Chicken stew with sour cream

Chicken ciulama with sour cream – A classic and comforting recipe

Total preparation time: 1 hour
Preparation time: 15 minutes
Cooking time: 45 minutes
Servings: 4

Chicken ciulama with sour cream is a traditional dish full of flavors that will remind you of family meals from your childhood. This simple yet delicious recipe combines juicy chicken meat with a creamy and aromatic sauce that pairs perfectly with a warm serving of polenta. Let’s start the culinary adventure!

Ingredients
- 1 kg chicken meat (preferably breast or thighs, depending on your preference)
- 1 large carrot, grated
- 2 medium onions, finely chopped
- 1 tablespoon of flour
- 1 glass (about 200 ml) of sour cream
- Oil (for frying)
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 1 bay leaf
- 1 bunch of fresh parsley, for garnish

Necessary utensils
- Large frying pan
- Pot for boiling
- Spatula
- Grater
- Knife and cutting board

Step by step preparation

1. Preparing the meat: Start by cutting the chicken into uniform pieces. This will ensure even cooking. Heat a large frying pan over medium heat and add a few tablespoons of oil. Once the oil is hot, add the chicken pieces to brown. Browning the meat will enhance the flavor and provide a pleasant texture. Let the meat brown on both sides for about 5-7 minutes.

2. Boiling the meat: After the meat has browned, add enough water to cover the chicken pieces well. Add the bay leaf and a pinch of salt. Cover the pot and let it simmer on low heat for 30-35 minutes, until the meat becomes tender and well cooked.

3. Preparing the sauce: While the meat is boiling, you can start preparing the sauce. In another pan, add a little oil and sauté the finely chopped onion. Sauté the onion for 5 minutes until it becomes golden. Add the grated carrot and continue to sauté for another 5 minutes, stirring occasionally to prevent burning.

4. Thickening the sauce: Add the tablespoon of flour over the onion and carrot mixture. Mix well to avoid lumps. Let the flour cook for 1-2 minutes, then gradually pour in the sour cream, stirring continuously. Add a few tablespoons of the water in which the chicken boiled to thin the sauce. Cook on low heat for a few minutes until the sauce becomes creamy and homogeneous.

5. Combining the ingredients: Once the chicken is well boiled, remove the pieces from the pot and add them to the pan with the sour cream sauce. Gently stir to coat the meat with the sauce, being careful not to form lumps. Let everything cook on low heat for another 5-10 minutes for the flavors to blend.

6. Serving: Chicken ciulama with sour cream is served hot, alongside a generous portion of polenta. Don’t forget to sprinkle fresh chopped parsley on top for an extra touch of color and flavor.

Useful tips
- About the meat: If you prefer, you can use turkey meat or even a whole chicken cut into pieces.
- Vegetarian option: Replace the chicken with mushrooms or tofu for a delicious vegetarian version.
- Sour cream: Choose a sour cream with a high-fat content for a creamier and richer sauce.
- Spices: You can also add other spices like thyme or marjoram to diversify the flavor.

Nutritional benefits
- Protein: Chicken meat is an excellent source of lean protein, essential for building and repairing tissues.
- Vitamins: Onions and carrots provide a good amount of vitamins, especially vitamins A and C, contributing to strengthening the immune system.

Frequently asked questions
1. Can I use low-fat sour cream?: It is recommended to use sour cream with a higher fat content to achieve a creamier sauce. Low-fat sour cream may make the sauce thinner.
2. What kind of polenta should I choose?: A thicker and well-cooked polenta pairs perfectly with chicken ciulama. You can add cheese for extra flavor.
3. How can I store leftovers?: Chicken ciulama keeps well in the fridge for up to 3 days. You can reheat it in the microwave, but add a little water to avoid drying out.

Serving recommendations
Chicken ciulama with sour cream pairs perfectly with a dry white wine or a glass of freshly squeezed tomato juice. Additionally, a green salad with lemon and olive oil can add a pleasant and fresh contrast to this delicious dish.

In conclusion, chicken ciulama with sour cream is not just a recipe, but a true feast of flavors that blends tradition with comfort. Perfect for a family dinner or to impress guests, this simple recipe will surely become one of your favorites. Happy cooking!