Romanian traditional chicken stew in tomato sauce, served with polenta | Ostropel de pui cu mamaliga

white wine

🥗Healthier: chicken broth

💰Cheaper: water

Using chicken broth or water reduces alcohol content and cost.

olive oil

🥗Healthier: avocado oil

💰Cheaper: sunflower oil

Avocado oil offers health benefits while sunflower oil is more economical.

chicken pieces

🥗Healthier: turkey pieces

💰Cheaper: chicken thighs

Turkey is leaner while thighs are more affordable.

bay leaves

💰Cheaper: dried basil

Dried basil can mimic flavor at a lower cost.

Heat vegetable oil in a large pot over medium heat.

Add chopped onion and sauté until translucent.

Stir in minced garlic and cook until fragrant.

Add chicken pieces and brown on all sides.

Pour in diced tomatoes and tomato sauce.

Season with salt, pepper, and optional bay leaves and summer savory.

Pour in water to cover the chicken partially and simmer until chicken is cooked through.

Prepare polenta by boiling water and adding cornmeal gradually, stirring constantly until thick.

Finish polenta with oil, salt, and butter.

Cooking Techniques

Equipment Needed

Spice Level: