Spinach with chicken stew

Spinach with chicken stew: a comforting and flavorful recipe

Discover a classic recipe that blends the delicate taste of spinach with the rich flavors of chicken in a dish that will turn you into the family chef. Spinach with chicken stew is a meal that evokes childhood memories, often prepared in households due to its accessible ingredients and wonderful taste. Additionally, this dish is an excellent source of nutrients, thanks to the vegetables and chicken, offering a healthy and delicious meal.

Preparation time: 30 minutes
Cooking time: 1 hour
Total time: 1 hour and 30 minutes
Number of servings: 4-6 servings

Ingredients:
- 1 kg fresh spinach
- 700-800 g chicken (breast, drumsticks, thighs, wings)
- 4 tablespoons flour
- 300 ml milk
- 1 chicken stock cube
- 5 cloves of garlic
- 1 onion
- 1 potato
- 1 bell pepper
- 1 carrot
- 1 parsley
- 50 g celery
- 20 g zucchini
- 1-2 tablespoons sugar
- 5-6 tablespoons oil
- Salt, pepper to taste

Step-by-step preparation:

1. Preparing the chicken: Start by washing and cutting the chicken into pieces. Choose fresh chicken for a tasty dish. Place the chicken in a large pot, add 3 liters of cold water, a teaspoon of salt, and a teaspoon of sugar. The heat should be low to allow the chicken to simmer slowly and evenly.

2. Adding the vegetables: Once the water starts to boil, remove the foam that forms on the surface for a cleaner result. Add the carrot, parsley, zucchini, celery, and onion, all cleaned and chopped. Let them boil for 15 minutes.

3. Introducing the potato: After 15 minutes, add the peeled and diced potato. Continue to simmer on low heat, covering the pot with a lid, for another 15-20 minutes until the chicken and vegetables are tender.

4. Preparing the spinach: Meanwhile, select the spinach, washing it thoroughly under cold running water to remove impurities. Boil it in a pot with a liter of water and a little salt for about 10 minutes. Then, strain the spinach and chop it finely. If you prefer a smoother texture, you can blend it.

5. Spinach cream: In a separate pot, add the oil and flour, mixing well with a whisk. Heat for 15 seconds, then add the boiled milk and about 400 ml of the broth in which the chicken was boiled, stirring constantly. If the mixture becomes too thick, you can adjust it with a little cold milk or broth. Let it simmer for 4-5 minutes, stirring.

6. Finalizing the dish: Add the chopped spinach and sliced garlic to the milk mixture. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Cook for a few minutes until the garlic releases its aroma.

7. Serving: On plates, place a layer of spinach, add pieces of chicken, and garnish with fresh parsley leaves or strips of red bell pepper for a color and flavor contrast. Don't forget to keep the leftover broth from boiling the chicken, which you can use to prepare a delicious soup with noodles or dumplings.

Practical tips:
- Spinach: Make sure the spinach is fresh and the leaves are green. Frozen spinach can be used, but it will require a different cooking time.
- Chicken: You can experiment with different parts of the chicken, each having a unique taste and texture. Thighs offer juicier meat, while the breast is leaner.
- Vegetarian option: You can replace the chicken with tofu or mushrooms for a delicious vegetarian version.

Nutritional benefits:
Spinach is an excellent source of vitamins A, C, K, iron, and antioxidants, helping to strengthen the immune system. Chicken, being rich in protein, aids in muscle regeneration and maintaining overall health.

Frequently asked questions:
1. Can I use frozen spinach?
Yes, but make sure to thaw and drain it well before adding it to the dish.

2. Can the spinach cream be thickened?
If you want a denser consistency, you can add more flour or another thickening agent such as cornstarch.

3. What can it be served with?
This dish pairs wonderfully with a fresh green salad or crispy homemade bread.

Complementary recipes:
To create a complete menu, you can accompany the spinach with chicken stew with a light vegetable soup or a Greek salad. A dry white wine or freshly squeezed tomato juice would add an extra flavor boost to your meal.

Personal note:
This recipe reminds me of the moments spent with family when we prepared simple yet love-filled meals together. Each bite is a culinary journey, and serving this dish always brings smiles to our table. Enjoy your meal!

 Ingredients: 1 kg spinach, 700-800 g chicken (breast, drumsticks, thighs, wings), 4 tablespoons flour, 300 ml milk, 1 chicken stock cube, 5 cloves of garlic, 1 onion, 1 potato, 1 bell pepper, 1 carrot, 1 parsley root, 50 g celery, 20 g zucchini, 1-2 teaspoons sugar, 5-6 tablespoons oil, salt, pepper