Emilian chicken stew, known as “Pollo alla Romagnola” in its home region of EmiliaRomagna, Italy, is a simple yet deeply satisfying dish that beautifully captures the essence of rustic Italian cooking. This dish combines tender chicken pieces with a medley of fresh vegetables, aromatic herbs, and a rich, flavorful broth, making it the perfect comfort food for any season.
Ingredients
To make a traditional Emilian chicken stew, you will need the following ingredients:
1 whole chicken, cut into pieces (or chicken thighs and drumsticks)
2 tablespoons of olive oil
1 onion, finely chopped
2 carrots, diced
2 stalks of celery, diced
2 cloves of garlic, minced
1 cup of dry white wine
1 cup of chicken broth
1 can of diced tomatoes (or 2 fresh tomatoes, chopped)
1 tablespoon of fresh rosemary, chopped
1 tablespoon of fresh thyme, chopped
Salt and pepper, to taste
Fresh parsley, for garnish
Instructions
1. Sear the Chicken: In a large, heavybottomed pot or Dutch oven, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the chicken pieces and season with salt and pepper. Sear the chicken until golden brown on all sides, about 57 minutes. Once browned, remove the chicken from the pot and set aside.
2. Cook the Vegetables: In the same pot, add the chopped onion, carrots, and celery. Sauté for 56 minutes until the vegetables are softened. Add the minced garlic and cook for an additional minute, stirring frequently to prevent burning.
3. Deglaze with Wine: Pour in the white wine to deglaze the pot, scraping up any brown bits fond stuck to the bottom. Let simmer for a couple of minutes until the alcohol has evaporated.
4. Add Chicken and Broth: Return the browned chicken pieces to the pot. Stir in the diced tomatoes, chicken broth, rosemary, and thyme. Bring the stew to a gentle simmer.
5. Slow Cook: Cover the pot and let the stew cook on low heat for about 45 minutes to an hour, or until the chicken is cooked through and tender. You can stir occasionally during this time.
6. Finish and Serve: Taste the stew and adjust the seasoning with salt and pepper as needed. Once finished, ladle the stew into bowls and garnish with fresh parsley.
Enjoying Your Emilian Chicken Stew
Emilian chicken stew is best enjoyed with a side of crusty bread or over a bed of polenta or mashed potatoes, allowing you to soak up the delicious broth. This dish not only warms the stomach but also the heart, drawing family and friends together around the dinner table.
In conclusion, Emilian chicken stew is a wonderful classic that embodies the soul of Italian cuisine—simple, hearty, and full of flavor. With its straightforward preparation and wholesome ingredients, it’s a dish worth incorporating into your cooking repertoire. Whether you’re cooking for a cozy family dinner or a gathering with friends, this stew will surely impress and satisfy all palates. Buon appetito!