Pule me Salcë Krem Koshi
Tender chicken pieces simmered in a rich and creamy yogurt sauce, often flavored with garlic and herbs, a comforting and flavorful Albanian specialty.
🧂 Ingredients
- 600 g Chicken thighs or breasts(cut into bite-sized pieces)
- 1 medium Onion(finely chopped)
- 3 cloves Garlic(minced)
- 2 tbsp Olive oil
- 400 g Plain yogurt(full-fat recommended)
- 1 tbsp All-purpose flour
- 1 cup Chicken broth
- 2 tbsp Fresh dill(chopped)
- 1 tsp Salt
- 1/2 tsp Black pepper
- 1 tbsp Butter(optional, for richness)
👨🍳 Instructions
- 1
Season the chicken pieces with salt and pepper.
- 2
Heat olive oil in a large skillet or pot over medium-high heat. Add the chicken and brown it on all sides. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.
- 3
In the same skillet, reduce the heat to medium and add the chopped onion. Sauté until softened, about 5-7 minutes. Add the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.
- 4
Sprinkle the flour over the onions and garlic, stirring to coat. Cook for 1-2 minutes to toast the flour.
- 5
Gradually whisk in the chicken broth, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the skillet. Bring the mixture to a simmer.
- 6
In a separate bowl, whisk together the yogurt and the optional tablespoon of butter until smooth. Gradually temper the yogurt mixture by slowly whisking in about 1/2 cup of the hot broth mixture. This prevents the yogurt from curdling.
- 7
Pour the tempered yogurt mixture back into the skillet with the broth and onions. Stir well to combine. Return the browned chicken to the skillet.
- 8
Reduce the heat to low, cover the skillet, and simmer for 25-30 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and tender, and the sauce has thickened. Stir occasionally.
- 9
Stir in the chopped fresh dill just before serving. Adjust salt and pepper to taste. Serve hot.
💡 Pro Tips
- ✓Using full-fat yogurt will result in a richer, creamier sauce.
- ✓Tempering the yogurt is crucial to prevent it from splitting or curdling.
- ✓Don't boil the sauce after adding the yogurt; a gentle simmer is best.
- ✓This dish is excellent served with rice, potatoes, or crusty bread.
✨ Twist Ideas
Inspiration for your own version of this recipe
- Add a pinch of nutmeg or a bay leaf to the sauce for extra depth of flavor.
- Incorporate sautéed mushrooms or leeks into the sauce.
- For a tangier sauce, use Greek yogurt instead of regular plain yogurt.