Chicken broth

Chicken stew with vegetables – A traditional recipe with a perfect taste

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

Chicken stew is a warm and comforting recipe that evokes family meals and moments spent together. It is a simple dish, yet full of flavor, perfect for a weekend dinner or a special occasion. With a mix of fresh vegetables and chicken meat, this stew is not only tasty but also nutritious.

A brief story about stew
Stew has deep roots in the culinary traditions of many cultures, serving as a comforting dish on cold evenings. It symbolizes the warmth of home and generosity, with the ability to gather the whole family around the table. Each family has its own version, and the ingredients can vary depending on the season and preferences.

Ingredients
- 1 kg chicken (preferably free-range for a richer taste)
- 2 medium carrots
- 2 medium potatoes
- 1/2 celery (optional)
- 1 parsnip (optional)
- 1 large onion
- 2-3 garlic cloves
- Salt to taste
- 1 bunch of fresh parsley
- 2-3 liters of water

For the garlic sauce
- 4 garlic cloves
- 1 bunch of fresh parsley
- 100 g sour cream
- 50 ml olive oil
- Juice of 1/2 lemon
- 1/2 chili pepper (optional, for a bit of heat)

Step by step for a perfect stew

1. Preparing the chicken: Start by washing the chicken well under cold running water. Cut the chicken into pieces (usually 4-6 large pieces) to ensure even cooking. If using free-range chicken, you will notice a firmer texture and a more intense flavor.

2. Boiling the chicken: In a large pot, add the cut chicken and cover it with water. Add a teaspoon of salt to season the meat early on. Place the pot over medium heat and bring the water to a boil. During boiling, you will notice foam forming on the surface – do not ignore it! Use a spatula to remove the foam, ensuring a clear and appetizing stew.

3. Adding the vegetables: Once the chicken has boiled for about 15 minutes and you have skimmed off the foam, add the vegetables. Peel the carrots and potatoes and cut them into large cubes. If you choose to use celery and parsnip, peel and cut them to the same size. Add the whole onion for a more intense flavor that will infuse into the broth. Let everything simmer on low heat for 30-40 minutes until the meat is tender and the vegetables are cooked but still slightly crunchy.

4. Preparing the garlic sauce: While the stew is boiling, you can prepare the garlic sauce. Place the garlic and parsley in a blender, add the sour cream, olive oil, lemon juice, and chili pepper. Blend until you achieve a smooth paste. Taste and add salt to your preference. The garlic sauce is a perfect accompaniment to the stew, providing a fantastic contrast to the delicate flavor of the chicken and vegetables.

5. Finishing the dish: Once all the ingredients are cooked, remove the chicken and vegetables from the pot. Arrange them on a platter and pour the broth over them. Sprinkle with freshly chopped parsley for an extra touch of freshness and color.

Serving and suggestions
Chicken stew is delicious served warm, alongside garlic sauce or horseradish sauce. You can add a slice of fresh bread to complete the meal. Additionally, a glass of white wine or fresh lemonade can enhance the culinary experience.

Useful tips
- Choose fresh ingredients: The quality of the ingredients is essential for a tasty stew. Buy seasonal vegetables and chicken from trusted sources.
- Vary the vegetables: You can experiment with other vegetables, such as green beans or zucchini, depending on your preferences.
- Cooling and storing: If you have leftovers, you can keep the stew in the refrigerator for 2-3 days or freeze it for a quick meal later.

Frequently asked questions
1. Can I use boneless chicken?
Yes, you can use boneless chicken, but be careful to adjust the cooking time, as it will cook faster.

2. How can I make the stew spicier?
Add more chili pepper to the sauce or you can put a few slices of chili pepper in the pot during boiling.

3. What are the nutritional benefits of this dish?
Chicken stew is rich in protein, vitamins, and minerals due to the vegetables, making it a healthy choice for a balanced meal.

In conclusion, chicken stew with vegetables is a simple and comforting recipe that not only satisfies your hunger but also brings back memories of beautiful moments spent with loved ones. So, put on your apron and start cooking this delicious dish! Enjoy your meal!

 Ingredients: chicken (I prefer free-range chicken for stew) vegetables: carrots, potatoes and optionally celery, parsnip, onion, garlic, salt to taste, fresh parsley

 Tags:  boiled meat chicken vegetables