Peas with chicken

Chicken Pea Recipe - A Spring Delight on Your Plate

Preparation time: 20 minutes
Cooking time: 40 minutes
Total time: 1 hour
Number of servings: 4

Overview

Chicken pea is a classic, tasty, and healthy dish that brings a touch of spring to any meal. This recipe combines the sweet taste of peas with the rich aroma of chicken, resulting in a vibrant dish. Additionally, it is a versatile recipe that can be adapted to your preferences. Whether you choose fresh or frozen peas, each option will yield a delicious result.

Necessary Ingredients

- 500 g peas (preferably frozen, to maintain the fresh taste)
- 2 chicken thighs and 3 wings, portioned
- 1-2 bell peppers (red, yellow, green - a colorful choice)
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- ½ carrot, grated or finely chopped
- 2-3 slices of celery, finely chopped
- A bunch of dill (fresh or frozen)
- A pinch of honey
- 4-5 tomatoes (preferably peeled, fresh or frozen)
- 2-3 tablespoons of tomato paste or concentrate, to taste
- Olive oil (for cooking)
- 1-2 cloves of garlic, chopped
- Salt, pepper, thyme (to taste)

A Touch of History

Peas have been a cherished ingredient since ancient times, used in various cultures to add flavor and nutrients to dishes. Combined with chicken, this dish becomes an excellent source of protein, vitamins, and minerals. This simple and quick recipe has been passed down through generations, bringing a familiar and comforting taste to family meals.

Step by Step for a Perfect Result

1. Preparing the chicken: Start by washing the chicken pieces well under cold running water. Portion them if necessary. Then, dry them using a paper towel to remove excess water. Season with salt, pepper, and thyme, to taste. Heat 2-3 tablespoons of olive oil in a deep skillet and brown the chicken on all sides for 5-7 minutes. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set it aside.

2. Preparing the vegetables: In the same skillet, add the chopped onion, grated carrot, and celery. Sauté the vegetables over low heat, adding a little water and 1-2 tablespoons of olive oil, for about 10 minutes. Here, you can add a pinch of salt to speed up the softening process.

3. Adding the peas: Once the vegetables have softened, add the frozen peas and chopped bell pepper. Mix well and let everything simmer over low heat, periodically adding boiled water to prevent sticking.

4. Incorporating the tomatoes and spices: When the peas are almost cooked (about 10-15 minutes), add the peeled tomatoes, cut in halves or quarters. Let simmer for 5 minutes. Now is the time to add the honey, tomato paste or concentrate, chopped garlic, and dill. Stir to combine the flavors.

5. Finalizing the dish: Add the browned chicken pieces to the vegetable mixture. Cover the skillet and let everything simmer over low heat for 10-15 minutes. During this time, preheat the oven to 180°C.

6. Baking: Transfer the mixture to a baking dish, cover it with aluminum foil, and place it in the oven. Let it brown for 20-25 minutes. If you desire a crispy crust, remove the foil in the last 5 minutes of cooking.

7. Serving: Once the chicken pea dish is ready, take it out of the oven and let it rest for a few minutes. You can sprinkle a little fresh dill on top for an attractive appearance and added aroma.

Serving Suggestions and Variations

This dish pairs perfectly with a serving of mashed potatoes or a fresh green salad, bringing a refreshing contrast. You can also add some green or black olives for a Mediterranean flavor.

If you want to try a vegetarian version, you can replace the chicken with tofu or chickpeas, keeping the rest of the ingredients and flavors. Additionally, you can experiment with various spices, such as paprika or curry, to give the dish an interesting twist.

Nutritional Benefits

This recipe is an excellent source of protein due to the chicken, while peas provide a considerable amount of fiber, vitamins (A, C, K), and minerals (iron, manganese). Honey adds a natural sweetness, while olive oil is rich in healthy fats beneficial for the heart.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can I use fresh peas? Yes, fresh peas are wonderful! Make sure to cook them for about 10-15 minutes less than frozen ones.

2. Can I replace the chicken? Absolutely! You can opt for turkey or make a vegetarian version with vegetables or tofu.

3. How can I make this dish spicier? Add some chopped chili pepper or chili flakes to the vegetable mixture.

4. Can this dish be frozen? Yes, it is a recipe that can be easily frozen. Make sure to let it cool completely before transferring it to airtight containers.

Calories

A serving of chicken pea contains approximately 350-400 calories, depending on the amount of oil used and the preparation method. It is a dish that provides you with energy for the entire day without making you feel overly full.

Conclusion

Chicken pea is not just a simple dish to cook, but also a true explosion of flavors and colors on your plate. With every bite, you will enjoy the delicious taste of fresh ingredients, turning every meal into a celebration. Don't forget to add your personal touch by experimenting with various ingredients and spices. Enjoy your meal!

 Ingredients: 500 g peas (I used frozen peas) 2 chicken thighs and 3 wings onion 1-2 bell peppers (I used frozen red, yellow, and green peppers) half a carrot 2-3 slices of celery a bunch of dill (I used frozen dill) a pinch of honey 4-5 tomatoes (I used frozen tomatoes) tomato paste or broth to taste olive oil 1-2 cloves of garlic salt, pepper, thyme