Recipes→Albania→Pule me Salcë Krem Koshi

Pule me Salcë Krem Koshi

Tender chicken pieces simmered in a rich and creamy yogurt sauce, often flavored with garlic and herbs, a comforting and flavorful Albanian specialty.

Prep Time15 minutes
Cook Time45 minutes
Total Time1 hour
Servings4
DifficultyEasy
Pule me Salcë Krem Koshi - Albania traditional dish

đź§‚ Ingredients

  • 600 g Chicken thighs or breasts(cut into bite-sized pieces)
  • 1 medium Onion(finely chopped)
  • 3 cloves Garlic(minced)
  • 2 tbsp Olive oil
  • 400 g Plain yogurt(full-fat recommended)
  • 1 tbsp All-purpose flour
  • 1 cup Chicken broth
  • 2 tbsp Fresh dill(chopped)
  • 1 tsp Salt
  • 1/2 tsp Black pepper
  • 1 tbsp Butter(optional, for richness)

👨‍🍳 Instructions

  1. 1

    Season the chicken pieces with salt and pepper.

  2. 2

    Heat olive oil in a large skillet or pot over medium-high heat. Add the chicken and brown it on all sides. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.

  3. 3

    In the same skillet, reduce the heat to medium and add the chopped onion. Sauté until softened, about 5-7 minutes. Add the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.

  4. 4

    Sprinkle the flour over the onions and garlic, stirring to coat. Cook for 1-2 minutes to toast the flour.

  5. 5

    Gradually whisk in the chicken broth, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the skillet. Bring the mixture to a simmer.

  6. 6

    In a separate bowl, whisk together the yogurt and the optional tablespoon of butter until smooth. Gradually temper the yogurt mixture by slowly whisking in about 1/2 cup of the hot broth mixture. This prevents the yogurt from curdling.

  7. 7

    Pour the tempered yogurt mixture back into the skillet with the broth and onions. Stir well to combine. Return the browned chicken to the skillet.

  8. 8

    Reduce the heat to low, cover the skillet, and simmer for 25-30 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and tender, and the sauce has thickened. Stir occasionally.

  9. 9

    Stir in the chopped fresh dill just before serving. Adjust salt and pepper to taste. Serve hot.

đź’ˇ Pro Tips

  • âś“Using full-fat yogurt will result in a richer, creamier sauce.
  • âś“Tempering the yogurt is crucial to prevent it from splitting or curdling.
  • âś“Don't boil the sauce after adding the yogurt; a gentle simmer is best.
  • âś“This dish is excellent served with rice, potatoes, or crusty bread.

🔄 Variations

  • Add a pinch of nutmeg or a bay leaf to the sauce for extra depth of flavor.
  • Incorporate sautĂ©ed mushrooms or leeks into the sauce.
  • For a tangier sauce, use Greek yogurt instead of regular plain yogurt.

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