Chicken stew with mushrooms
Chicken and mushroom ciulama is a recipe that combines tradition and innovation, being a beloved dish on many family tables. This delicacy, with a creamy texture and refined taste, revives childhood memories and proves to be a perfect choice for both a family dinner and a special occasion. Preparing ciulama is simple and does not require hard-to-find ingredients, making it ideal for any cooking enthusiast.
Total preparation time: 50 minutes
Preparation time: 20 minutes
Cooking time: 30 minutes
Number of servings: 4
Ingredients:
- 1 chicken breast (approximately 500 g)
- 1 medium onion
- 250 g mushrooms (champignon or pleurotus, depending on preferences)
- 200 ml cooking cream
- 3 garlic cloves
- salt, to taste
- pepper, to taste
- 2 tablespoons of flour
- 2-3 tablespoons of oil (olive or sunflower)
- fresh parsley, for garnish
- polenta, for serving (optional but recommended)
Preparation:
1. Preparing the ingredients: Start by peeling the onion and garlic. Chop the onion finely, and slice or crush the garlic, depending on your preferences. The chicken breast should be cut into uniform cubes to cook evenly. Clean the mushrooms and slice them thinly to release their aroma during cooking.
2. Heating the oil: In a cauldron (or deep pan), add 2-3 tablespoons of oil and place it over medium heat. When the oil is hot, add the onion and sauté the garlic, stirring constantly. It is important not to let the onion brown too much, just until it becomes translucent and soft.
3. Cooking the chicken: Once the onion has softened, add the chicken cubes. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Cook the chicken for 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until it turns white on all sides. This step is essential to ensure a juicy texture of the meat.
4. Adding the mushrooms: Once the chicken is cooked, add the sliced mushrooms. Continue to cook for 5 minutes, stirring frequently. The mushrooms will release water, contributing to a delicious base for the ciulama.
5. Preparing the sauce: After the mushrooms have softened, pour 2 cups of water into the cauldron. Let it simmer on low heat, covered, for 10-15 minutes to allow the flavors to combine. At this point, you can prepare the cream and flour mixture.
6. Cream and flour mixture: In a small bowl, mix the flour with 3 tablespoons of cold water to avoid lumps. Add the obtained mixture to the cauldron, stirring vigorously to integrate the flour into the sauce. Then, pour in the cream, continuing to stir to achieve a creamy texture. Let it simmer for 5 minutes, being careful not to let it stick to the bottom of the cauldron.
7. Finalizing the dish: Taste the sauce and adjust the seasonings, adding salt and pepper to preference. If you want to enrich it even more, you can add some herbs, such as tarragon or dill, which pair perfectly with chicken and mushrooms.
8. Serving: Chicken and mushroom ciulama is served hot, garnished with chopped fresh parsley. It is delicious alongside polenta, which will absorb the creamy sauce, turning each bite into an explosion of flavors.
Useful tips:
- When choosing mushrooms, opt for fresh ones with a strong aroma. Champignon mushrooms are the most common, but you can also experiment with other types, such as shiitake or pleurotus.
- Make sure the cooking cream is at room temperature before adding it to the cauldron to avoid curdling.
- If you want a lighter version, you can replace the cream with Greek yogurt, resulting in a ciulama with lower calories.
Nutritional benefits:
Chicken and mushroom ciulama is an excellent source of protein due to the chicken breast, while the mushrooms are rich in B vitamins and antioxidants. This dish is low in calories, with approximately 350 calories per serving (without polenta), making it a healthy and filling choice.
Ideal pairings:
Chicken and mushroom ciulama pairs perfectly with a glass of dry white wine or a refreshing blonde beer. Additionally, a green salad with cherry tomatoes and cucumbers will add a pleasant contrast of textures and flavors, making the meal even more delicious.
Frequently asked questions:
1. Can I use turkey instead of chicken?
Yes, you can use turkey, and the ciulama will have just as delicious a taste. Make sure to adjust the cooking time, as turkey meat can be drier.
2. How can I make the ciulama spicier?
If you like it spicy, you can add a bit of hot pepper or spices like smoked paprika during cooking for an extra flavor boost.
3. Can I keep the ciulama for the next day?
Yes, ciulama keeps well in the refrigerator and can be reheated. It is recommended to add a little water or cream to restore its creaminess.
In conclusion, chicken and mushroom ciulama is a classic yet always current recipe that will bring smiles to your face and warmth to your heart. By experimenting with different ingredients and spices, you can adapt the recipe to your tastes, turning every meal into a celebration of flavors and aromas. So put on your chef's apron and let's enjoy this delicacy together!
Ingredients: Ingredients: 1 chicken breast, 1 medium onion, 250 g mushrooms, 200 ml cooking cream, 3 cloves of garlic, salt, pepper, 2 tablespoons of flour
