Chicken Ostropel

Chicken Ostropel – a classic recipe with deep roots in culinary tradition! This dish is an excellent choice for family lunches or dinners, bringing together the rich and juicy flavors of chicken with a delicious sauce full of vegetables and spices. In this recipe, I will guide you step by step to achieve a perfect chicken ostropel that will delight everyone at the table.

Total preparation time: 1 hour
Number of servings: 4

Necessary ingredients:
- 4 chicken thighs
- 1 large carrot
- 1 medium onion
- 1 red bell pepper
- 3-4 tablespoons of sunflower or olive oil
- 2-3 tablespoons of flour
- 1 cup of water
- 1 head of garlic
- 3-4 tablespoons of red wine or 1 tablespoon of vinegar
- 200 g of tomato puree
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh parsley for garnish

A brief history of ostropel:
Chicken ostropel is a dish that has been cooked in households from various regions, with variations differing from one family to another. This dish is often considered comfort food, evoking memories of family meals, the warmth of home, and culinary traditions passed down through generations. Every housewife has her secret for preparing the sauce, making ostropel a versatile and customizable dish.

Step by step for an unforgettable chicken ostropel:

1. Preparing the chicken:
Start by washing and thoroughly drying the chicken thighs. This is essential for achieving an even browning. In a large skillet, heat the oil over medium heat. When the oil is hot, add the chicken thighs and fry until golden brown on all sides, about 8-10 minutes. It is important not to overcrowd the skillet; if necessary, fry in two batches. Once browned, remove them to a plate and keep warm.

2. Preparing the vegetables:
Use the same oil in which you fried the chicken to retain the flavors. Add the onion, carrot, and red bell pepper, all chopped finely. Sauté the vegetables for 5-7 minutes until they become translucent and fragrant. They will add a natural sweetness to the sauce.

3. Thickening the sauce:
Sprinkle the flour over the vegetables and mix well, allowing it to cook for 1-2 minutes. This step will help the sauce achieve a creamy consistency. Then, deglaze the dish with water and add the tomato puree and red wine (or vinegar). Allow the sauce to simmer over medium heat for about 15 minutes. If you notice the sauce becoming too thick, add a little water. If it’s too thin, you can add a teaspoon of flour dissolved in water.

4. Finishing the dish:
After the sauce has simmered, return the chicken thighs to the skillet. Crush the head of garlic and add it to the sauce. Let the ostropel simmer on low heat for another 10 minutes for the flavors to meld. Taste and adjust with salt and pepper to your liking.

5. Serving:
Chicken ostropel is delicious served with a side of boiled potatoes, but you can also try it with rice or polenta. Sprinkle freshly chopped parsley on top for a touch of freshness.

Useful tips:
- If you want a spicy version, you can add some finely chopped hot peppers while sautéing the vegetables.
- Instead of chicken thighs, you can use diced chicken breast or even turkey meat.
- For a richer flavor, replace some of the water with chicken broth.
- Ostropel keeps very well in the refrigerator and is even tastier the next day when the flavors have melded.

Calories and nutritional benefits:
This chicken ostropel is a good source of protein due to the chicken meat, while the vegetables add vitamins and fiber. A serving (about 250 g) has around 400-500 calories, depending on the amount of oil and the side dish chosen. It is a balanced dish, ideal for a healthy family meal.

Frequently asked questions:
- Can I use other types of meat? Yes, ostropel can be made with turkey, duck, or even pork.
- How can I make the sauce more flavorful? You can add herbs like thyme or oregano, which pair very well with ostropel.
- What drinks pair well with chicken ostropel? A white or red wine, but also a craft beer can perfectly complement the flavors of this dish.

The rich and complex taste of chicken ostropel will turn any meal into a memorable experience. So, put on your chef's attire, prepare your ingredients, and let yourself be carried away by the aromas of this traditional dish that will bring joy and warmth to the hearts of your loved ones!

 Ingredients: chicken thighs - a carrot - an onion - a red bell pepper - oil - 2-3 tablespoons of flour - a cup of water - a head of garlic - a few tablespoons of red wine or a tablespoon of vinegar - broth

 Tags:  chicken thighs carrot pepper