Monday 28 March 2016

Chicken Cacciatore.

Chicken Cacciatore Recipe on Food52
Cacciatore means "hunter" in Italian.
In cuisine, alla cacciatora refers to a meal prepared "hunter-style”.
A basic cacciatore recipe usually begins with a couple of tablespoons of olive oil heated in a large frying pan.
Chicken parts, dusted with salt and pepper, are seared in the oil for three to four minutes on each side.
The chicken is removed from the pan, and most of the fat poured off.
The remaining fat is used to fry the onions, peppers or other vegetables for several minutes.
A small can of peeled tomatoes (drained of liquid and chopped coarsely) is typically added to the pan along with rosemary and a half cup of dry red wine.
Bay leaf may be used, along with chopped carrot to give extra sweetness.
The seared chicken parts are returned to the pan which is then covered.
The dish is done after about an hour at a very low simmer.
Cacciatore is often served with a rustic bread or pasta on the side.

Makes 4 servings
Olive oil to lightly coat the bottom of a large skillet with a lid
4 bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs
1 cup all-purpose flour seasoned with 1 teaspoon salt and 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
2 slices bacon, chopped
1 green bell pepper, seeded, cored, and sliced
1 red bell pepper, seeded, cored, and sliced
1 large onion, halved and thinly sliced
4 cloves garlic, thinly sliced
4 ounces white or brown button mushrooms, sliced
1 teaspoon dried basil
1 teaspoon dried oregano
1/2 teaspoon ground fennel seed
1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes
1 teaspoon salt
One can whole plum tomatoes
200 gram tomato sauce
200 ml chicken broth
1/4 cup torn fresh basil leaves
1/4 cup torn fresh oregano leaves
Grated parmesan for serving
Cooked pasta or soft polenta for serving

Coat the skillet with olive oil, up the sides of the pan about 6mm, and heat.
Dredge the chicken thighs in the seasoned flour and brown each side until golden.
Remove the thighs and set aside.
Drain the oil from the skillet and add the chopped bacon.
Cook until almost crisp and then add the 2 peppers, onions, garlic, and mushrooms.
Sauté for a few minutes.
Stir in the dried basil, dried oregano, ground fennel, red pepper flakes, and salt.
Continue to sauté until you can smell the garlic, another few minutes.
Crush the plum tomatoes with your clean hands to break them up and add to the skillet along with the juices from the can.
Add the tomato sauce and chicken broth.
Return the chicken thighs to the skillet, skin side up, and bathe the sauce over the pieces.
Bring everything up to a simmer and continue to simmer, partially covered, for 30 to 40 minutes.
After the 30 to 40 minute simmer, stir in the fresh basil and oregano.
Serve a chicken thigh and some of the sauce with peppers over spaghetti or some soft polenta.
Shower a little Parmesan over the top and enjoy!

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