Chicken stew with mushrooms

Chicken and Mushroom Ciulama – A Homemade Delicacy

Chicken and mushroom ciulama is a traditional dish that reminds us of family meals, the warmth of home, and the joy of savoring lovingly cooked food. This delicious recipe combines juicy chicken meat with tender mushrooms and creamy sour cream, resulting in a hearty and flavorful dish. Get ready to delight your taste buds and transform a simple meal into a true culinary celebration!

Preparation Time:
- Prep time: 15 minutes
- Cooking time: 40 minutes
- Total time: 55 minutes
- Servings: 4

Ingredients:
- 1 whole chicken (approximately 1.5 kg) without the breast (ideally free-range)
- 300 g mushrooms (champignon or pleurotus, depending on preference)
- 200 ml cooking cream
- 1 tablespoon flour
- 1 white onion
- 1 red onion
- 1/2 bell pepper
- 2 tomatoes
- 4-5 cloves of garlic
- 500 ml meat broth (beef or chicken)
- Salt, freshly ground pepper
- 1 teaspoon sweet paprika
- A handful of chopped fresh parsley

Preparation Instructions:

1. Preparing the Chicken:
- Start by cutting the chicken into equal pieces. Wash them well and let them drain. Use a paper towel to dry them, so they are not wet.

2. Preparing the Vegetables:
- Peel the onions and finely chop them. Wash the bell pepper and tomatoes, then chop them finely. The garlic can be crushed or chopped, depending on preference.

3. Sautéing the Vegetables:
- In a non-stick pot (ideally a Delimano pot), add the chopped vegetables along with 2-3 tablespoons of water. Let them sauté over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until they become soft and fragrant (about 5-7 minutes).

4. Cooking the Chicken:
- Add the chicken pieces to the pot, season with salt, pepper, and paprika. Mix well to combine the flavors. Pour the meat broth over the chicken and let it simmer on low heat, covered, for 25-30 minutes, or until the chicken is tender and fully cooked.

5. Adding the Mushrooms:
- Once the chicken is cooked, add the chopped mushrooms and half of the chopped parsley. Let it simmer for another 10 minutes over medium heat, so the mushrooms soften and release their flavors.

6. Preparing the Sauce:
- In a small bowl, mix the flour with 2-3 tablespoons of sour cream and a few tablespoons of milk or water to avoid lumps. Add 1-2 ladles of the meat juice and mix well. Then, pour the sour cream mixture over the chicken and mushrooms. Add the remaining sour cream and gently stir, allowing the sauce to simmer for a few minutes until it thickens.

7. Finalizing the Dish:
- Once the sauce has reached the desired consistency, turn off the heat and sprinkle the remaining chopped parsley on top. Your ciulama is now ready to be enjoyed!

Serving:
Serve the chicken and mushroom ciulama alongside delicious sides like mashed potatoes or polenta. A slice of fresh bread will perfectly complement this dish, helping you enjoy the creamy sauce to the fullest.

Practical Tips:
- If you prefer a spicier ciulama, you can add some finely chopped chili pepper along with the vegetables.
- Replace the mushrooms with other vegetables, such as zucchini or carrots, for a vegetarian version.
- Use homemade broth for an even more intense flavor; you can make the broth from chicken or beef bones by simmering them with vegetables and spices for a few hours.

Nutritional Information:
A serving of chicken and mushroom ciulama has approximately 500 calories, being a good source of protein due to the chicken and mushrooms. This recipe is rich in vitamins and minerals, contributing to a healthy diet.

Frequently Asked Questions:
1. Can I use turkey instead of chicken?
- Yes, turkey meat is an excellent alternative and will adapt well to the recipe's flavors.

2. What other sides can I serve with ciulama?
- Polenta is the most popular, but you can also try mashed potatoes or a fresh green salad.

3. Can I freeze chicken ciulama?
- Yes, ciulama can be frozen, but it is recommended to consume it fresh to enjoy the optimal aroma and texture.

Try this simple chicken and mushroom ciulama recipe and let the delightful flavors transport you back to home-cooked meals. Enjoy your meal!

 Ingredients: 1 whole chicken without breast (if it's home-raised, it's even tastier) 300 g mushrooms 200 ml sour cream 1 tablespoon flour 1 white onion 1 red onion 1/2 bell pepper 2 tomatoes 4-5 cloves of garlic 500 ml meat broth salt pepper paprika fresh parsley

 Tags:  chicken stew