Mauritian Chicken Fricassee
A comforting and flavorful chicken dish with French influences, characterized by tender chicken pieces simmered in a rich, savory sauce with onions, tomatoes, and herbs. It's a versatile dish often served with rice.
🧂 Ingredients
- 1 kg Chicken(cut into pieces (bone-in thighs and drumsticks recommended))
- 3 tbsp Olive oil
- 2 medium Large onions(thinly sliced)
- 1 tbsp Ginger(grated)
- 1 tbsp Garlic(crushed)
- 10 sprigs Thyme sprigs
- 3 medium Tomatoes(roughly chopped)
- 2 tbsp Tomato paste
- 125 ml Tomato passata
- 160 ml Water
- 1 tsp Salt
- 0.5 tsp Black pepper
- 0.25 cup Fresh parsley(chopped, for garnish)
👨🍳 Instructions
- 1
Season the chicken pieces generously with salt and pepper.
💡 Tip: Using bone-in chicken pieces adds more flavor to the sauce. - 2
Heat olive oil in a large, heavy-bottomed pot or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Sear the chicken pieces until browned on all sides. Remove the chicken from the pot and set aside.
⏱️ 8-10 minutes - 3
Reduce the heat to medium. Add the sliced onions to the same pot and sauté until softened and lightly golden.
⏱️ 5-7 minutes - 4
Add the grated ginger and crushed garlic to the pot and cook for another minute until fragrant.
⏱️ 1 minute - 5
Stir in the tomato paste, chopped tomatoes, and thyme sprigs. Cook for a few minutes, allowing the tomatoes to break down.
⏱️ 3-4 minutes - 6
Return the seared chicken to the pot. Add the tomato passata and water. Stir everything together, ensuring the chicken is well coated in the sauce.
💡 Tip: You can add a pinch of chili flakes for a hint of spice. - 7
Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer, then cover the pot, reduce the heat to low, and let it cook until the chicken is tender and the sauce has thickened.
⏱️ 1 hour to 1 hour 15 minutes💡 Tip: Stir occasionally to prevent sticking. - 8
Taste and adjust seasoning if necessary. Garnish with fresh chopped parsley before serving.
💡 Tip: Serve hot with steamed rice.
💡 Pro Tips
- ✓For a richer sauce, you can add a splash of white wine when sautéing the onions.
- ✓Sweetcorn can be added in the last 15 minutes of cooking for a touch of sweetness.
- ✓This dish tastes even better the next day.
🔄 Variations
- Add some diced potatoes or carrots along with the chicken for a heartier meal.
- A small amount of soy sauce can be added for an umami boost.