Chicken ciulama with polenta

Chicken ciulama with polenta – a classic, delicious, and comforting recipe

Total preparation time: 1 hour
Preparation time: 20 minutes
Cooking time: 40 minutes
Servings: 4

Welcome to the tasty world of traditional recipes! Today, I invite you to prepare together a dish that delights the taste buds and brings comfort in every bite: chicken ciulama with polenta. This simple yet flavorful recipe has deep roots in our gastronomy and is perfect for enjoying with loved ones.

Chicken ciulama is a dish that has been prepared for generations, appreciated for its rich taste and creamy texture. This recipe brings together tender chicken meat, aromatic vegetables, and a velvety sauce, all complemented by a generous serving of polenta, which is undoubtedly the perfect partner.

Necessary ingredients:

- 1 chicken breast (about 400 g)
- 1 medium onion
- 1 carrot
- 200 g flour
- 50 ml oil (preferably sunflower or olive)
- 100 g sour cream
- salt and pepper to taste
- fresh herbs (parsley or dill, as preferred)
- 1 liter water (for boiling)

Preparing chicken ciulama:

1. Preparing the chicken and vegetables
Start by cutting the chicken breast into small cubes. This will allow the chicken to cook evenly and quickly. Place the chicken cubes in a large pot, add water and half a teaspoon of salt. Bring to a boil and skim the soup, removing any impurities that form on the surface.

2. Adding the vegetables
Once you have skimmed the soup, add the whole onion and the peeled carrot. These vegetables will provide flavor and depth to the ciulama. Boil over medium heat for about 20-25 minutes, until the chicken is tender and the vegetables are cooked.

3. Straining the soup
Once the meat is cooked, remove the chicken cubes and vegetables from the pot. Strain the soup to eliminate vegetable remnants and obtain a clear liquid. Keep about 500 ml of this flavorful soup.

4. Preparing the sauce
In a saucepan, add the oil and let it heat over medium heat. Gradually add the flour, stirring constantly with a spatula or whisk to prevent lumps from forming. Cook the flour for 2-3 minutes until it turns slightly golden to develop its flavor.

5. Adding the soup
This is the key stage! Begin to gradually add the strained soup to the saucepan, continuing to stir. The liquid will start to thicken. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat and let it simmer gently for 5 minutes.

6. Adding the sour cream
In the meantime, you can add the sour cream. Mix well to achieve a creamy texture. If the ciulama seems too thick, feel free to add a little more soup until you reach the desired consistency.

7. Returning the meat to the sauce
Add the chicken cubes back into the ciulama sauce and let everything simmer for another 5 minutes to combine the flavors. Don't forget to adjust the taste with salt and pepper!

8. Serving the ciulama
Finally, sprinkle the finely chopped herbs on top. Chicken ciulama is ready to be served hot, alongside a generous portion of polenta, which can be cut into slices or served with a spoon, as preferred.

Serving suggestions and variations:

For an extra flavor boost, you can also add mushrooms, peas, or even bell peppers. If you want to turn this recipe into a true feast, you can prepare a fresh tomato and cucumber salad seasoned with olive oil and balsamic vinegar alongside the chicken ciulama.

Calories and nutritional benefits:

A serving of chicken ciulama with polenta has approximately 450-500 calories, depending on the exact quantities used. This is a protein-rich meal due to the chicken, but also high in carbohydrates from the polenta, providing a feeling of satiety. Additionally, the vegetables add essential vitamins and minerals, while the sour cream contributes healthy fats.

Frequently asked questions:

1. Can I use other types of meat?
Of course! Ciulama can also be made with pork or turkey. The cooking time may vary depending on the type of meat used.

2. What type of flour is recommended?
Standard white flour is the most commonly used, but you can also experiment with whole wheat flour for a healthier option.

3. How can I make the polenta fluffier?
For fluffier polenta, add a little butter and mix well. Also, use boiling water when adding the cornmeal.

4. What drinks pair well with ciulama?
A dry white wine or a light beer can perfectly accompany this dish. Additionally, a fruit compote can provide a pleasant contrast.

Chicken ciulama with polenta is not just a recipe, but a family story, a moment of gathering, and a piece of our tradition. So, don't hesitate to try it and share the result with your loved ones! Enjoy your meal!