Chicken stew with potatoes

Chicken and Potato Stew – A Comforting and Delicious Recipe

Preparation time: 20 minutes
Cooking time: 1 hour
Total time: 1 hour 20 minutes
Servings: 4-6

Who doesn’t fondly remember the cool days spent at home, when the aroma of chicken and potato stew filled the air? This recipe is a true culinary treasure, full of flavor and comfort, perfect for family meals. Here’s how to prepare it step by step, so you can enjoy a dish that combines tradition with the unmistakable taste of fresh ingredients.

Necessary ingredients:

- 1 kg potatoes (choose suitable boiling potatoes, such as new or red ones)
- 500 g chicken meat (preferably thighs or breast, depending on preferences)
- 1 bell pepper (preferably red, for color and sweetness)
- 1 large onion
- 2 large tomatoes (or 200 ml tomato juice if you don’t have fresh tomatoes)
- 3-4 tablespoons oil (olive or sunflower)
- Salt, to taste
- Freshly ground pepper, to taste
- A handful of fresh parsley, chopped

Nutritional information:
This stew is an excellent source of carbohydrates from potatoes and protein from chicken. One serving (about 250 g) contains approximately 350-400 calories, providing energy and essential nutrients. Potatoes are rich in potassium and vitamin C, while chicken offers quality protein.

Preparation steps:

1. Preparing the ingredients:
Start by peeling the potatoes. Wash them well and cut them into large pieces, about 3-4 cm. This will help with even cooking and maintain a firm texture in the stew. Then, cut the chicken into medium-sized pieces so that it cooks evenly.

2. Brown the meat:
In a deep skillet or pot, add the oil and heat it over medium heat. Add the chicken pieces and brown them on all sides for 5-7 minutes until golden. This step not only adds a delicious flavor but also creates a rich aromatic base for the stew.

3. Sauté the vegetables:
Remove the chicken from the skillet and set it aside. In the same skillet, add the chopped onion and bell pepper. Sauté them for 3-4 minutes until they become translucent. Add the diced tomatoes (or tomato juice) and let them simmer together, stirring occasionally, for 5-10 minutes until the sauce thickens slightly.

4. Add the potatoes and chicken:
In another pot, bring water to a boil and add the chicken. Boil for 25-30 minutes until almost cooked. Then, add the potatoes to the pot with chicken and let them boil together for 10-15 minutes. Make sure everything is covered with water. Once the potatoes are almost cooked, add the onion and tomato mixture, stirring well.

5. Season and finish:
Let the stew simmer on low heat for another 15-20 minutes. At this point, add salt and pepper to taste. If the skillet can be transferred to the oven, you can let the stew brown for 10 minutes at 180°C – this will enhance the flavors and add a delicious texture to the potatoes.

6. Serving:
Once the stew is ready, sprinkle the chopped parsley on top for an extra touch of freshness. You can choose to serve it with roasted peppers as a side dish, which will add a note of sweetness and a pleasant contrast. Also, a slice of fresh bread alongside will perfectly complement this comforting dish.

Suggestions and variations:
- Replace the chicken with pork or beef for a different variant.
- Add carrots and celery for extra vegetables and nutrients.
- If you like a spicier taste, you can add finely chopped hot peppers.

Frequently asked questions:

1. Can I use sweet potatoes?
Absolutely! Sweet potatoes will add a sweet note and a beautiful color to the stew.

2. What type of oil is the most suitable?
Olive oil provides a richer taste, but you can also use sunflower oil for a lighter dish.

3. How can I store leftovers?
The stew keeps excellently in the refrigerator in an airtight container for 2-3 days. You can reheat it on the stove or in the microwave.

4. What drinks pair well with the stew?
A dry white wine or a pale beer would perfectly complement the flavor of the stew. If you prefer a cocktail, fresh lemonade will be an excellent choice.

This chicken and potato stew is not just a simple dish, but also a culinary journey that brings back memories of the most beautiful moments spent with loved ones. Whether you enjoy it at a family meal or at a dinner with friends, every bite is a celebration of taste and tradition. Enjoy your meal!