Chicken in tomato sauce and mashed potatoes with mushrooms
Chicken in Tomato Sauce with Mushroom Purée - A Comforting Recipe
Total Time: 1 hour
Preparation Time: 20 minutes
Cooking Time: 40 minutes
Servings: 4
When it comes to delicious dishes, chicken in tomato sauce with mushroom purée is a perfect choice. This recipe combines the rich flavors of tomato sauce with the creamy texture of purée, offering a feast of tastes and colors for the whole family. Whether you enjoy it for dinner or prepare it for a special gathering, this dish is sure to impress.
Recipe Origin
The recipe for chicken in tomato sauce has deep roots in culinary traditions, where flavorful sauces have been used to enhance meat and make it juicier. Over time, each cook has added their personal touch, adapting the ingredients to their tastes and available produce. Thus, chicken in tomato sauce has become a versatile dish that can be enjoyed with various sides, including delicious purées.
Necessary Ingredients
To prepare this recipe, you will need the following ingredients:
- 500 g chicken (thighs and wings)
- 2 ripe tomatoes
- 2 tablespoons tomato paste (with basil and onion for added flavor)
- ½ medium onion
- ½ bell pepper (ideally, choose a red pepper for vibrant color)
- 1 teaspoon thyme or oregano (to taste)
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 1 bunch of fresh parsley, chopped
- 4-5 medium potatoes
- 150 g frozen mushrooms (a mix of mushrooms with porcini for extra flavor)
Preparing the Tomato Sauce with Chicken
1. Start by finely chopping the onion and bell pepper. In a large skillet, add a little oil and sauté the vegetables over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until they become soft and translucent, about 5-7 minutes.
2. Dice the tomatoes and add them to the skillet, allowing them to cook with the onion and pepper for 5 minutes. This step will allow the tomatoes to release their juices, creating a flavorful base for the sauce.
3. Add the pieces of chicken to the skillet, stirring well to coat them with the vegetable mixture. Season with salt and pepper, then let them cook for about 5 minutes, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking.
4. Pour in enough water to cover the chicken. Cover the skillet with a lid and increase the heat to bring it to a boil. Once it starts boiling, reduce the heat to medium and let it simmer for 20-25 minutes, until the chicken is halfway cooked.
5. At this point, add thyme or oregano along with the 2 tablespoons of tomato paste. Mix well and continue cooking until the chicken is fully cooked, about 15-20 minutes. If the sauce becomes too thick, add a little water to thin it out according to your preference.
6. To thicken the sauce, at the end, prepare a slurry from a tablespoon of flour mixed with a little water. Pour the slurry into the skillet and mix well. Let it simmer for 2-3 minutes, then turn off the heat. Before serving, sprinkle the chopped parsley on top for added freshness.
Preparing the Mushroom Potato Purée
1. Peel the potatoes and cut them into cubes. Boil them in salted water for 15-20 minutes, or until tender. Check with a fork; if it goes in easily, they are ready.
2. Drain the potatoes and mash them well using a potato masher or mixer. Gradually add warm milk, stirring continuously to achieve a creamy texture.
3. If desired, add a tablespoon of vegetable seasoning for extra flavor. Then, chop the separately cooked mushrooms, which can be boiled or lightly sautéed, and incorporate them into the purée. Mix well to combine the flavors.
Serving
Now that everything is ready, it’s time to plate. Serve the chicken in tomato sauce alongside the mushroom purée, making sure to cover the meat with a rich sauce. This dish pairs perfectly with a fresh green salad or a side of steamed vegetables to add a contrast of textures. A glass of white wine or fresh lemonade can perfectly complement the meal.
Helpful Tips
- If you want a thicker and more flavorful sauce, let it simmer longer to evaporate excess water.
- Substitute frozen mushrooms with fresh mushrooms for a more intense flavor. Be sure to clean and chop them before adding to the purée.
- For an even bolder taste, you can add a few slices of garlic at the beginning of the vegetable cooking process.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Can I use another type of meat?
Yes, you can use turkey or even pork, but the cooking time will vary.
2. What should I do if I don’t have fresh tomatoes?
You can use canned tomatoes or tomato sauce, adjusting the amount of water based on your desired consistency.
3. What are the nutritional values of this dish?
This recipe is rich in protein due to the chicken, while the mushrooms add fiber and vitamins. The potatoes provide complex carbohydrates, making it an excellent source of energy.
4. What can I do with leftovers?
Chicken in tomato sauce can be used to make a delicious sandwich or salad, while the purée can be shaped into patties and fried for a quick meal.
Conclusion
Chicken in tomato sauce with mushroom purée is a simple yet flavorful recipe that can quickly become a family favorite. With just a few basic ingredients and easy-to-follow steps, you can prepare a comforting dish full of flavors. Don’t forget to personalize your recipe according to your preferences, and every meal will be a special occasion!
Ingredients: chicken, thighs and wings 2 tomatoes 2 tablespoons tomato paste (with basil and onion, I use) half an onion half a bell pepper (here the peppers are huge, and I make at most four servings of food at once) thyme or oregano... the taste is pretty similar salt, pepper fresh parsley 4-5 potatoes 150 g frozen mushrooms (mix of mushrooms with porcini)
