Chicken stew with mushrooms

Chicken and Mushroom Ciulama – A classic, comforting recipe full of flavors and nostalgia

Preparation time: 15 minutes
Cooking time: 30 minutes
Total time: 45 minutes
Servings: 4

Who doesn’t remember moments spent around the table, enjoying a warm and comforting dish? Chicken and Mushroom Ciulama is one of those recipes that brings a touch of well-being and warmth to every home. This delicious recipe, with a creamy texture and rich taste, is perfect for family dinners or when you want to impress your guests.

A bit of history

Ciulama has deep roots in culinary culture, being a traditional dish that has been cooked in various forms over generations. Most often, ciulama is associated with the simple pleasures of life, having the power to bring people together. Whether you serve it with polenta or fresh bread, Chicken and Mushroom Ciulama is a perfect choice to create memories.

Essential ingredients

500 g fresh mushrooms (preferably champignon or pleurotus)
300 g chicken breast (boneless, cut into cubes or strips)
2-3 tablespoons of oil (preferably sunflower or olive oil)
1 medium onion (finely chopped)
200 g sour cream (preferably cooking cream, with a higher fat content)
2-3 tablespoons of flour (used to thicken the sauce)
Salt and pepper to taste
1 cup of hot chicken broth (or hot water with dissolved chicken concentrate)
A bunch of dried dill (or fresh, if available)

Step by step to a perfect dish

1. Preparing the ingredients
Start by preparing all the ingredients. Finely chop the onion, clean the mushrooms, and slice them. If you are using a whole chicken breast, make sure it is well cleaned, and if you wish, you can leave the skin on for a richer taste.

2. Boiling the chicken
Place the chicken breast in a pot with cold water and add a little salt. Boil it over medium heat for about 10-15 minutes, until the meat is almost cooked. This step will not only help tenderize the meat but will also provide a tasty base for your sauce.

3. Sautéing the onion
In a deep pan, heat 2-3 tablespoons of oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and sauté, stirring constantly, until it becomes translucent and aromatic, about 5 minutes. It is essential not to burn it, as caramelized onion will give an even more pleasant taste to the dish.

4. Adding the chicken and mushrooms
After the chicken breast is boiled, remove it from the water and let it cool slightly, then cut it into cubes or strips. Add the chicken to the pan with the onion and mix well to combine the flavors. Then, add the sliced mushrooms. They will release water, so there’s no need to add more water at this point.

5. Preparing the sauce
In another pan, heat 2-3 tablespoons of oil and add the flour. Mix well and let the flour fry for 1-2 minutes, being careful not to burn it. Then, gradually add the hot chicken broth, stirring continuously to avoid lumps.

6. Combining the ingredients
After the sauce has homogenized, reduce the heat to low and add the sour cream, stirring constantly. Add the dried or fresh dill, salt, and pepper to taste. Then, pour this sauce over the chicken and mushrooms in the pan and let everything simmer on low heat for 10-15 minutes. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.

7. Finalizing and serving
Before serving, taste and adjust the seasonings if necessary. Chicken and Mushroom Ciulama is served hot, alongside polenta or fresh bread, to soak up the creamy and flavorful sauce. A side of green salad or pickles will perfectly complement this dish.

Useful tips

- Variations of the recipe: You can experiment with different types of meat or mushrooms. For example, turkey ciulama or ciulama with porcini can bring a different, yet equally delicious taste.
- For a more intense flavor: Replace water with vegetable or beef broth for an even more aromatic sauce.
- The oil: You can use olive oil for a more refined taste or butter for a richer and creamier sauce.
- Mushrooms: If you love mushrooms, feel free to add a different variety, such as shiitake or portobello.
- Serving: Garnish the dish with fresh parsley or dill on top for a pleasant appearance.

Nutritional information (per serving, estimated)

Calories: 450
Protein: 35 g
Fat: 20 g
Carbohydrates: 30 g
Fiber: 2 g

Frequently asked questions

- Can I replace the sour cream with something else?
Yes, you can use Greek yogurt or low-fat sour cream for a lighter version, but the taste will be different.
- How can I make ciulama spicier?
Add a pinch of chili powder or chili sauce to the sauce for an extra kick.
- Is chicken and mushroom ciulama suitable for freezing?
Yes, but we recommend consuming it fresh to preserve the sauce's texture.

Cook with love and enjoy every bite! Bon appétit!