Soup, Chili, Stew and Dumpling Recipes
Chicken, Potato and Pepper Stew
Yield: 4 to 6 servings
Ingredients
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 (3 pound) chicken, cut into serving pieces
- Coarse salt and freshly ground black pepper
- 1 1/2 pounds yellow-fleshed potatoes, peeled and cut into large chunks
- 4 tablespoons (1/2 stick) unsalted butter
- 3 red bell peppers, cored, seeded, and coarsely chopped
- 3 ripe plum tomatoes, coarsely chopped
- 1 cup dry white wine
- 1 cup chicken stock or broth
- Pinch of saffron
- 1 teaspoon grated orange zest
- 2 1/2 to 3 pounds spinach, stems removed and well washed
Instructions
- Heat the oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Season the chicken pieces with salt and pepper and brown them lightly on all sides. Remove the chicken to a plate.
- Add the potatoes and 1 tablespoon of the butter to the skillet. Sprinkle in a bit of salt and pepper. Cook, stirring occasionally, until the potatoes begin to brown on their edges, 7 to 8 minutes. Add the bell peppers and tomatoes, season with salt and pepper, and cook for a minute. Pour in the wine and bring to a boil. Be sure to scrape the bottom of the pan to release any browned bits left from the chicken and potatoes.
- When the stew is boiling, pour in the stock and crumble in the saffron. Nestle the chicken into the liquid. Bring it again to a boil, then reduce to a simmer, cover, and cook gently for 45 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked and the potatoes are tender. Stir in the orange zest and check the seasoning.
- Meanwhile, bring a large pot of water to a boil. Add a big pinch of salt and the spinach. Bring to a boil and cook for a minute or two, until the spinach is completely wilted. Drain, refresh the spinach with cold water, drain again, and squeeze out excess moisture.
- Just before you are ready to serve the stew, melt the remaining 3 tablespoons butter in a skillet over medium-low heat. Add the spinach and toss it in the butter until heated through. Check for salt and pepper.
- Divide the spinach among soup dishes, making a pile in the middle of each.
- Ladle in the stew to surround the spinach (with lots of broth), and serve.