Chicken stew with vegetables and olives
Chicken stew with vegetables and olives - a recipe that combines the delicious and healthy flavors of chicken with the freshness of vegetables, all enveloped in a savory sauce. This recipe, inspired by the wishes of loved ones, transforms a simple meal into a culinary adventure and is perfect for convincing those who are not fans of olives to give them a try. Whether it's an ordinary day or a special occasion, this stew will surely bring smiles to the faces of your loved ones.
Preparation time: 15 minutes
Cooking time: 40 minutes
Total time: 55 minutes
Servings: 4
Necessary ingredients:
- 300 g boneless chicken thighs
- 150 g leek
- 1 medium red onion
- 1 small celery
- 1 medium red bell pepper
- 300 g tomato juice and pulp
- 150 g green olives
- 50 ml white wine
- Salt
- Pepper
- Fresh parsley (for garnish)
Step-by-step preparation:
1. Preparing the ingredients: Start by cutting the chicken thighs into suitable pieces. Ensure that the sizes are uniform for even cooking. Clean and wash the vegetables: slice the leek into thin strips, chop the red onion into cubes, slice the celery, and cut the red bell pepper into strips. These vegetables will not only add flavor but also provide a pleasant texture to the dish.
2. Brown the chicken: In a large skillet, heat a few tablespoons of oil (olive oil is an excellent option for a more intense flavor). Add the chicken pieces and brown them over medium heat, turning occasionally until golden. This step is essential for adding depth of flavor.
3. Add the wine: Once the chicken has developed a delicious crust, pour in the white wine and let it simmer for 2 minutes. This will help evaporate the alcohol and leave a rich aroma. After the wine has evaporated, remove the chicken from the skillet and set it aside.
4. Cook the vegetables: In the same skillet, add the celery and let it soften for 4-5 minutes. Then, add all the other chopped vegetables (leek, onion, bell pepper) and continue cooking for about 10 minutes. If necessary, add a little warm water to prevent sticking.
5. Finalizing: When the vegetables are almost cooked, add the tomato juice and pulp, olives, about 100 ml of water, salt, and pepper to taste. Mix the ingredients well, cover the skillet, and let the stew simmer over medium heat for 20 minutes. This step will allow the flavors to blend harmoniously.
6. Serving: Once the chicken stew is ready, sprinkle chopped fresh parsley on top for an extra touch of freshness. You can serve this delicious dish with a side of rice, mashed potatoes, or simply with a slice of fresh bread.
Tips and useful advice:
- Ingredient variations: You can experiment with other vegetables like carrots or zucchini, depending on your preferences. Additionally, black olives can add a distinct flavor, so feel free to try that variation as well.
- Recommended beverages: A bottle of white wine will pair perfectly with this dish, but a refreshing lemonade or herbal tea will also complement the meal nicely.
- Nutritional benefits: This stew is rich in protein from the chicken, vitamins and fiber from the vegetables, and antioxidants from the tomatoes. Green olives add healthy fats, making this dish a balanced and nutritious choice.
Frequently asked questions:
- Can I use frozen chicken?: Yes, but make sure to fully thaw it before cooking to avoid uneven cooking.
- How can I make the dish spicier?: You can add hot peppers or chili flakes while preparing the vegetables for a more intense flavor.
- Can it be prepared in advance?: Yes, the chicken stew can be made ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator for 2-3 days. It is also delicious when reheated.
This chicken stew with vegetables and olives is not just a delicious dinner but also an excellent way to bring the family together around the table. Give it a try and let its flavors carry you away!
Ingredients: about 300 g boneless upper thighs, about 150 g leek, 1 medium red onion, 1 small celery (Romanian), 1 medium red bell pepper, 300 g tomato juice + pulp, 150 g green olives, 50 ml wine, salt, pepper, parsley
