Moldovan Ostropel

Moldovan Chicken Ostropel – a traditional recipe full of flavor

Moldovan chicken ostropel is a hearty and comforting dish, perfect for family meals or to impress guests. This recipe not only offers a delicious taste but also an opportunity to keep a flavorful chicken broth for other dishes. Let's explore step by step how to achieve this savory dish!

Preparation time: 30 minutes
Cooking time: 1 hour
Total time: 1 hour and 30 minutes
Servings: 4

Ingredients:
- 1 fat chicken (approximately 1.5 kg)
- 1-2 tablespoons of salt (to taste)
- 2 carrots
- 1 celery (or 1/2 root celery)
- 1 large onion
- 3-4 cloves of garlic (for the garlic sauce)
- Water (enough to cover the chicken)
- 1-2 bay leaves (optional)
- Fresh parsley for garnish (optional)

Preparation instructions:

1. Preparing the chicken:
Start by cleaning the chicken, removing any remaining feathers and excess fat. Wash it well under cold running water. This step is essential for a clean and savory taste.

2. Boiling the chicken:
Place the chicken in a large pot and fill it with cold water, enough to completely cover it. Bring the water to a boil over medium heat. During boiling, use a skimmer to remove the foam that forms on the surface, ensuring that the broth remains clear.

3. Adding the vegetables:
After boiling for about 30 minutes, clean the carrots, celery, and onion. Cut them into large pieces and add them to the pot. Salt the broth to taste. Continue cooking until the meat easily separates from the bone (about 30-40 minutes).

4. Removing and cutting the chicken:
When the chicken is well cooked, carefully remove it onto a large platter. Let it cool slightly, then cut it into suitable pieces. You can remove the meat from the bones for a neater presentation.

5. Preparing the garlic sauce:
In a bowl, crush the garlic cloves, adding a little salt to obtain a concentrated garlic sauce. This sauce will add extra flavor to the ostropel.

6. Finalizing the ostropel:
Strain the broth and mix part of it with the garlic sauce. Place the meat pieces into the aromatic broth and let them simmer together for 5-10 minutes. Adjust the salt to taste.

7. Serving:
Moldovan ostropel is served hot, alongside warm polenta. This is the perfect combination, with the polenta absorbing the delicious flavors of the sauce. Sprinkle fresh parsley on top for a vibrant appearance.

Useful tips:
- If you want a richer ostropel, you can also add a few pieces of fresh tomatoes or a tablespoon of tomato paste, which will enhance the flavor of the sauce.
- Make sure the chicken is of high quality; a fat chicken will provide better taste and a more tender texture.
- Keep the leftover chicken broth to use in future soups or sauces; it is an excellent base for many recipes.

This Moldovan chicken ostropel is more than just a recipe — it is a culinary experience that brings together tradition and the authentic taste of home. Enjoy every bite!