Mirela Sagi's Chicken Stew
Chicken Stew a la Mirela_Sagi
Spring is making its presence felt, and with it comes the desire to savor light, aromatic, and colorful dishes. Chicken Stew a la Mirela_Sagi is a nostalgic recipe that takes us back to family meals from childhood, when grandma lovingly prepared the most delicious dishes. This stew is not just a feast for the taste buds, but also a treasure trove of memories.
Preparation time: 15 minutes
Cooking time: 40 minutes
Total time: 55 minutes
Servings: 4-6
Necessary ingredients:
- 500 g chicken breast, cut into pieces
- 5-6 medium onions, finely chopped
- 1 can of mushrooms, sliced (about 400 g)
- 1 red bell pepper, sliced
- 1 green bell pepper, sliced
- 2-3 tomatoes, diced
- 5 tablespoons olive oil or vegetable oil
- 1 teaspoon sweet paprika
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 1 teaspoon sugar
- 2-3 tablespoons tomato paste (preferably homemade)
- Fresh parsley, for garnish
- Hot pepper, for serving (optional)
Step-by-step preparation:
1. Preparing the ingredients: Start by washing and chopping all the vegetables. Finely chop the onions and slice the bell peppers. You can peel the tomatoes if you prefer, but this is optional. Ensure the chicken breast is cut into evenly sized cubes for even cooking.
2. Sautéing the onions: Heat the oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add the chopped onions and sauté until translucent, about 5-7 minutes. You can add a little water to help soften the onions and prevent them from burning.
3. Adding the mushrooms and vegetables: Add the drained mushrooms, bell peppers, and diced tomatoes. Mix well and let everything simmer covered for 5 minutes. This step will help intensify the flavors and add a delicious texture to the dish.
4. Including the chicken: Add the chicken breast pieces to the pot. Stir everything to combine the ingredients, then cover the pot and let it simmer for 5 minutes. This step is essential for allowing the chicken to absorb the flavors of the vegetables.
5. Cooking the stew: Add water until the ingredients are covered, then let the stew simmer over medium heat. After about 20 minutes, when the chicken is almost cooked, add the tomato paste, salt, pepper, sweet paprika, and sugar. Taste and adjust the seasoning if necessary.
6. Finishing the dish: Continue to cook on low heat until the chicken is fully cooked and the sauce has thickened. This will take about 10-15 minutes. It is important not to let the stew boil too long to avoid drying out the meat.
7. Serving: Once the stew is ready, turn off the heat and let it sit for a few minutes. Serve the chicken stew hot, alongside steaming polenta and hot pepper for an extra kick. Garnish with freshly chopped parsley for a fresh and appetizing look.
Practical tips:
- Fresh ingredients: Use fresh, seasonal vegetables for a more intense flavor. If you have ripe tomatoes on hand, they will add extra flavor to your stew.
- Variations: You can add other vegetables, such as carrots or zucchini, to diversify the dish. You can also replace the chicken breast with chicken thighs for a juicier texture.
- Drinks: This stew pairs perfectly with a glass of dry white wine or a cold herbal tea, ideal for warm summer days.
Frequently asked questions:
1. Can I use frozen chicken? Yes, but make sure to let it thaw completely before cooking. This will help with even cooking.
2. How can I store the stew? You can store the stew in the refrigerator in an airtight container for up to 3 days. It tastes even better the next day when the flavors have intensified.
3. Is this a healthy recipe? Yes! This chicken stew is rich in protein and vegetables, providing excellent nutritional value. It is a healthy choice for a light meal.
Calories and nutritional benefits:
A serving of chicken stew contains about 350-400 calories, depending on the amount of oil and polenta served alongside. It is an excellent source of protein, vitamins, and minerals, while being low in carbohydrates.
This Chicken Stew a la Mirela_Sagi is not just a simple dish, but a true culinary story that reminds us of the moments spent with loved ones. I wish you to enjoy every bite and share this recipe with those you love! Enjoy your meal!
Ingredients: chicken breast cut into pieces 5-6 medium onions 1 can of sliced mushrooms 2 peppers (1 red and 1 green) 2-3 tomatoes 1 teaspoon sweet paprika salt to taste pepper 1 teaspoon sugar parsley for garnish 5 tablespoons oil tomato paste (preferably homemade)
