Receta the chicken whisperer
view of my hometown Perugia from my parents place (photo T. di Luca)
CHICKEN ALLA CACCIATORA a.k.a HUNTER STYLE or CHICKEN CACCIATORE.
I spent my youth in a huge house overlooking my hometown Perugia. My parents where civil servants and in their free time took care of the large garden, the olive trees and the pets.
To be precise, my father took care of breeding the pets and my mother fought against the proliferation of pets. We had a dog and a cat and the occasional gold-fish of course. Even a guinea pig once.
That was fine with my mum.
The dog and the cat were actually treated to pasta al ragù just like us. Even with a sprinkle of Parmesan on top.
The problem was, my father had pet chickens. They were allowed to do anything they wanted. He talked to them. They kept each other company. They – the chickens – ravaged the geraniums.
And planted new geraniums.
Recipe
- 1/2 free-ranging chicken cut into serving pieces
- 1 onion, sliced
- 2-3 cloves garlic, very finely minced
- 1 tablespoon capers,
- 4 tablespoon spoon good quality olives
- 1 sprig rosemary,
- a handful sage leaves
- 1 cup dry white wine
- zest of 1/2 lemon
- juice of 1/2 lemon
- 1 tablespoon balsamic vinegar
- extra virgin olive oil
Using a large thick bottom or non stick pan, sear chicken pieces in one tablespoon olive oil until golden on all sides. Good quality chicken should not produce any fat, but if it does drain it and wipe clean the pan before proceeding.
Turn heat to low and add onion and stir frequently until caramelized. Add minced garlic cloves, capers, olives, rosemary and sage leaves. Season with salt and black pepper to taste.
When everything is fragrant add one cup of wine, cover and simmer very slowly until the chicken is tender. This might take 45 min to 1 and 1/2 hours depending on size and quality of the bird. Add some water if the sauce gets to dry while simmering.
When ready to serve add the lemon juice and balsamic vinegar.
This dish is lovely with a side of steamed greens dressed with a splash of lemon juice and fruity olive oil. If you need your starch, accompany it with homemade potato puree or polenta. Italians would never serve it with pasta or rice.
Serves 3-4 depending on initial size of chicken.
add the wine at this stage, when all other ingredients are fragrant