Pea stew with potatoes and chicken

Pea stew with potatoes and chicken: a delicious and comforting recipe

If you are looking for a simple yet flavorful recipe that brings joy to your plate, you have come to the right place! Pea stew with potatoes and chicken is one of those dishes that reminds you of family meals, full of warmth and good cheer. This recipe is not only tasty but also nutritious, perfect for a hearty meal. Let's discover together how to prepare it!

Preparation time: 15 minutes
Cooking time: 30-40 minutes
Total time: 55-60 minutes
Number of servings: 4

Ingredients:
- 2 small onions or 1 large onion (about 150g)
- 1 kg fresh peas (or frozen if fresh is not available)
- 2-3 medium potatoes (about 400-500g)
- 2 chicken thighs (you can also use chicken breast if you prefer leaner meat)
- 1 bunch of fresh dill (about 30g)
- 200g tomato paste (or 150ml concentrated tomato juice)
- 50ml olive oil or vegetable oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 300ml water (or more depending on the desired consistency)

Preparation:

1. Prepare the ingredients: Start by cleaning the vegetables. Chop the onion finely, peel the potatoes and cut them into cubes of about 2 cm. If you are using fresh peas, shell them.

2. Sauté the onion: In a large pot, add the oil and let it heat over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and a little water (about 50ml) to help it soften. Sauté the onion for 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until it becomes transparent and soft.

3. Add the peas: Once the onion is sautéed, add the peas. Continue to stir and let simmer for 10 minutes. If you are using frozen peas, the cooking time may be slightly shorter.

4. Boil the chicken thighs: Meanwhile, in another pot, boil the chicken thighs in water. Let them boil for 5-7 minutes, then remove them and let them cool slightly. This step helps to remove impurities and makes the meat more tender.

5. Add the potatoes and thighs: When the peas are almost cooked, add the cubed potatoes and chicken thighs. Cover the pot and let it simmer for 15-20 minutes, until the potatoes are tender.

6. Add the tomato paste: After all the ingredients are cooked, add the tomato paste or tomato juice. Mix well and let simmer for another 5-10 minutes. This step will give the dish a rich flavor and delicious taste.

7. Finalize the dish: At the end, add the chopped dill, stir gently, and season with salt and pepper to taste. Cover the pot and let it sit for 5 minutes for the flavors to meld.

Serving:
Pea stew with potatoes and chicken is served warm, alongside fresh bread or polenta. You can also add a simple green salad for a fresh contrast.

Practical tips:
- If you prefer a stronger flavor, you can add a few chopped garlic cloves while sautéing the onion.
- If you want to enhance the dish, try adding diced carrots or bell peppers.
- The dish can also be made with pork or turkey, depending on your preferences.

Nutritional benefits:
This recipe is rich in protein from the meat, fiber from the peas, and healthy carbohydrates from the potatoes. Peas are an excellent source of vitamins and minerals, contributing to immune system health.

Frequently asked questions:
- Can I use canned peas? Yes, but it is recommended to rinse them well before adding to the dish.
- Can I replace chicken thighs with chicken breast? Yes, but the cooking time will be shorter, so add the chicken breast closer to the end of the preparation.
- Can I freeze this dish? Yes, it is an excellent recipe for freezing, but make sure to let it cool completely before placing it in airtight containers.

Vegetarian option:
If you prefer a vegetarian option, you can replace the chicken with tofu or mushrooms, and the tomato paste can be substituted with vegetable broth. This will be just as tasty and healthy an option.

So now that you have all the necessary information, all that’s left is to start cooking! Pea stew with potatoes and chicken is not only an easy-to-make recipe but also a dish that will bring smiles to the faces of your loved ones. Enjoy your meal!