Celery stew with chicken

Celery stew with chicken - a comforting and flavorful recipe

I propose a delicious recipe for celery stew with chicken, a dish that combines the slightly sweet taste of celery with the juiciness of chicken meat. This stew is perfect for cool days or for moments when you want to indulge in a warm and comforting meal.

Preparation time: 15 minutes
Cooking time: 40-45 minutes
Total time: 55-60 minutes
Servings: 4

Ingredients

- 2 chicken thighs (or 1/2 chicken breast)
- 600 g celery root (approximately one large celery)
- 2 onions
- 1 carrot
- 1 bell pepper (preferably frozen, for a more intense flavor)
- 1 tablespoon of pepper paste
- 1 teaspoon of oregano
- 1 teaspoon of sweet paprika
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 50 ml olive or sunflower oil
- 1 tablespoon of flour
- Fresh parsley, chopped, for garnish

The story behind the recipe

Celery stew with chicken is a dish that combines culinary tradition with healthy ingredients, based on fresh vegetables and chicken meat. Often, stews were simple preparations, cooked in families, bringing people together around the table. This recipe is a modern variant of these classic dishes, which continues to delight the taste buds of many.

Details about the ingredients

- Chicken meat: You can use any part of the chicken, but thighs have a juicier texture. If you prefer a leaner option, opt for chicken breast.
- Celery: This root is rich in vitamins and minerals, having a detoxifying effect on the body. Its sweet taste will intensify during cooking.
- Vegetables: Onion, carrot, and bell pepper add not only flavor but also color to the dish. If you don't have fresh pepper, frozen pepper is an excellent alternative.
- Spices: Oregano and sweet paprika are essential to highlight the taste of the stew. You can experiment with other spices, such as thyme or rosemary, if you want a different flavor profile.

Step-by-step instructions

1. Preparing the meat: Start by washing and cutting the chicken into suitable pieces. You can leave the skin on for extra flavor.

2. Browning the meat: In a large pot, add the oil and heat it over medium heat. Add the chicken and lightly brown it on all sides, about 5-7 minutes. Remove the chicken from the pot and set it aside.

3. Sautéing the vegetables: In the same pot, add the diced onion and sauté until it becomes translucent, about 3-4 minutes. Add the grated carrot and chopped bell pepper, continuing to cook for another 2-3 minutes, until the vegetables soften.

4. Adding the celery: Clean and wash the celery, then cut it into suitable cubes. Add the celery to the pot and continue to sauté the vegetables until they soften, about 5 minutes.

5. Cooking the stew: Put the chicken back in the pot, add enough water (or broth) to cover the vegetables. Cover the pot with a lid and let it simmer over low heat for 30-35 minutes.

6. Seasoning: About 5-10 minutes before the end, add the pepper paste, oregano, sweet paprika, salt, and pepper to taste. Mix well to combine the flavors.

7. Thickening the sauce: Dissolve the flour in a little water to form a paste. Add this mixture to the pot and stir well. Let it boil for a few more minutes to thicken the sauce.

8. Finishing the dish: At the end, add the chopped fresh parsley for an extra touch of freshness and flavor.

9. Serving: Serve the celery stew with chicken hot, alongside a portion of polenta or fresh bread. This combination will add a rustic note and make the meal much more enjoyable.

Tips and tricks

- Variations: You can add other vegetables, such as potatoes or zucchini, to enrich the dish. Also, for a vegetarian option, you can use tofu or mushrooms.
- Suitable drinks: This stew pairs perfectly with a glass of dry white wine or fresh lemonade.
- Reheating: The stew tastes even better the next day when the flavors have had time to blend and intensify. You can keep it in the refrigerator for 2-3 days.

Frequently asked questions

1. Can I use beef instead of chicken?
Yes, you can use beef, but the cooking time will be longer, so make sure the meat is tender before adding the vegetables.

2. Is it possible to freeze the stew?
Yes, the stew can be frozen, but it is recommended to consume it within 1-2 months to preserve its flavor.

3. How can I make the stew spicier?
You can add hot peppers or chili flakes, depending on your preferences.

This celery stew with chicken is more than just a simple dish; it is a culinary experience that brings joy and warmth with every spoonful. Happy cooking! Enjoy your meal!

 Ingredients: chicken (I used 2 thighs and 1/2 breast), a celery root (about 600g), 2 onions, a carrot, bell pepper (I used frozen), 1 tablespoon of tomato paste, oregano, sweet paprika, salt, pepper, 50 ml of oil, 1 tablespoon of flour, fresh parsley