Chicken Ciulama

Chicken Ciulama - the nostalgic recipe of childhood

Chicken ciulama is one of those dishes that reminds us of the beautiful moments spent with family, enveloped in the aroma of fresh ingredients and cherished memories. This recipe, passed down from mother and grandmother, is a true culinary treasure, simple and delicious, that will surprise you with its rich taste and creamy texture. It is an easy-to-make dish, perfect for family lunches or cozy dinners. Let’s begin this culinary journey!

Total preparation time: 1 hour
Preparation time: 15 minutes
Cooking time: 45 minutes
Number of servings: 4

Necessary ingredients

- 1 kg chicken (preferably cut into pieces, avoid using breast for a juicier texture)
- 1 large white onion (onion adds sweetness and aroma)
- 1 red bell pepper (optional, but adds color and a slight sweetness)
- 1 teaspoon sweet paprika (for an extra touch of flavor and color)
- Peppercorns (5-6 peppercorns, for a more intense taste)
- 1 bay leaf (to infuse the dish with flavors)
- Salt (to taste)
- 2-3 tablespoons oil (for sautéing)
- 2-3 tablespoons flour (to thicken the sauce)
- 5-6 tablespoons milk (for a creamy texture)
- 4 cloves of garlic (crushed, for an unmistakable flavor)

Step-by-step instructions

1. Preparing the ingredients
Start by chopping the onion into small cubes and the bell pepper into pieces. This will help release flavors during cooking. Also, prepare the chicken pieces, ensuring they are cleaned and cut evenly.

2. Sautéing the onion
In a large pot, heat the oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and sauté for 3-4 minutes until it becomes translucent and starts to brown slightly. This step is essential to intensify the flavor of the dish.

3. Adding the bell pepper
Add the diced bell pepper and continue to sauté for 2-3 minutes. The bell pepper will add a note of sweetness and a pleasant texture.

4. Cooking the chicken
Now, add the chicken pieces to the pot. Stir well to coat the meat with the onion and bell pepper. Add a cup of water, then cover the pot with a lid. Let it simmer on low heat for 30-40 minutes until the chicken is cooked and tender. Don’t forget to season with salt, pepper, and the bay leaf.

5. Adding the garlic
5-10 minutes before the chicken is done, add the crushed garlic. This will add an extra depth of flavor and perfectly complement the taste of the ciulama.

6. Preparing the sauce
In a bowl, combine the flour with the milk, mixing well until it becomes a smooth paste. This mixture will thicken the sauce. Add the flour and milk mixture to the pot with the chicken, stirring continuously to avoid lumps. Let it simmer for a minute or until the sauce thickens, stirring constantly.

7. Finalizing the dish
Turn off the heat and let the chicken ciulama rest for a few minutes before serving. This time allows the flavors to meld and the sauce to become even creamier.

Serving

Chicken ciulama is ideally served with warm polenta or fresh bread. It is delicious alongside a pickled salad or a simple green salad. If you want to change the recipe a bit, you can also serve it with boiled pasta, mixing it with the sauce, thus transforming the dish into a paprikash!

Variations

For a vegetarian version, you can replace the chicken with mushrooms or tofu, and for a spicy note, add chili peppers to taste. You can also experiment with different herbs, such as thyme or oregano.

Nutritional benefits

Chicken ciulama is rich in protein due to the chicken meat, while the milk and flour sauce provides carbohydrates for energy. Garlic adds additional benefits, having antibacterial effects and strengthening the immune system.

Frequently asked questions

1. Can I use other types of meat?
Of course! You can use turkey or pork, but chicken remains the classic favorite.

2. How can I make the ciulama less thick?
For a thinner sauce, add more milk or water at the end. Adjust the consistency according to your preferences.

3. What other side dishes go well with it?
Besides polenta and bread, chicken ciulama pairs wonderfully with rice or mashed potatoes.

This chicken ciulama recipe is more than just a meal; it is a part of our culinary tradition that brings us together around the table. I encourage you to try it and enjoy every bite, letting yourself be carried away by childhood memories and the delicious aroma of this dish!

 Ingredients: 1 kg chicken (any part except breast) 1 large white onion 1 red bell pepper 1 tsp paprika whole pepper 1 bay leaf salt 2-3 tbsp oil 2-3 tbsp flour 5-6 tbsp milk 4 cloves of garlic

 Tags:  ciulama