Chicken stew with vegetables and dill sauce

Braised chicken with vegetables and dill sauce

Preparation time: 20 minutes
Cooking time: 50-60 minutes
Total time: 1 hour and 20 minutes
Servings: 4

Braised chicken is a classic dish that brings joy to our tables, making it a perfect choice for a family meal or a special occasion. This recipe for braised chicken with vegetables and dill sauce is simple yet full of flavors, with its secret lying in the slow cooking of the meat and the creamy sauce that gives it a unique taste.

Before we get started, let's make sure we have all the necessary ingredients and discuss them a bit:

Ingredients:
- 1 chicken weighing approximately 700-800 g
- 300 g new potatoes
- 2 carrots
- 1 parsley root
- 1 onion
- 1 bunch of dill (fresh, for intense flavor)
- a few sprigs of parsley (for decoration)
- 30 ml oil (or butter, about a walnut-sized amount)
- 2-3 tablespoons flour
- 1 teaspoon sugar
- salt and pepper (1 cube or a teaspoon of concentrated chicken stock - optional)

Practical tips:
- The chicken: Choose a fresh chicken, preferably from local sources, which will taste better than frozen ones. If possible, select a naturally raised chicken, which will provide a richer taste and better texture.
- The vegetables: Use fresh, seasonal vegetables to achieve the best flavors. New potatoes have a finer texture and a sweet taste, perfect for this dish.
- The dill: This aromatic herb pairs wonderfully with chicken and vegetables. Choose fresh dill, as dried dill will not add the same intensity of flavor.

Step by step for a perfect braised chicken:

1. Preparing the chicken: Start by washing the chicken well. Then, using a sharp knife, cut the chicken into smaller pieces that will cook evenly. This step may seem intimidating, but with a little practice, it quickly becomes a simple task.

2. Cleaning the vegetables: Peel the carrots, potatoes, and onion. Wash them well under cold running water. Cut the carrots into thin rounds for quicker cooking and the potatoes into medium-sized cubes.

3. Boiling the chicken: In a large pot, put 3 liters of cold water, add a little salt and a teaspoon of sugar (the latter helps balance the flavor). Bring the water to a boil and, when it starts to bubble, add the chicken pieces. Wait a few minutes and remove the foam that forms on the surface using a skimmer. This is an important step to achieve a clear and tasty broth.

4. Adding the vegetables: After removing the foam, add the carrots and onion. Let it simmer on low heat for 15 minutes. Then, add the peeled and chopped potatoes. Cover the pot with a lid and let it simmer for 15-20 minutes until the chicken is well cooked and the vegetables are tender.

5. Preparing the dill sauce: In a small saucepan, heat the oil (or butter) over low heat. Add the finely chopped dill and sauté for 1-2 minutes until fragrant. Then, add the flour and mix well, slowly pouring in 200-300 ml of the hot chicken broth. Use a whisk to mix vigorously to avoid lumps. The sauce will thicken quickly; if it becomes too thick, add a little more broth.

6. Finalizing the sauce: Add salt and pepper to taste (or the chicken stock concentrate, if you choose to use it). Let the sauce simmer for a few minutes to combine the flavors, then remove it from the heat.

7. Serving: On a beautiful platter, arrange the chicken pieces, potatoes, and carrots. Drizzle the dill sauce over the vegetables and chicken, serving the remaining sauce separately in a sauce boat or jug. Garnish with a few sprigs of fresh parsley for a more appealing look.

This braised chicken with vegetables and dill sauce is a versatile recipe that can be adapted to personal preferences. For example, you can add other vegetables like celery or even zucchini to diversify the dish.

For a complete meal, this dish pairs wonderfully with a fresh salad or a simple rice side. Additionally, a soup with noodles or dumplings can be made from the leftover broth, turning every drop into a delicacy.

Frequently asked questions:
1. Can I use turkey instead of chicken? Yes, turkey is a healthy alternative and will cook similarly.
2. Can I use frozen vegetables? While fresh vegetables are preferred for flavor, frozen vegetables can be used in their absence, keeping in mind that cooking time may vary.
3. How can I make the sauce spicier? Add a little cayenne pepper or ground chili to the sauce for an extra kick.

Nutrition: This recipe is a good source of protein, vitamins, and minerals due to its ingredients. The chicken provides lean protein, while the vegetables bring fiber, antioxidants, and essential vitamins.

With this recipe for braised chicken with vegetables and dill sauce, you will discover the joy of cooking and sharing delicious meals with loved ones. Enjoy your meal!

 Ingredients: 1 chicken of approximately 700-800 g, 300 g new potatoes, 2 carrots, 1 parsley root, 1 onion, 1 bunch of dill and a few sprigs of parsley, 30 ml oil (butter the size of a walnut), 2-3 tablespoons flour, 1 teaspoon sugar, salt, pepper (1 cube or a teaspoon of chicken concentrate optional)