Pollo al Taragui
Pollo al Taragui is a traditional Paraguayan chicken stew, rich in flavor and slow-cooked to tender perfection. It features chicken pieces simmered with a savory broth, often incorporating vegetables like onions, bell peppers, and tomatoes, and seasoned with local herbs. It's a hearty and comforting dish, typically served with rice or boiled cassava.
🧂 Ingredients
- 1 cut into pieces Whole chicken(about 1.5 kg)
- 2 large Onions(chopped)
- 2 medium Bell peppers(any color, chopped)
- 3 medium Tomatoes(chopped)
- 4 cloves Garlic(minced)
- 4 cups Vegetable broth
- 3 tablespoons Olive oil
- 1 teaspoon Salt(or to taste)
- 0.5 teaspoon Black pepper(freshly ground, or to taste)
- 2 leaves Bay leaves
- 0.25 cup Parsley(chopped, for garnish)
👨🍳 Instructions
- 1
Season the chicken pieces with salt and pepper.
💡 Tip: Ensure all sides are evenly seasoned. - 2
Heat olive oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Brown the chicken pieces on all sides, working in batches if necessary. Remove chicken and set aside.
⏱️ 8-10 minutes - 3
Add the chopped onions and bell peppers to the pot. Sauté until softened, about 5-7 minutes.
⏱️ 5-7 minutes💡 Tip: Scrape up any browned bits from the bottom of the pot. - 4
Add the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.
⏱️ 1 minute - 5
Stir in the chopped tomatoes and cook for 2-3 minutes, allowing them to break down slightly.
⏱️ 2-3 minutes - 6
Return the browned chicken pieces to the pot. Add the vegetable broth and bay leaves.
💡 Tip: Ensure the liquid mostly covers the chicken. - 7
Bring the stew to a simmer, then reduce the heat to low, cover, and cook for at least 1 hour to 1 hour 30 minutes, or until the chicken is very tender.
⏱️ 1 hour - 1 hour 30 minutes💡 Tip: Stir occasionally to prevent sticking. - 8
Remove the bay leaves before serving. Adjust salt and pepper to taste.
💡 Tip: Taste and adjust seasoning as needed. - 9
Garnish with fresh chopped parsley and serve hot.
💡 Tip: Serve with rice, boiled cassava, or mashed potatoes.
💡 Pro Tips
- ✓For a richer flavor, you can use chicken thighs and drumsticks.
- ✓Add other vegetables like carrots or potatoes during the last 30 minutes of cooking.
- ✓A splash of white wine can be added with the broth for extra depth of flavor.
🔄 Variations
- Add a pinch of paprika or cumin for a different flavor profile.
- For a spicier dish, add a chopped chili pepper along with the onions.