Chicken stew with vegetables

Chicken Stew with Vegetables - A Delicious and Healthy Recipe

Chicken stew with vegetables is a perfect choice for family meals, offering a vibrant mix of flavors and colors. This simple and quick recipe will help you create a tasty, nutritious, and vitamin-rich meal, ideal for any occasion. Moreover, its preparation doesn't require sophisticated ingredients, making it accessible for all cooking enthusiasts.

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

Necessary ingredients:

- 1/2 chicken breast (approximately 250g)
- 2-3 bell peppers (preferably red, yellow, and green for a colorful appearance)
- 2 carrots
- 1 large onion
- 1 large tomato
- 1/2 hot pepper (optional, for a spicy taste)
- 1 tablespoon soy sauce
- Salt, pepper, and paprika (to taste)
- Water (enough to cover the ingredients)

Step by step:

1. Preparing the vegetables: Start by washing all the vegetables thoroughly. This is an essential step to ensure your food is clean and healthy. I recommend using fresh, seasonal vegetables as they are much tastier and full of nutrients.

2. Chopping the vegetables: Cut the carrots into thin sticks – you don’t want them too thick for even cooking. Slice the onion julienne, and dice the bell pepper. If you choose to use the hot pepper, chop it finely, being careful not to touch your eyes after handling it, as it can be very spicy.

3. Sautéing the vegetables: In a deep pot, add the onion and carrots along with a tablespoon of soy sauce and a little water. This sauce will give the vegetables a rich flavor and help improve the texture. Cover the pot and let the vegetables sauté over medium heat for 5-7 minutes until the carrots become slightly soft.

4. Adding the meat: Once the vegetables are ready, add the diced chicken breast. This is the ingredient that will bring all the flavor to your stew. Mix well to combine the ingredients, then add the hot pepper, diced tomato, and season with salt, pepper, and paprika.

5. Final cooking: Add enough water to cover all the ingredients. Cover the pot again and let the stew simmer on low heat for 15-20 minutes, stirring occasionally. This step will allow the flavors to combine while ensuring even cooking of the chicken and vegetables.

6. Serving: Once everything is cooked, the chicken stew is ready to be served. You can enjoy it as is or serve it alongside a portion of rice or polenta to soak up the delicious sauce. A slice of fresh bread would also be perfect to accompany this dish.

Serving suggestions: You can add a handful of freshly chopped parsley on top for an extra touch of freshness and an appealing look. Additionally, a splash of lemon juice or a teaspoon of balsamic vinegar can balance the flavors and add a note of acidity.

Nutritional benefits: This chicken stew is rich in protein due to the chicken meat, while the vegetables provide significant amounts of fiber, vitamins, and minerals. Carrots are an excellent source of vitamin A, while colorful bell peppers contain antioxidants that help strengthen the immune system.

Possible variations: You can experiment with different vegetables based on your preferences or the season. Adding zucchini, cauliflower, or even potatoes can provide a different texture and unique flavor. You can also substitute the chicken breast with turkey or pork for a different version of this recipe.

Frequently asked questions:

- Can I use bone-in chicken? Yes, you can use bone-in chicken thighs for a richer flavor, just make sure to remove the bones at the end.

- How can I make the stew spicier? Add more hot pepper or a few drops of hot sauce to the mix.

- Is this recipe suitable for freezing? Yes, the stew can be frozen. Make sure to let it cool completely before transferring it to freezing containers.

- What drinks pair well with this stew? A light beer or a dry white wine can perfectly complement the flavors of this recipe.

In conclusion, chicken stew with vegetables is a versatile, flavorful, and easy-to-make recipe. I encourage you to try it and personalize it to your taste. Enjoy your meal!