Chicken stew with vegetables

Chicken stew with vegetables is a comforting dish that reminds us of warm, love-filled meals from childhood. It's a simple recipe but with a rich flavor that can be adapted to everyone's taste. Whether you want to serve it on a cold winter day or enjoy it with loved ones, this stew promises to be a true culinary indulgence. Let's discover together how to prepare it step by step to achieve a perfect result!

Preparation time: 20 minutes
Cooking time: 1 hour
Total time: 1 hour and 20 minutes
Number of servings: 6

Ingredients
- 6 boneless chicken thighs
- 5-6 small potatoes
- 1 zucchini
- 2 carrots
- 4 small red onions
- 1 white onion
- 4-5 garlic cloves
- 3 tablespoons of canola oil
- 1 teaspoon of cumin seeds
- 1 teaspoon of sweet paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon of chili flakes (optional)
- 2-3 bay leaves
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Chili leaves, for garnish

Instructions

1. Preparing the ingredients
Start by cutting the chicken thighs into evenly sized cubes. This will help the meat cook evenly. Finely chop the white onion and red onions, and crush the garlic. Peel the carrots and slice them into rounds, and cut the potatoes and zucchini into cubes.

2. Sauté the vegetables
In a large pot, add the canola oil and heat it over medium heat. Add the onion, garlic, and carrots, then sauté them for 5-7 minutes until they become translucent and release their flavors.

3. Add the spices
Crush the cumin seeds in a mortar to release their flavors and add them to the pot, along with the sweet paprika and chili flakes (if using). Mix well to combine all the ingredients harmoniously.

4. Add the chicken
Now it's time to add the chicken pieces to the pot. Stir them with the vegetables and let them brown for 5-7 minutes until the meat becomes slightly golden.

5. Add water and potatoes
Pour enough water to cover all the ingredients (about 1 liter). Then, add the cubed potatoes and bay leaves. Let the stew simmer on low heat, covered, for 30 minutes.

6. Finalizing the stew
Once the chicken and potatoes are almost done, add the cubed zucchini. Continue cooking for another 10-15 minutes until all the vegetables are cooked and the meat is tender. Finally, season with salt and pepper to taste.

7. Serving
Serve the stew hot, garnished with finely chopped chili leaves for a fresh and spicy touch. You can accompany the dish with warm polenta or fresh bread to soak up the delicious sauce.

Practical tips

- Choosing the meat: Chicken thighs are ideal for this recipe as they are juicy and full of flavor. You can also use chicken breast, but make sure not to overcook it to avoid dryness.
- Vegetables: Adapt the vegetables to your preferences. You can add bell peppers, peas, or even mushrooms for extra flavor.
- Spices: Play with the spices! You can add a pinch of turmeric or curry powder for a golden color and a slightly exotic taste.
- Preparing in advance: This stew is perfect for making a day ahead. The flavors intensify, and the dish will be even more delicious the next day.

Nutritional benefits

This chicken stew with vegetables is an excellent source of protein, vitamins, and minerals. Chicken provides quality protein, while vegetables bring fiber, antioxidants, and essential nutrients. Carrots are rich in beta-carotene, and zucchini offers B vitamins.

Frequently asked questions

1. Can I use other types of meat?
Of course! This recipe can also be adapted for pork or beef, but the cooking time will vary.

2. What is the best way to store the stew?
You can store the stew in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 3-4 days. It tastes even better the next day!

3. Can it be frozen?
Yes, the stew can be frozen. Make sure to let it cool completely before transferring it to freezing containers.

4. What drinks pair well with chicken stew?
A cold blonde beer or a dry white wine are excellent options. If you prefer non-alcoholic beverages, an herbal tea or a natural juice would be very suitable.

Vegetarian option

If you want to try a vegetarian version, you can replace the chicken with tofu or mushrooms, and water or vegetable broth will be the perfect base for this healthy stew.

This chicken stew with vegetables is not only a delicious dish but also a recipe that combines tradition with innovation. I encourage you to put your personal touch on the recipe, try new combinations, and enjoy every bite. Bon appétit!

 Ingredients: I used: 6 boneless thighs, 5-6 smaller potatoes, 1 zucchini, 2 carrots, cumin seeds, paprika, pepper, chili flakes, chili leaves, 4 small red onions, 1 white onion, 4-5 garlic cloves, canola oil, bay leaves.

 Tags:  vegetable stew chicken stew