Chicken Ostropel

Chicken Ostropel: a delicious and comforting recipe

Preparation time: 15 minutes
Cooking time: 40 minutes
Total: 55 minutes
Servings: 4

Chicken Ostropel is a traditional Romanian dish that brings unmistakable flavors and a juicy texture to the table. This dish is easy and quick to prepare, making it ideal for a family dinner or to impress guests. In this recipe, I will guide you step by step to achieve a perfect, flavorful Ostropel.

Ingredients:
- 500 g chicken meat (drumsticks, wings, or breast, according to preference)
- 1 large onion, sliced
- 3 cloves of garlic, minced
- 2 bay leaves
- 5-6 peppercorns
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 500 ml tomato juice (or 2 cans of tomatoes in juice)
- 100 ml white wine
- 3 tablespoons oil
- 1 bunch of fresh parsley, chopped

Step 1: Preparing the meat
Start by washing the chicken meat well under cold running water. If using drumsticks, make sure they are cleaned of any feather remnants. After washing, dry the meat with absorbent paper towels to avoid splattering oil during frying.

Step 2: Sautéing the vegetables
In a large pan, add the 3 tablespoons of oil and heat over medium heat. Once the oil is hot, add the sliced onion. Sauté the onion for 3-4 minutes until it becomes translucent and slightly golden. Then, add the minced garlic and let it sauté with the onion for a minute, being careful not to burn it.

Step 3: Cooking the meat
Add the chicken meat to the pan, stirring gently to brown it evenly on all sides. Cook the meat for 5-7 minutes until it gets a nice color.

Step 4: Adding spices and tomatoes
Add the bay leaves, pepper, and thyme, mixing well. Then, pour the tomato juice and white wine into the pan. If you prefer a stronger flavor, you can use canned tomatoes in juice, which add a hint of sweetness.

Step 5: Slow simmering
Cover the pan with a lid and let the Ostropel simmer on low heat for about 30 minutes. Check occasionally and stir to prevent sticking. If the sauce becomes too thick, you can add a little water.

Step 6: Finishing and serving
When the meat is tender and well cooked, remove the pan from the heat. Sprinkle the chopped parsley on top for an extra touch of freshness and flavor. Chicken Ostropel is served hot, alongside polenta or rice.

Useful tips:
- For an even more intense flavor, let the Ostropel rest for a few minutes before serving. The flavors will blend even better.
- You can add carrots or bell peppers to the recipe to diversify the vegetables.
- If you want a spicy version, add fresh chili peppers or chili flakes to the sauce.

This Chicken Ostropel recipe is not only simple but also full of flavor. It is a dish that will surely bring smiles to the faces of your loved ones. Enjoy your meal!

 Ingredients: 500 g chicken meat, 1 onion, 3 cloves of garlic, bay leaves, pepper, thyme, 500 ml tomato juice, 1 glass of white wine (100 ml), chopped parsley, 3 tablespoons of oil, 2 cans of tomatoes in sauce.