Chicken with vegetables - Chinese food

Chicken with vegetables – a delicacy with Asian influences

Welcome to my kitchen, where today we will prepare a delicious and colorful dish: chicken with vegetables! This recipe is perfect for those who love Asian flavors, but also for those who want to add a touch of diversity to their meals. It is a simple, quick, and tasty recipe that will fill your home with enticing aromas. It can be served both for lunch and dinner, alongside boiled rice or rice noodles.

Preparation time: 15 minutes
Cooking time: 20 minutes
Total time: 35 minutes
Number of servings: 4

Necessary ingredients:
- 400 g chicken breast (or thighs, if you prefer)
- 1 can of mushrooms (or fresh Chinese mushrooms)
- 1 can of bamboo shoots
- 2 medium carrots
- 1 large onion
- 1 slice of celery
- 1 red bell pepper
- 2 cloves of garlic
- 1 teaspoon sweet paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon hot paprika (optional, if you like it spicy)
- 3 tablespoons soy sauce
- 1 teaspoon grated ginger
- Salt and pepper to taste

Step-by-step instructions:

1. Preparing the ingredients: Start by washing and peeling all the vegetables. Cut the chicken breast into equal-sized cubes for even cooking. You can finely chop the onion, while the carrots, bell pepper, and celery should be diced. The garlic should be crushed or finely chopped to release its aroma.

2. Heating the oil: In a large skillet or wok, add a tablespoon of oil and heat it over medium heat. It is important to use oil with a high smoke point, such as sunflower oil or sesame oil, for even frying.

3. Sautéing the vegetables: Add the onion and diced vegetables (carrots, bell pepper, and celery) to the skillet. Sauté them for 3-4 minutes, stirring constantly until they become slightly soft but remain crunchy.

4. Adding the chicken: Once the vegetables are slightly sautéed, add the chicken cubes. Continue to sauté for 3-4 minutes until the chicken turns white and starts to brown.

5. Including the mushrooms and bamboo: At this stage, you can add the mushrooms and bamboo shoots. If you are using dehydrated Chinese mushrooms, make sure to rehydrate them in warm water for 15-20 minutes before using.

6. Boiling the dish: Add enough water to the skillet to cover all the ingredients. Cover the skillet and let it simmer on low heat for 5-10 minutes. During this time, the flavors will combine beautifully, and the chicken will become juicy.

7. Seasoning: After the meat is cooked, add the soy sauce, grated ginger, sweet paprika, and hot paprika. Taste and adjust with salt and pepper if necessary. The crushed garlic can be added now for an extra burst of flavor.

8. Finishing the dish: Mix all the ingredients well and let it simmer for another 2-3 minutes to combine the flavors. Your dish is now ready!

9. Serving: To serve, I recommend placing the chicken with vegetables on a bed of boiled rice or rice noodles. You can garnish the plate with a few fresh coriander leaves or toasted sesame seeds for a special touch.

Helpful tips:
- If you can't find canned bamboo shoots, you can replace them with peas or green beans, which will integrate perfectly into the dish.
- For a more intense flavor, you can add a few drops of sesame oil at the end.
- This dish is very adaptable, so feel free to experiment with your favorite vegetables!

Nutritional information:
This recipe is a good source of protein due to the chicken breast and is rich in vitamins and minerals from the vegetables. One serving contains approximately 350 calories, making it ideal for a healthy and balanced meal.

Frequently asked questions:
- Can I use other types of meat? Yes, you can also use pork or beef, but the cooking time will change depending on the type of meat chosen.
- Is this recipe suitable for vegans? If you want a vegan version, you can replace the chicken with tofu or seitan and use gluten-free soy sauce.
- How can I store leftovers? The dish stores well in the refrigerator in an airtight container for 2-3 days. It can be reheated in the microwave or in a skillet.

In conclusion, this chicken with vegetables recipe is an excellent choice for a delicious and healthy meal. Don't hesitate to try other variations, adapting it to your tastes! Enjoy your meal!