the onion becomes translucent.

4. Tomato sauce: Add the diced tomatoes, salt, pepper, and sweet paprika. Mix well and let it simmer for a few minutes. This mixture will add depth of flavor and a beautiful color to the ciulama.

5. Boiling: Pour a glass of water (about 250 ml) into the pot and cover it. Let it simmer on low heat for 20 minutes. Check occasionally, stirring to prevent sticking.

6. Finishing the ciulama: After 20 minutes, turn off the heat and let the stew cool slightly. In a separate bowl, mix the sour cream with the flour until smooth, then add the crushed garlic. This mixture will add a creamy and aromatic flavor. Incorporate it into the chicken ciulama and let it simmer for another 5-7 minutes, stirring continuously.

7. Serving: Before serving, add the finely chopped parsley. This will add a touch of freshness. Chicken ciulama is served hot, alongside a portion of steaming polenta that will soak up the delicious sauce.

Practical tips:

- Garlic: If you are a garlic lover, feel free to add more cloves. This will enhance the flavor of the dish.
- Variations: You can replace the chicken thighs with chicken breast or turkey meat, but cooking will take less time, so adjust the boiling time accordingly.
- Additional vegetables: Add carrots or mushrooms to diversify the taste and texture of the ciulama.
- Serving: Chicken ciulama pairs perfectly with a dry white wine or a pale beer. These beverages will complement the rich flavors of the dish.

Nutritional benefits:

This chicken ciulama recipe is rich in protein due to the chicken meat, providing an excellent source of energy. Garlic not only enhances the flavor but also has antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. Parsley, besides adding freshness, is rich in vitamins and minerals.

Frequently asked questions:

1. Can I use frozen chicken?
Yes, but make sure it is well thawed before cooking.

2. How can I make the ciulama spicier?
Add fresh hot peppers or chili flakes during cooking.

3. What can I do with leftover ciulama?
Chicken ciulama can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 2 days, and for a quick meal, you can use it as a filling for pies or sandwiches.

4. Is chicken ciulama suitable for children?
Yes, it is an easily digestible dish full of flavors, but adjust the amount of garlic and spices according to the preferences of the little ones.

Enjoy chicken ciulama with sour cream and garlic and turn every meal into a special occasion. With each bite, you will feel the warmth and comfort that this traditional dish offers. Bon appétit!