Chicken stew with polenta

Chicken Stew with Polenta - A Traditional Delicacy for Unforgettable Moments

Who doesn't love the comfort of a warm, aromatic meal that brings back memories of moments spent with loved ones? Chicken stew with polenta is undoubtedly a dish that entices us with its fragrant aroma and brings a touch of nostalgia. This recipe perfectly combines juicy chicken meat with fresh vegetables and creamy polenta, offering a balance of textures and flavors.

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

Ingredients

For the stew:
- 500 grams chicken fillet, cut into bite-sized cubes
- 1 can of 500 grams crushed tomatoes
- 1 small glass of white wine (approximately 100 ml)
- 1 large onion, finely chopped
- 2 garlic cloves, sliced
- 2 red bell peppers, cut into pieces
- 1 teaspoon chicken spices
- Ground pepper, to taste
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1 teaspoon chili paste (sambal)
- A few tablespoons of olive oil

For the polenta:
- 1 liter water
- Salt, to taste
- 250 grams cornmeal

For serving:
- Fresh parsley, finely chopped (for garnish)
- Pickles

Preparing the Chicken Stew

1. Preparing the meat: Start by cutting the chicken fillet into bite-sized cubes, not too large or too small. This will ensure even cooking. Sprinkle the meat with chicken spices, pepper, and ground cumin. Mix well so that each piece is coated. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and let it chill for about 20-30 minutes. This step will allow the flavors to penetrate the meat.

2. Preparing the vegetables: While the meat marinates, chop the onion and slice the garlic thinly. Cut the red bell peppers into large pieces. These vegetables will add sweetness and flavor to your stew.

3. Sautéing the vegetables: In a large skillet, heat a few tablespoons of olive oil over medium heat. Add the onion and garlic, sautéing for 3-4 minutes until translucent. Add the bell peppers and continue to stir for another 5 minutes until softened.

4. Adding the meat: Now it's time to add the chicken cubes to the skillet. Mix well to combine with the vegetables. Cook over low heat, stirring occasionally, until the chicken starts to brown slightly, about 10 minutes.

5. Deglazing with wine: Pour the small glass of white wine into the skillet. This will not only add a refined taste to the stew but also help lift the flavors from the bottom of the pan. Let it simmer for 2-3 minutes.

6. Adding the tomatoes: Add the can of crushed tomatoes and the chili paste. Mix well, cover the skillet with a lid, and let it simmer on low heat for about 20 minutes, stirring occasionally. This time will allow the flavors to develop and the sauce to thicken.

Preparing the Polenta

1. Boiling the water: In a pot, bring 1 liter of water to a boil. Add salt to taste. It's important for the water to be well-salted to give flavor to the polenta.

2. Adding the cornmeal: When the water starts to boil, gradually add the cornmeal, continuously stirring with a whisk to avoid lumps. Keep stirring until the polenta starts to thicken and pulls away from the sides of the pot, about 10-15 minutes.

3. Finishing the polenta: Once the polenta is ready, remove the pot from the heat and let it cool for a few minutes. You can place the polenta in a deep dish or use a mold to give it a nice shape.

Serving

To serve, place generous portions of chicken stew on plates, alongside a nice piece of warm polenta. Garnish with finely chopped fresh parsley and serve with pickles for a fresh and crunchy contrast. This combination is perfect for a family meal or a dinner with friends.

Practical Tips and Variations

- Meat variations: Don't limit yourself to chicken! You can try this recipe with pork or beef, adjusting the cooking time depending on the type of meat chosen.
- Adding vegetables: You can also add other vegetables like carrots or zucchini for an extra boost of vitamins and texture.
- The wine: If you don't have white wine on hand, you can use chicken broth or water. The wine adds a special flavor but is not essential.
- How to keep the polenta soft: If you want the polenta to remain soft and creamy, you can cover it with a damp towel after preparing it.

Nutritional Benefits

- Chicken is an excellent source of lean protein, helping with tissue development and repair.
- Tomatoes are rich in lycopene, a powerful antioxidant that helps reduce the risk of chronic diseases.
- Polenta is a good source of carbohydrates, providing quick energy and being easy to digest.

Calories

A serving of chicken stew with polenta contains approximately 450-500 calories, depending on the amount of oil used and additional ingredients. It is a nourishing meal, ideal for an active day.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can I use frozen chicken? Yes, but make sure to completely thaw it before cooking.
2. How long can I keep leftovers? Leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator for 2-3 days. Reheat in the microwave or on the stove.
3. What drinks pair well with this recipe? A dry white wine or a pale beer are excellent choices, but a cold tea can also be refreshing.

This chicken stew with polenta recipe is not just a delicious dish but also a story in itself, bringing together simple ingredients to create a comforting meal. Enjoy your meal and happy cooking!

 Ingredients: 500 grams of chicken fillet cut into bite-sized cubes, a 500-gram can of crushed tomatoes, 1 small glass of white wine, 1 large onion, 2 cloves of garlic, 2 red bell peppers, 1 teaspoon of chicken spices, ground pepper, 1 teaspoon of ground cumin, 1 teaspoon of chili paste (sambal), a few tablespoons of olive oil. For the polenta: water, salt, cornmeal, dried parsley for garnish, pickled cucumbers for serving.

 Tags:  stew chicken breast mămăligă tomatoes