Chicken with tomatoes and olives in a bag!

Delicious bird recipe with tomatoes and olives in a bag

Preparation time: 15 minutes
Baking time: 40 minutes
Total time: 55 minutes
Servings: 4

If you're looking for a simple yet incredibly tasty recipe, the bird with tomatoes and olives in a bag is exactly what you want. This recipe will not only delight your taste buds but also bring a touch of joy to your kitchen, being easy to prepare and requiring minimal cleanup. Plus, cooking in a bag enhances the flavors, providing an unforgettable culinary experience.

A bit of history

The bird dish cooked in a bag has a long-standing tradition. This cooking method allows the ingredients to simmer in their own juices, thus retaining moisture and nutrients. Over time, this type of cooking has been popularized due to its efficiency, being ideal for those who want to prepare delicious meals without spending hours in the kitchen.

Ingredients

- 1 bird (approximately 1.5 kg), cut into pieces (chicken, turkey, or duck)
- 400 g chopped tomatoes (you can use fresh or canned tomatoes)
- 300 g cherry tomatoes (for added sweetness)
- 200 g green olives, drained and sliced
- 1 tablespoon tomato paste
- 1-2 garlic cloves, finely chopped
- Spices: 1/2 teaspoon ground cardamom, 1 teaspoon dried oregano, 1 teaspoon dried thyme, salt, and pepper to taste
- Optional: 1 green chili pepper, chopped
- 1 large cooking bag (koky type)

Practical tips about ingredients

- Choose a fresh bird, preferably from a trusted supplier. If you want to achieve juicier meat, you can opt for chicken with skin, but for a healthier dish, it's recommended to remove the skin.
- Fresh tomatoes are ideal, but if you don't have any on hand, you can use canned tomatoes. Make sure they are of good quality to achieve a tasty sauce.
- Green olives add a salty and flavorful note, but you can also experiment with black olives for a slightly different taste.

Preparation technique

1. Start by sautéing the flavors. In a pot, add 2-3 tablespoons of olive oil and place it on low heat. Add the chopped tomatoes and cherry tomatoes, sautéing them for 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally. This step helps release the flavors and develop a delicious sauce.

2. Once the tomatoes have softened, let them cool slightly. In the meantime, wash the bird under cold running water and remove the skin if you prefer a leaner option.

3. In a cooking bag, add the pieces of bird, the sautéed tomato sauce, olives, chopped garlic, and spices. If you want a bit of heat, add the green chili pepper as well.

4. Add the tablespoon of tomato paste and season with salt and pepper to taste. Seal the bag tightly, ensuring there are no leaks, and gently mix the ingredients inside the bag to ensure each piece of meat is well coated with the sauce.

5. Place the bag on a baking tray and put it in the preheated oven at 180 degrees Celsius for 40 minutes. Cooking in a bag will allow the flavors to blend perfectly, and the meat will remain juicy.

6. After the baking time is up, remove the tray from the oven and let the bag cool slightly before opening it. Be careful of the steam that will escape!

Serving

This delicious recipe for bird with tomatoes and olives pairs perfectly with a side of rice or couscous, which will absorb the wonderful sauce left in the bag. You can sprinkle some fresh parsley or basil on top for added freshness and an attractive appearance. Also, serve with a crunchy green salad to complete the meal.

Nutritional benefits

This recipe is not only tasty but also healthy. The bird provides an excellent source of protein, while tomatoes are rich in antioxidants, vitamins (A, C), and minerals. Olives bring healthy fats, essential for a balanced diet. In total, one serving contains approximately 350 calories, making it a suitable choice for those who want to enjoy a hearty meal without loading the body with unnecessary calories.

Possible variations

- Try adding seasonal vegetables, such as zucchini or bell peppers, for an extra flavor boost.
- You can experiment with different types of olives or even stuffed olives with peppers for a surprising taste.
- If you like a spicier sauce, you can add chili flakes or chili sauce to the bag with the ingredients.

Frequently asked questions

1. Can turkey meat be used instead of chicken?
Yes, turkey meat is an excellent choice and will add a rich flavor to the dish.

2. Can I use sun-dried tomatoes?
Yes, sun-dried tomatoes can be used for a more intense flavor. Make sure to hydrate them a bit before adding.

3. How can I store leftovers?
Leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator for 2-3 days. You can reheat the dish in the oven or microwave.

4. What drinks pair well with this dish?
A dry white wine or a mint lemonade spritz are excellent choices to complement meals with bird.

Whether you're cooking for yourself or for guests, this recipe for bird with tomatoes and olives in a bag will bring smiles and satisfaction to the table. So don't hesitate! Put on your apron and enjoy cooking!

 Ingredients: A bird cut into pieces, 400g of chopped tomatoes, 300g of small tomatoes, 200g of drained green olives sliced, spices - cardamom, oregano, thyme, salt, pepper - for those who like, a chopped green chili. 1 large koky bag, 1 tablespoon of tomato paste.