Monastic chicken

Delicious Monastery Chicken Recipe with Polenta

Who doesn't love a dish that brings back memories of hearty meals from the past? Monastery chicken is a traditional recipe, full of flavor, characterized by its complex taste and inviting aromas. This recipe will not only delight your taste buds but also transport you back in time to the days when food was cooked with patience and love. Moreover, it pairs perfectly with warm polenta, which will soak up all the delicious sauce.

Preparation time: 20 minutes
Cooking time: 45 minutes
Total time: 1 hour and 5 minutes
Servings: 4

Ingredients:
- 1 free-range chicken (breast, thighs, and wings)
- 75 g butter
- 2 large onions, finely chopped
- 200 ml dry sparkling wine
- 200 g sour cream
- 200 g canned mushrooms, well drained
- 2 eggs
- Pepper, to taste
- 1 teaspoon sweet paprika
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 2 bay leaves
- 6 garlic cloves, chopped or crushed
- Salt, to taste
- 1 bunch of fresh parsley, finely chopped

Step by step:

1. Preparing the chicken:
Start by placing the chicken in a large pot with cold water and boiling it over medium heat until the fat separates from the meat. This step is essential, especially when using a free-range chicken, which can be fattier. About 30-40 minutes of boiling should be sufficient. Once the meat is cooked, remove the chicken, let it cool slightly, then cut it into pieces.

2. Seasoning:
Season the chicken pieces with salt, pepper, and sweet paprika. These spices will add warmth and intense flavor.

3. Browning the chicken:
In a large skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the chicken pieces and brown them for about 5 minutes, turning them on all sides until golden. The aromas will start to reveal themselves, and the chicken will develop a crispy texture on the outside.

4. Adding the vegetables:
In the same skillet, add the finely chopped onion. Sauté the onion with the meat for another 5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the onion becomes translucent. Then, add the canned mushrooms, crushed garlic, thyme, and bay leaves. These ingredients will perfectly complement the chicken's flavor.

5. The wine:
After 5 minutes, add the sparkling wine. Not only will this add a touch of elegance, but it will also help deglaze the pan, bringing a rich flavor. Cover the skillet and let it simmer for 15 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld well.

6. The cream:
In a separate bowl, beat the eggs with the sour cream and chopped parsley. This mixture will enrich the sauce and add a creamy texture. Add the egg mixture to the skillet, stirring well to incorporate. Cook for another 15 minutes, stirring gently until the sauce thickens. Check the taste and adjust with salt and pepper.

7. Finalizing:
Once everything is well cooked and the flavors have combined, remove the bay leaves. This is an important step, as leaving them too long can impart a bitter taste.

8. Serving:
Serve the monastery chicken hot, alongside a generous portion of polenta. You can also add some fresh parsley leaves on top for a pleasant appearance.

Useful tips:
- If you choose to use farm chicken, make sure it has well-developed meat to achieve a richer sauce.
- You can experiment with fresh mushrooms, but ensure you clean them well and sauté them a bit before adding them to the recipe.
- Vary the flavors by adding herbs like rosemary or oregano, to taste.

Nutritional benefits:
Chicken is an excellent source of lean protein, while mushrooms provide important B vitamins and fiber. Sour cream adds calcium and healthy fats, and garlic is known for its beneficial effects on the immune system.

Frequently asked questions:
1. Can I replace the wine with something else? Yes, you can use chicken broth or water, but the wine adds a distinct flavor.
2. How can I make the recipe spicier? Add a pinch of chili powder or a hot sauce to the egg mixture to intensify the flavor.
3. What other sides can I use? Polenta is ideal, but mashed potatoes or a fresh salad also pair wonderfully.

Now that you have all the necessary information, it's time to put on your apron and get cooking! Monastery chicken will surely become a family favorite. A delicious meal full of memories and flavors awaits you. Enjoy your meal!

 Ingredients: a country chicken (breast, thighs, and wings) 75 g butter 2 onions 200 ml sparkling wine 200 g sour cream 200 g canned mushrooms 2 eggs pepper sweet paprika thyme 2 bay leaves 6 cloves of garlic salt 1 bunch of fresh parsley

 Tags:  monastery chicken