Kosovar Chicken with Plums
Pulë me Prush
A sweet and savory chicken dish where tender chicken pieces are braised with onions and dried plums, creating a rich, aromatic sauce. This dish offers a delightful interplay of sweet and savory flavors, often served with rice.
🧂 Ingredients
- 4 pieces Chicken thighs or drumsticks, bone-in, skin-on
- 3 tbsp Olive oil
- 2 medium Red onions, thinly sliced
- 3 Garlic cloves, minced
- 100 g Dried plums (prunes), pitted
- 1 cup Chicken broth
- 1/2 tsp Red pepper flakes
- 1 Bay leaf
- to taste Salt
- to taste Black pepper
- as needed Rice, for serving
👨🍳 Instructions
- 1
Season the chicken pieces with salt and pepper.
- 2
Heat olive oil in a large, heavy-bottomed pot or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Sear the chicken pieces on all sides until golden brown. Remove chicken and set aside.
💡 Tip: Searing the chicken adds flavor and color to the dish. - 3
Add the sliced red onions to the pot and sauté until softened and lightly caramelized, about 8-10 minutes. Add minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.
💡 Tip: Low and slow cooking of onions will bring out their sweetness. - 4
Return the chicken to the pot. Add the dried plums, chicken broth, red pepper flakes, and bay leaf. Stir to combine.
💡 Tip: Ensure the plums are evenly distributed. - 5
Bring the liquid to a simmer, then reduce the heat to low, cover the pot, and let it cook for 45-50 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and tender.
💡 Tip: Check the chicken for doneness; it should reach an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C). - 6
Remove the bay leaf. Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper if needed. The sauce should have thickened slightly.
💡 Tip: If the sauce is too thin, you can simmer it uncovered for a few extra minutes to reduce. - 7
Serve the chicken with plums hot, spooning the sauce over the chicken. It is traditionally served with cooked rice.
💡 Tip: This dish pairs well with a simple side salad.
💡 Pro Tips
- ✓If dried plums are very hard, soak them in warm water for 15-20 minutes before adding them to the pot.
- ✓For a richer sauce, you can add a tablespoon of honey or a splash of balsamic vinegar towards the end of cooking.
- ✓Consider adding a pinch of cinnamon or nutmeg for a warmer spice profile.
✨ Twist Ideas
Inspiration for your own version of this recipe
- Use chicken breasts, but reduce the cooking time to avoid drying them out.
- Add other dried fruits like apricots or figs along with the plums.
- For a vegetarian option, substitute chicken with firm tofu or large mushrooms, and use vegetable broth.