Wings with olives and sauce

Delicious Recipe for Chicken Wings with Olives and Tomato Sauce

Preparation: 20 minutes
Baking: 70 minutes
Total Time: 90 minutes
Servings: 4

Welcome to the world of flavors and tastes! Today, I present to you a captivating and extremely tasty recipe: chicken wings with olives and tomato sauce, alongside spicy baked potatoes. This recipe was inspired by my friends, Miha and Oana, who know how to successfully improvise in the kitchen. Let's embark on this savory main dish adventure together!

Short History
Chicken wings are a dish loved by all who appreciate tender and flavorful meat. Combined with olives and tomato sauce, this dish becomes an explosion of flavors, blending sweet and salty, bringing a Mediterranean flair to your table. Olives, known since ancient times, are not only delicious but also packed with nutritional benefits.

Ingredients

For the wings:
- 1 package of chicken wings (approximately 1 kg)
- 300 g olives (preferably green for a more intense flavor)
- 1 medium onion
- 1 bell pepper or a red pepper
- 200 ml white wine
- 1 cup of tomato juice (or a can of blended tomatoes)
- 4 garlic cloves (to taste)
- 2-3 bay leaves
- 1-2 tablespoons of dried thyme
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 2-3 tablespoons of olive oil

For the spicy potatoes:
- 5 medium potatoes
- 4 garlic cloves
- 3 tablespoons of breadcrumbs
- 4-5 tablespoons of olive oil
- Half a teaspoon of hot paprika
- 2 tablespoons of dried thyme
- Salt to taste

Necessary Utensils
- A baking tray or a yena dish
- A large bowl
- A wooden spoon
- A preheated oven
- A blender (optional, if using whole tomatoes)

Step-by-Step Instructions

Preparing the Wings

1. Preparing the Wings: Start by cleaning the chicken wings. Wash them well under cold water and remove any feathers or unpleasant parts. Place them in a baking tray or yena dish.

2. Seasoning: Drizzle the wings with 2-3 tablespoons of olive oil and 2-3 tablespoons of tomato juice. Sprinkle thyme, salt, and pepper to taste. Add the bay leaves for an extra flavor boost.

3. The Vegetables: Chop the onion and bell pepper into small cubes. These will add juiciness and flavor to your dish. Place the vegetables over the wings and mix gently.

4. The Olives and Wine: Add the olives to the tray and pour the white wine over all the ingredients. The wine will help tenderize the meat and enhance the flavors.

5. Baking: Cover the tray with a lid or aluminum foil and place it in the preheated oven at 180°C. Let the wings bake for 40 minutes.

6. Adding the Sauce: After 40 minutes, prepare the tomato sauce. Blend the remaining tomato juice with garlic, then add it to the tray. Mix gently and let it bake for another 20-30 minutes, uncovered, to caramelize.

Preparing the Spicy Potatoes

1. Preparing the Potatoes: In the meantime, wash the potatoes and cut them into quarters. There is no need to peel them, as the skin adds texture and nutrients.

2. Seasoning: In a large bowl, mix the potatoes with 4-5 tablespoons of olive oil, crushed garlic, hot paprika, breadcrumbs, thyme, and salt. Make sure each potato is well coated with this aromatic mix.

3. Baking the Potatoes: Place the potatoes in a greased baking tray with olive oil and put them in the preheated oven next to the wings. Let them bake for about 30 minutes, checking them occasionally with a toothpick to ensure they are well cooked.

Serving
Once the wings are golden brown and the sauce has thickened, remove the tray from the oven and let the dish rest for a few minutes before serving. Serve the wings with olives and tomato sauce alongside the spicy potatoes, and for an extra touch of flavor, add a few fresh parsley or basil leaves on top.

Serving Suggestions
This dish can be accompanied by a fresh green salad with cherry tomatoes and a simple vinaigrette to balance the flavors. Additionally, a dry white wine will perfectly complement the meal.

Nutritional Benefits
Chicken wings are an excellent source of protein, essential for maintaining muscle mass. Olives provide healthy fats and antioxidants, while tomato sauce is rich in lycopene, a powerful antioxidant. Potatoes, especially with skin, are a good source of dietary fiber.

Frequently Asked Questions

- Can I use other types of meat? Yes, you can replace chicken wings with thighs or chicken breast.
- What kind of olives should I choose? Green olives have a more intense flavor, but you can also use black olives for a sweeter taste.
- Can I make the recipe without wine? Absolutely! You can omit the wine and use more tomato juice or water to maintain moisture.

Possible Variations
For a spicier recipe, you can add chili flakes to the tomato sauce. Also, experiment with different herbs, such as oregano or rosemary, to personalize the taste.

Conclusion
These wings with olives and tomato sauce, alongside spicy baked potatoes, are not just a delicious meal but also an opportunity to gather family and friends around the table. I wish you happy cooking and enjoy every bite!

 Ingredients: a pack of chicken wings 300 g olives a onion a bell pepper or a red pepper 200 ml white wine a cup of tomato juice or a can of blended tomatoes garlic to taste bay leaf thyme ground pepper Garnish: 5 potatoes 4 garlic cloves 3 tablespoons breadcrumbs 4-5 tablespoons olive oil half a teaspoon of hot paprika thyme ground