Kokoras Krasatos
A rich and hearty traditional Greek dish of rooster (or chicken) braised in red wine with onions, garlic, and spices. It's a flavorful and comforting meal often served with pasta or potatoes.
🧂 Ingredients
- 1.5 kg Rooster or chicken(cut into serving pieces)
- 500 ml Red wine(dry)
- 2 large Onions(chopped)
- 6 cloves Garlic(minced)
- 2 tbsp Tomato paste
- 50 ml Olive oil
- 1 Cinnamon stick
- 3 Cloves
- 1 Bay leaf
- 1 tsp Salt
- 0.5 tsp Black pepper
- 200 ml Water or chicken broth(as needed)
👨🍳 Instructions
- 1
Pat the chicken pieces dry and season generously with salt and pepper.
💡 Tip: Drying the chicken helps it to brown better. - 2
Heat the olive oil in a large, heavy-bottomed pot or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Brown the chicken pieces on all sides. Remove the chicken and set aside.
- 3
Add the chopped onions to the pot and sauté until softened and lightly golden, about 5-7 minutes.
💡 Tip: Lower the heat if the onions start to burn. - 4
Stir in the minced garlic and tomato paste, and cook for another minute until fragrant.
- 5
Pour in the red wine, scraping the bottom of the pot to loosen any browned bits. Add the cinnamon stick, cloves, and bay leaf.
- 6
Return the chicken pieces to the pot. Add enough water or chicken broth to come about halfway up the sides of the chicken.
💡 Tip: The liquid should not completely cover the chicken. - 7
Bring the liquid to a simmer, then reduce the heat to low, cover the pot, and let it cook for 1.5 hours, or until the chicken is very tender and the sauce has thickened.
💡 Tip: Stir occasionally and add more liquid if it becomes too dry. - 8
Remove the cinnamon stick, cloves, and bay leaf before serving. Adjust seasoning if necessary. Serve hot with orzo, rice, or crusty bread.
💡 Tip: The sauce is excellent for soaking up with bread.
💡 Pro Tips
- ✓Using a rooster will result in a richer flavor, but a good quality chicken works well too.
- ✓Allow the sauce to simmer uncovered for the last 15-20 minutes if you want it thicker.
- ✓This dish can be made a day in advance; the flavors often improve overnight.
✨ Twist Ideas
Inspiration for your own version of this recipe
- Add mushrooms along with the onions.
- A splash of balsamic vinegar can add depth to the sauce.
- Serve with hilopites (Greek egg noodles) for a traditional pairing.