Chicken Ostropel

Chicken Ostropel with Garden Tomatoes – a traditional, flavorful recipe

Preparation time: 15 minutes
Cooking time: 50 minutes
Total time: 1 hour and 5 minutes
Servings: 4

Chicken ostropel is one of those recipes that evokes pleasant childhood memories, when Sunday meals were celebrated with traditional dishes made from fresh ingredients. This delicious dish, with a rich sauce of tomatoes and garlic, is not only comforting but also easy to prepare. Garden tomatoes, full of flavor, turn this dish into an explosion of tastes that will delight any table.

Ingredients:
- 4 chicken thighs
- 1 head of garlic (about 10-12 cloves)
- 1 kg - 1.5 kg of fresh tomatoes (preferably from the garden)
- 1/2 bunch of fresh parsley
- Salt, to taste
- Pepper, to taste
- 3-4 tablespoons of olive oil (or sunflower oil)
- Optional: oregano, tarragon, or fresh dill for added flavor

Helpful tip: Choose well-ripened tomatoes, preferably from the garden, as they will provide a more intense flavor and better texture. If you don’t have access to garden tomatoes, you can use canned tomatoes, but fresh ones will make a difference.

Step by step for a perfect ostropel:

1. Prepare the ingredients: Start by washing the chicken thighs well under cold running water. Remove any excess fat, if necessary. Peel the garlic cloves and prepare the tomatoes. If you prefer, you can briefly blanch them to remove the skin – this step is optional but can improve the sauce's texture.

2. Heat the oil: In a large pot or pan, add the oil and heat it over medium heat. Make sure the oil is well heated before adding the chicken thighs.

3. Sauté the thighs: Place the chicken thighs in the hot oil and let them brown for about 5-6 minutes, turning them occasionally for even browning. This step will add a crunchiness and flavor to the meat.

4. Add the garlic: Grate the garlic on a fine grater and add it over the chicken. Mix well to combine the flavors. Let it sauté for 1-2 minutes, being careful not to burn it, as burnt garlic can give a bitter taste to the dish.

5. Include the tomatoes: Grate the tomatoes and add them to the pot. You can do this directly in the pot or grate them in a separate bowl and then add them. Cover everything with a cup of water and mix to homogenize the composition.

6. Simmer on low heat: Reduce the heat to low and cover the pot with a lid. Let the ostropel simmer for 30-40 minutes, until the meat becomes tender and easily pulls away from the bone. This slow process allows the flavors to develop and combine.

7. Season: Once the meat is cooked, add salt and pepper to taste. Don’t forget to add the chopped fresh parsley, which will add a note of freshness to the dish.

8. Optional variations: If you want to personalize the ostropel, you can add oregano or tarragon for a Mediterranean flavor. Fresh dill is also an excellent choice to enrich the sauce's aroma.

9. Serving: The ostropel is served hot, alongside steaming polenta or rice. It can be garnished with fresh parsley, and for a note of freshness, you can add a slice of lemon on the edge of the plate.

Final tips:
- You can prepare the ostropel a day in advance and keep it in the fridge; the flavor will intensify and be even more delicious the next day.
- If you’re wondering what drinks to serve alongside this dish, a dry white wine or a craft beer would be excellent choices.

Nutritional information:
A serving of chicken ostropel contains approximately 350-400 calories, depending on the amount of oil used and the chosen side dish. This dish is rich in protein and vitamins from tomatoes, with a low carbohydrate content, making it a healthy choice for a balanced meal.

Chicken ostropel is more than just a recipe – it’s a way to bring family together, to create memories, and to enjoy the simple moments of life. Try this recipe and let yourself be carried away by its flavors! Enjoy your meal!