Ostropel de Pui
A flavorful Romanian chicken stew, often made with chicken legs, simmered in a rich tomato and garlic sauce. It's a comforting dish with influences from Balkan and Turkish cuisines.
🧂 Ingredients
- 1 kg Chicken thighs or legs(bone-in, skin-on)
- 2 medium Onions(finely chopped)
- 8 cloves Garlic(minced)
- 2 tbsp Tomato paste
- 400 g Diced tomatoes(canned)
- 200 ml Chicken broth or water
- 3 tbsp Vegetable oil
- 1 tsp Paprika
- 1 tsp Dried thyme
- 2 tbsp Fresh parsley(chopped, for garnish)
- to taste Salt
- to taste Black pepper
👨🍳 Instructions
- 1
Pat the chicken pieces dry with paper towels and season generously with salt and pepper.
- 2
In a large skillet or Dutch oven, heat the vegetable oil over medium-high heat. Sear the chicken pieces until golden brown on all sides. Remove the chicken and set aside.
- 3
Add the chopped onions to the skillet and sauté until softened and translucent, about 5-7 minutes.
- 4
Add the minced garlic and paprika, and cook for another minute until fragrant.
- 5
Stir in the tomato paste and cook for 1-2 minutes, stirring constantly.
- 6
Add the diced tomatoes, chicken broth (or water), and dried thyme. Bring the sauce to a simmer, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the pan.
- 7
Return the seared chicken pieces to the skillet, nestling them into the sauce. Ensure the chicken is partially submerged.
- 8
Reduce the heat to low, cover the skillet, and simmer for 30-40 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and tender. The sauce should thicken slightly.
- 9
Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper if needed.
- 10
Serve the Ostropel de Pui hot, garnished with fresh chopped parsley. It is traditionally served with mămăligă (polenta) or crusty bread.
💡 Pro Tips
- ✓For a richer flavor, you can use chicken thighs instead of legs.
- ✓Don't overcrowd the pan when searing the chicken; cook in batches if necessary.
- ✓If the sauce is too thin, you can simmer it uncovered for the last few minutes of cooking.
🔄 Variations
- Add a splash of white wine to the sauce for added depth.
- Include bell peppers or mushrooms for extra vegetables.
- For a spicier version, add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a finely chopped hot pepper.