Spring Chicken Stew

Spring Chicken Stew: A Recipe Full of Flavors and Colors

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

Welcome to your kitchen, where fresh flavors and seasonal ingredients come together to create a delicious chicken stew, perfect for the spring that surrounds us! This spring chicken stew recipe is simple yet packed with flavor, making it ideal for a family meal or a dinner with friends.

A Bit of History:
Stew is a dish with deep roots in the culinary traditions of many cultures. Typically, it combines meat with vegetables and aromatic herbs, offering a perfect blend of flavors and textures. It is a dish that is often slow-cooked, allowing the ingredients to soak up each other's tastes. This chicken stew variant celebrates spring with fresh vegetables and aromatic greens.

Ingredients:
- 1 large boneless chicken breast
- 2 large bell peppers (1 red, 1 green)
- 1 bunch green onions
- 1 bunch green garlic
- 1 can diced tomatoes (400g) or 6-7 medium-sized tomatoes (blanched and peeled)
- Salt, pepper, sweet paprika
- 1/2 bunch fresh dill
- 1/2 bunch fresh parsley
- 3-4 tablespoons olive oil

Preparing the Stew:

1. Prepare the ingredients: Start by cutting the chicken breast into large cubes. They will remain juicy and flavorful during cooking. Also, slice the bell peppers into strips and peel the tomatoes if you choose the fresh version.

2. Brown the chicken: In a large skillet, add the olive oil and heat it over medium heat. Add the chicken cubes, seasoning them with salt, pepper, and sweet paprika. Brown them for about 5-7 minutes, turning occasionally, until golden on all sides. Once done, remove them to a plate and set aside.

3. Sauté the vegetables: In the same skillet, add the sliced bell peppers. Sauté them for 4-5 minutes until they become slightly soft. Then, add the diced tomatoes and mix well.

4. Combine cooking: Add a cup of water to the skillet and cover with a lid. Let it simmer for 10-15 minutes, allowing the vegetables to soften and the flavors to meld.

5. Add the onion and garlic: Chop the green onions and garlic into larger pieces (about 2 cm). When the vegetables have softened, add the onions, garlic, and chicken cubes back into the skillet. Mix everything and cover again. Let it simmer for 20 minutes, stirring occasionally and adding water if needed.

6. Finalize the dish: Once all the ingredients are cooked and the flavors have blended perfectly, adjust the salt to taste. Add the chopped dill and parsley and mix well. These herbs will add freshness and color to your stew.

7. Serving suggestion: This chicken stew is delicious served with warm polenta and garlic sauce. The polenta will soak up the juices and flavors, providing you with an unforgettable culinary experience.

Alternative with other types of meat: If you want to experiment, this recipe also works with other types of meat, such as pork or beef. By replacing the chicken with lamb, you can create a stew with a deep flavor, perfect for a festive meal.

Useful tips:
- Seasonal vegetables: Use seasonal vegetables for the freshest flavors. You can add zucchini, carrots, or mushrooms, depending on your preferences.
- Spices: Play with the spices! You can add other herbs like thyme or basil to customize the recipe.
- Polenta: If you have time, make polenta from fine cornmeal for a creamy texture. Add cheese for an extra layer of flavor.

Nutritional information:
This chicken stew is rich in protein due to the chicken and contains a variety of vitamins and minerals from the vegetables. It is a healthy choice, perfect for a balanced meal.

Frequently asked questions:

1. Can I use frozen meat? Yes, but make sure to fully thaw it before cooking.
2. What can I do if I don't have green garlic? You can use dried garlic or regular garlic, but the flavor will be slightly different.
3. Can the stew be stored? Yes, it can be stored in the refrigerator in an airtight container for 2-3 days. You can reheat it in the microwave or on the stovetop with a little water.

Happy cooking and enjoy your meal! By experimenting with this recipe, you'll bring spring to your plate every day!