Pollo al ajillo
Cuban Pollo al ajillo or Garlic Chicken is a flavorful and savory dish that originates from Spain. It is a perfect dish for those who love bold and intense flavors as it is packed with garlic, onions, paprika, and chicken. The recipe has been adapted in many Spanish-speaking countries, including Cuba, where it has remained a popular dish.
Pollo al ajillo is a very simple recipe to make, but it is full of flavors and aromas that will leave you wanting more. The chicken is marinated in a delicious garlic and citrus-based mixture, giving it a unique and refreshing taste. The dish is then simmered in a rich and flavorful sauce that is made with white wine, chicken broth, and the seasonings mentioned above. Finally, Pollo al ajillo is garnished with fresh parsley which gives it a pop of color and adds a touch of freshness to the dish.
Cuban cuisine is a blend of African, Spanish, and Caribbean cuisines, and it has its unique taste and style. Therefore, Pollo al ajillo is no exception as it has been adapted to the Cuban palate. This dish has become a staple in Cuban homes, and it is usually served with a side of white rice or black beans.
To make Cuban Pollo al ajillo, the first step is to marinate the chicken. The chicken is marinated in a combination of garlic, lime, salt, and pepper. This mixture not only flavors the chicken but also tenderizes it, ensuring that it remains moist and juicy once it’s cooked.
The next step is to prepare the sauce. In a large skillet, onions and garlic are cooked until fragrant and slightly caramelized. Then, chicken broth, white wine, and paprika are added to the skillet, and the mixture is brought to a simmer. This sauce is then reduced until it thickens to a rich and flavorful consistency.
Once the sauce has thickened, the chicken is added to the skillet, and the mixture is simmered until the chicken is cooked through. The dish is garnished with fresh parsley, and it is ready to be served.
One of the unique features of Cuban Pollo al ajillo is the use of paprika in the sauce. The paprika adds a smoky and sweet flavor to the dish, which complements the garlic and onions well.
In conclusion, Cuban Pollo al ajillo is a dish that is not only easy to make but also packed with flavors and aromas that will linger in your mouth. It is a perfect meal for a dinner party or a family gathering as the dish can be prepared in advance, leaving plenty of time to mingle and socialize with your loved ones. It is a popular Cuban dish that has stood the test of time, and once you try it, you will understand why it is a must-try.
Ingredients:
-4 chicken breasts -3 garlic bulbs (around 20 cloves) -1 tsp of cumin -1 tsp of oregano -1/4 tsp of salt -1/4 tsp of black pepper -1/4 cup of white wine -1/4 cup of chicken stock -1/4 cup of fresh lemon juice -1/4 cup of olive oil
Instructions:
- Cut the chicken breasts into bite-sized pieces.
- Crush the garlic cloves and mix them with the cumin, oregano, salt, and black pepper in a bowl.
- Pour the white wine, chicken stock, and lemon juice over the chicken pieces and let marinate for at least 2 hours in the refrigerator.
- Heat the olive oil in a sauté pan over medium heat.
- Take the chicken out of the marinade and discard the liquid.
- Add the chicken pieces to the sauté pan and cook for about 10 minutes, or until browned on all sides.
- Add the garlic and seasoning mixture to the pan and stir until fragrant.
- Finally, add the marinade liquid to the pan and let it simmer for about 15-20 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and the sauce has thickened.
- Serve with white rice and black beans, garnished with fresh parsley or cilantro.