Sweet peas with chicken drumsticks

Sweet pea dish with chicken thighs: A comforting and delicious recipe

If you're looking for a simple yet flavorful recipe, sweet pea dish with chicken thighs is the perfect choice. This recipe will not only delight your taste buds but also bring a touch of nostalgia with every bite. The origins of this dish are lost in history, but what we know for sure is that over time it has become a beloved meal for many, thanks to its combination of simple and tasty ingredients.

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

Ingredients

- 4 chicken thighs
- 300 g fresh or frozen peas
- 1 small onion
- ½ red bell pepper (or 1 small pepper)
- 1 carrot
- 2 tablespoons tomato paste
- 2 tablespoons cooking cream
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh or frozen dill, to taste
- 1 liter of water (or as needed for boiling)

Necessary utensils

- A large pot for cooking
- A sharp knife
- A wooden spoon for stirring
- A spatula
- A strainer for draining peas (if fresh)

Step-by-step instructions

1. Preparing the chicken thighs: Place the chicken thighs in a large pot and cover them with water. Add a teaspoon of seasoning or salt for flavor. Boil over medium heat for about 15-20 minutes, until they are half-cooked. This step is essential to ensure tender and juicy meat.

2. Chopping the vegetables: Meanwhile, peel the onion, carrot, and pepper. Dice the onion, slice the carrot thinly or cube it, depending on your preference, and cut the pepper into small pieces. These vegetables will add flavor and color to your dish.

3. Sautéing the vegetables: In a separate pan, heat a little oil or butter over medium heat. Add the onion and sauté for 2-3 minutes until it becomes translucent. Then add the carrot and pepper and continue to sauté for another 5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the vegetables are slightly softened.

4. Adding the tomato paste: Once the vegetables are sautéed, add the 2 tablespoons of tomato paste and mix well. Allow the mixture to simmer for a few minutes until the tomato paste reveals its flavor.

5. Boiling the peas: If using fresh peas, wash them well and drain. Add the peas (either fresh or frozen) to the pan along with a cup of water (about 250 ml). Season with salt and pepper to taste. Let it boil over medium heat for 10-15 minutes until the peas are almost cooked.

6. Adding the chicken thighs: Once the chicken thighs are half-cooked, remove them from the water and add them to the pan over the peas and vegetables. If you diced the carrot, now is the time to add it to the mixture. Cover the pan and let everything simmer on low heat for 15-20 minutes until the thighs are well cooked.

7. Completing the dish: Once the chicken thighs are cooked, add the 2 tablespoons of cooking cream and a little fresh or frozen dill. Mix well to integrate all the flavors. Let it simmer for another 2-3 minutes to allow the cream to incorporate perfectly.

Serving suggestions

The sweet pea dish with chicken thighs pairs perfectly with pickles or a fresh green salad. You can also add a side of rice or mashed potatoes to complete the meal. This recipe is ideal for a family dinner or a comforting lunch.

Tips and useful advice

- Turkey variant: For a lighter option, you can replace the chicken thighs with turkey meat. The taste will be just as delicious!
- Adding other vegetables: You can experiment with other vegetables, such as zucchini or green peas, to add texture and color.
- Fresh vs frozen peas: If you have access to fresh peas, use them for a more intense flavor. Frozen peas are also an excellent and much quicker option.
- Parsley instead of dill: If you don't have dill on hand, fresh parsley will provide a similar flavor and add a touch of freshness.

Nutritional benefits

This recipe is not only tasty but also healthy. Chicken thighs are an excellent source of protein, and peas are rich in fiber, vitamins, and minerals. Additionally, the carrot provides an important amount of beta-carotene, beneficial for eye health.

Frequently asked questions

- Can I use other parts of the chicken? Yes, you can use chicken breast or wings, but the cooking time will vary. Make sure they are fully cooked.
- What spices can I use for a more intense flavor? You can add spices like paprika, garlic powder, or even a bay leaf for extra aroma.
- Can the dish be frozen? Yes, this dish freezes well. Make sure to store it in an airtight container to retain its flavor.

The sweet pea dish with chicken thighs is an easy recipe that will bring smiles to the faces of your loved ones. Don't hesitate to try it and adapt it to your tastes! Enjoy your meal!