Ingredients with Measurements:
- 1 whole chicken, cut into pieces
- 2 onions, chopped
- 2 carrots, chopped
- 2 celery stalks, chopped
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 tablespoons tomato paste
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1 bay leaf
- 2 cups chicken broth
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 cup sour cream
- 2 tablespoons flour
- Chopped fresh parsley for garnish
Special equipment needed:
- Large Dutch oven or heavy-bottomed pot
Step-by-step instructions:
1. Heat the olive oil in a large Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Add the chicken pieces and brown them on all sides, about 5-7 minutes. Remove the chicken from the pot and set aside.
2. Add the onions, carrots, celery, and garlic to the pot and sauté until the vegetables are softened, about 5 minutes.
3. Add the tomato paste, paprika, thyme, and bay leaf to the pot and stir to combine.
4. Add the chicken broth to the pot and stir to combine. Return the chicken pieces to the pot and bring the mixture to a boil.
5. Reduce the heat to low, cover the pot, and simmer for 45 minutes to 1 hour, or until the chicken is cooked through and tender.
6. In a small bowl, whisk together the sour cream and flour until smooth.
7. Remove the bay leaf from the pot and discard. Slowly whisk the sour cream mixture into the pot, stirring constantly, until the sauce thickens and becomes creamy.
8. Season the stew with salt and pepper to taste.
9. Serve the Caș De Pui hot, garnished with chopped fresh parsley.
Time:
Preparation time: 20 minutes
Cooking time: 1 hour and 15 minutes
Temperature:
Medium-high heat for browning chicken, low heat for simmering stew
Serving size:
4-6 servings
Nutritional information:
Calories: 450
Fat: 25g
Carbohydrates: 12g
Protein: 43g
Sodium: 800mg
Substitutions for ingredients:
- Chicken broth can be substituted with vegetable broth or water.
- Sour cream can be substituted with Greek yogurt or heavy cream.
- Flour can be substituted with cornstarch or arrowroot powder.
Variations:
- Add diced potatoes or mushrooms to the stew for extra flavor and texture.
- Use boneless, skinless chicken breasts instead of a whole chicken for a lighter version of the stew.
- Add a splash of white wine to the stew for a more complex flavor.
Tips and tricks:
- To save time, use pre-cut chicken pieces from the grocery store.
- Make sure to brown the chicken well before adding the vegetables to the pot for maximum flavor.
- If the sauce is too thin, simmer the stew uncovered for a few minutes to thicken it up.
Storage instructions:
- Store leftover Caș De Pui in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Reheating instructions:
- Reheat the stew in a pot over low heat, stirring occasionally, until heated through.
Presentation ideas:
- Serve the stew in individual bowls with a dollop of sour cream and a sprinkle of chopped fresh parsley on top.
Garnishes:
- Chopped fresh parsley or chives
- Dollop of sour cream or Greek yogurt
- Crusty bread for dipping
Pairings:
- Serve the Caș De Pui with a side of crusty bread or mashed potatoes for soaking up the creamy sauce.
- A simple green salad with a tangy vinaigrette would be a refreshing contrast to the rich stew.
Suggested side dishes:
- Crusty bread
- Mashed potatoes
- Roasted vegetables
- Green salad
Troubleshooting advice:
- If the sauce is too thick, add a splash of chicken broth or water to thin it out.
- If the chicken is not cooked through after 45 minutes, continue to simmer the stew until the chicken is tender.
Food safety advice:
- Make sure to cook the chicken to an internal temperature of 165°F to ensure it is safe to eat.
- Store leftover stew in the refrigerator within 2 hours of cooking to prevent bacterial growth.
Food history:
- Caș De Pui is a traditional Romanian dish that is typically served during the colder months. It is a hearty and comforting stew that is perfect for warming up on a chilly day.
Flavor profiles:
- The Caș De Pui is a creamy and savory stew with a hint of sweetness from the vegetables. The paprika and thyme add depth and complexity to the dish.
Serving suggestions:
- Serve the Caș De Pui as a main course for dinner or lunch. It is a filling and satisfying meal that can be enjoyed on its own or with a side dish.
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Region: Romanian
Taste: Savory, Tangy, Herbal, Spicy, Comforting