Colombian chicken and root vegetable soup (ajiaco), version 1

This is a multi-step recipe that took over 4 hours to make. First, make the chicken stock: place a whole chicken in a stock pot, cover with 12-14 cups water, and bring to a boil. Reduce to a simmer, then skim scum off the top. Add carrot chunks, celery chunks, 2 bay leaves, an onion… Continue reading Colombian chicken and root vegetable soup (ajiaco), version 1

Cuban chicken fricassee (fricase de pollo)

This is a family recipe from my friend Annette. Marinate 3-4 lb whole chicken, cut up (skin-on, bone-in) in a mixture of 1 large sliced onion, 1 sliced bell pepper (I used red, not green), 3 garlic bulbs (minced), 1 tsp Spanish red pepper powder (aka pimenton), 1 tsp dried oregano, 1 tsp ground cumin,… Continue reading Cuban chicken fricassee (fricase de pollo)

Chicken saltimbocca  

Cut 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts in half lengthwise to make 4 cutlets.  Sprinkle lightly with salt, then place 3 fresh sage leaves on the top of each cutlet.  Separately, line up 4 thin slices (2 oz total) of pancetta (or prosciutto de Parma) and slice in half, lengthwise.  Wrap each chicken breast with 2 pancetta strips each, securing… Continue reading Chicken saltimbocca  

Roasted parsnips and fennel with store-bought rotisserie chicken

This vacation inspired a semi-homemade cooking moment for me.  Preheat oven to 400.  Peel 3 parsnips and cut into wedges.  Trim fennel bulb and cut into thick slices.  Spray a baking pan with cooking oil, then spread the parsnips and fennel in a single layer, if possible.  Season lightly with salt, black pepper, and another spray of oil.  Let… Continue reading Roasted parsnips and fennel with store-bought rotisserie chicken

Lebanese lemon-garlic chicken (djeaj bil furrin)

This recipe requires advance planning, as the chicken needs to marinate for 2 days before it can be cooked.  Place a 4 lb chicken (cut into 10 pieces) in a large bowl containing 6 cups water and 2 Tbsp apple cider vinegar.  Drain and set aside.  Then place the chicken pieces into the following marinade:… Continue reading Lebanese lemon-garlic chicken (djeaj bil furrin)

Salvadoran chicken broth with vegetables (caldo de pollo con verduras)

While on our honeymoon at ClubMed, we had a delicious soup that inspired us to try our hand at home.  First, make the chicken broth by combining 1 ½ lb  chicken wings, necks and gizzards (here, 3 lb chicken wings and drummettes), 4 stalks chopped celery, 1 lb chopped and peeled carrots, ½ bunch each chopped cilantro… Continue reading Salvadoran chicken broth with vegetables (caldo de pollo con verduras)