Chicken ciulama

Chicken Ciulama: A Classic Recipe with a Homey Taste

Preparation time: 20 minutes
Cooking time: 1 hour
Total time: 1 hour 20 minutes
Number of servings: 4

Chicken ciulama is a traditional dish that reminds us of family moments, warm and flavorful meals. This recipe, learned from my mother, offers a perfect combination of tender meat, aromatic vegetables, and a creamy sauce, all served with warm polenta. Preparing ciulama is an art in itself, but with a few tricks and tips, you will become a master of this delicious dish.

Ingredients

- 1 chicken breast (approximately 500g)
- 4-5 sprigs of fresh parsley
- 1 dried onion
- 1 carrot
- 1 small potato
- 1 bell pepper (preferably red or yellow)
- a pinch of salt
- half a teaspoon of Delikat (or another preferred seasoning)
- 3 tablespoons of flour
- 2-3 tablespoons of oil (olive or sunflower)

Preparation

Step 1: Preparing the Chicken Soup

1. Wash the Chicken Breast: Start by washing the chicken breast well under cold water to remove any impurities.
2. Boil the Chicken: Place the chicken breast in a pot and add enough water to cover it. Put the pot on medium heat and wait for it to boil.
3. Salting the Soup: When the water starts to boil, add a pinch of salt. This step will help flavor the meat.
4. Removing the Foam: Use a skimmer to remove the foam that forms on the surface. This will make the soup clear and tasty.
5. Adding the Vegetables: Add the onion, carrot, potato, and bell pepper, roughly chopped, along with the parsley. These vegetables will enrich the soup with delicious flavors.
6. Seasoning: After the vegetables have boiled for 15-20 minutes, add Delikat for an extra flavor. Let all the ingredients boil until the meat and vegetables are tender.

Step 2: Preparing the Ciulama

7. Straining the Soup: Once the chicken and vegetables are cooked, remove the pot from the heat and strain the soup, keeping the liquid in a large jug. The chicken breast will be cut into strips later.
8. Preparing the Sauce: In a saucepan, heat a little oil over medium heat. Add the 3 tablespoons of flour and lightly brown it until it turns golden yellow, to obtain a nice and savory sauce.
9. Adding Soup: Using a whisk, gradually start adding the strained soup to the pot with the flour, mixing constantly. This step is crucial to avoid lumps.
10. Adjusting Consistency: Continue adding soup until you reach the desired consistency. If you prefer a thinner ciulama, add more liquid. If you want a denser texture, stop at a smaller amount of soup.
11. Adding the Chicken: Cut the chicken breast into strips and add it to the ciulama, mixing well. Let it simmer for a few minutes until everything is well combined and hot.

Step 3: Serving

12. Preparing the Polenta: While the ciulama is simmering, you can prepare the polenta. Boil water with salt, gradually add the cornmeal, and stir continuously until it thickens. The better you stir, the fluffier the polenta will be.
13. Garnishing: When the ciulama is ready, remove it from the heat and garnish with freshly chopped parsley. This will add a touch of freshness and color to the dish.

Serving Suggestions

Chicken ciulama is served hot, alongside fluffy polenta. You can also add a few slices of hot pepper for a spicier taste, or a fresh summer salad for a refreshing contrast. A bottle of white wine or a glass of tomato juice pairs perfectly with this dish.

Practical Tips

- Meat Selection: Choose a fresh, boneless chicken breast for a tender and juicy texture.
- Adjusting Spices: Everyone has different tastes. Experiment with your favorite spices and flavors to customize the ciulama.
- Variations: You can add mushrooms or diced zucchini to enrich the dish. You can also replace the chicken breast with turkey meat or even vegetables for a vegetarian version.
- Storing Ciulama: If you have leftover ciulama, you can store it in the refrigerator for 2-3 days. Reheat it by adding a bit of water or soup to restore its creamy texture.

Nutritional Benefits

Chicken ciulama is an excellent source of protein due to the chicken meat, while the vegetables add essential vitamins and minerals. Polenta, on the other hand, provides complex carbohydrates, making it a great choice for a hearty lunch.

Frequently Asked Questions

- Can I use chicken with bones? Yes, meat with bones will give a richer flavor to the soup, but the cooking time will be longer.
- How can I make the ciulama lighter? Reduce the amount of flour and add more soup for a thinner consistency.
- Can ciulama be frozen? Yes, but it is recommended to freeze the ciulama without the polenta, as it can become sticky upon thawing.

In conclusion, chicken ciulama is a simple yet flavorful recipe that will remind you of home-cooked meals. By experimenting with ingredients and techniques, you can create a personalized dish, perfect for any occasion. Enjoy your meal!

 Ingredients: 1 chicken breast; 4-5 sprigs of parsley; 1 dried onion; 1 carrot; 1 potato; 1 bell pepper; a pinch of salt; half a teaspoon of Delikat; 3 heaping tablespoons of flour.

 Tags:  chicken stew