Day 11 – Trish’s Lazy Chicken Casserole
I will freely admit that my knowledge of kosher cooking and food preparation is limited at best. I understand the basics – no pork or shellfish, separate preparation areas for meat and dairy foods – but would be loathe to prepare a meal for friends who were strict observers just in case I got it hopelessly wrong.
Then I stayed with Trish and her family while I was in Sydney late last year and she showed me just how easy it can be. Not only does this casserole meet all requirements for kosher observance – provided the meat is kosher or halal – but it’s insanely easy and quick to make. Oh and delicious – did I tell you it’s delicious?
The first time I had this, Trish included asparagus, carrots and potatoes as an all-in-one dish. As you can see, it’s a very accommodating recipe and now includes mushrooms and is served with rice. Really, you could add whatever vegetables you want.
Serves 4
INGREDIENTS
1 tbsp vegetable oil; 2 tbsp plain flour; pinch sea salt; pinch black pepper; 500g kosher or halal chicken thigh fillets; 2 brown onions, diced; 100g mushrooms, sliced OR 2 cups vegetables of your choice; 1 tsp dried mixed herbs; 2 tbsp tomato paste; ½ cup white wine; 2 cups (500 ml) chicken stock (a stock cube is fine); steamed rice or potatoes to serve
METHOD
Heat a large heavy-based fry-pan over medium heat and add the oil. Mix the flour with salt and pepper in a plastic bag and add the fillets. Toss well to coat.
Brown the meat, in batches, for 2 to 3 minutes until browned and remove from pan. Add the onions and sauté for 3-4 minutes until the onions are soft, then add mushrooms or mixed vegies and cook for a further 2 minutes to lightly colour the mushrooms.
Add herbs, tomato paste, wine and stock and stir well to scrape up all the bits off the bottom of the pan. Add the browned chicken pieces and bring a simmer, then turn the heat down. Cover the frypan with a well-fitting lid and simmer for 20 minutes or until the chicken is cooked through.
Serve with rice or potatoes.
COST
$9.70 for four people
Awesome
Sounds like a lovely dish- we don;t have any wine though- is there something that I can substitute for wine?
Rebecca
Add more water Rebecca.
That sounds really yum!
I’m pretty sure it’s not halal if wine is included, though – although the alcohol is supposed to cook off, an observant Muslim would not normally take that risk.
Thanks cAt for that important clarification. The family I stayed with observe kosher requirements however the wine can easily be substituted for water, whatever your observances.
Im going to try this with chicken drumsticks, $2.99 a kilo at one of the supemarkets and the butchers across the road from work
If you want to go for a vaguely similar flavour, unsweetened grape juice substitutes well for wine in recipes like this one.