Mom's Stew

Chicken Stew like in Mom's Time

Preparation time: 20 minutes
Cooking time: 1 hour
Total: 1 hour and 20 minutes
Servings: 4-6

The chicken stew recipe is a true tribute to childhood memories, when the aroma of fresh herbs and slow-cooked meat filled every corner of the house. This stew always comes to mind, evoking precious moments with mom, who knew how to turn simple ingredients into a feast of flavors.

Ingredients:

- 1 chicken (about 1.5 kg), cleaned and cut into pieces
- 500 g onion, finely chopped
- 2 carrots, grated
- ½ celery, grated
- 4 potatoes, diced
- 2 tablespoons pepper paste
- 1 cup canned tomatoes (or fresh, if you prefer)
- 2 bay leaves
- 2-3 garlic cloves, crushed
- A handful of fresh parsley, chopped
- 20 ml oil (sunflower or olive)
- Salt and pepper to taste

Preparation:

1. Preparing the chicken: Start by cleaning and cutting the chicken. Make sure to wash it well under cold running water and dry it with a paper towel. This will help the meat brown better. A trick I use is to let the chicken reach room temperature before cooking. This step helps achieve an even texture.

2. Brown the chicken: In a deep pan, heat the oil over medium heat. Add the chicken pieces and brown them on all sides for a few minutes until golden. Place them on a plate and set aside.

3. Preparing the vegetables: In the same pan, add the finely chopped onion, grated carrot, and grated celery. Cook them over low heat for 5-7 minutes until the onion becomes translucent. This is the stage when the aroma of the vegetables will start to fill your kitchen. Don't rush, as slow cooking will enhance the flavors!

4. Add the liquid: Once the vegetables have softened, add 1 cup of water. Cover the pan and let it simmer for 10 minutes. This will help the vegetables release their juices and become more flavorful.

5. Combining the ingredients: Now add the diced potatoes, pepper paste, crushed garlic, browned chicken, bay leaves, canned tomatoes (chopped if whole), 1 cup of water, salt, and pepper to taste. Carefully mix everything to avoid breaking the potatoes.

6. Baking: Preheat the oven to 180°C. Transfer the mixture to a baking dish, cover it with a lid or aluminum foil, and let it bake for 30-45 minutes. Check the sauce consistency from time to time, adding more water if necessary. The aroma that will come from the oven will make you feel at home!

7. Finishing: After the stew has cooked, check the taste and, if necessary, add more salt and pepper. Before serving, sprinkle the chopped fresh parsley on top. This will add a fresh and colorful touch.

Serving:

The chicken stew is served hot, alongside a generous portion of polenta. The consistency of the polenta will perfectly complement this dish, absorbing the delicious sauce. You can also add a spoonful of sour cream for extra creaminess.

Tips and variations:

- For added flavor: You can add spices like sweet or hot paprika, thyme, or oregano. These will provide depth and complexity to the taste.
- Vegetable variations: You can experiment with other seasonal vegetables, such as zucchini or bell peppers, which can be added in the last 15 minutes of cooking.
- Frequently asked questions:
- Can I use frozen chicken? Yes, but make sure to fully thaw it before cooking to achieve an even texture.
- How can I store the stew? You can keep the chicken stew in the fridge for 3-4 days or freeze it for up to 3 months.

Nutritional benefits:

This stew is not only tasty but also nutritious. Chicken is an excellent source of protein, and the vegetables add essential fiber, vitamins, and minerals. Combined with polenta, it offers a balanced meal that will satisfy and warm you on cold days.

Conclusion:

This chicken stew is more than just a recipe – it’s a journey back in time to family meals filled with laughter and stories. I invite you to prepare it and remember the beautiful moments of childhood, while also creating new memories with your loved ones. Enjoy your meal!