Sometimes, I'm not sure where the inspiration for a recipe comes from! Those are the days when I know that it's going to be good if I just follow my instincts and allow myself to simply create whatever it is I think that I want to eat.
The other night I was longing for a long, slowly braised aroma intoxicating meal, but I didn't have a lot of time. What I did have was a package of free range chicken legs and a bottle of red wine! What followed pleased me very much and satisfied my desire for some serious comfort food in a hurry! This recipe contains quite a lot of garlic as you will see, but it gets soft, sweet and mellow in the cooking process! This also calls for about 2 cups of red wine. Always cook with wine that you'd want to drink, because you will taste it in the food!
For 4 servings you will need:
4 free range, organically fed chicken legs -
I cannot stress enough that you should be using free range and organic poultry products. Not only is the flavor better, but you will sleep a bit more easily knowing that you are participating in a global community that is devoted to create good and healthy food! Always wash them first before cooking!
1 Can of organic diced tomatoes with garlic and basil
20 peeled cloves of Garlic
2 cups of a good red wine
2 and a half cups of fresh mushrooms- mixed varieties
The exotic mushroom mixes definitely have more flavor than the plain button mushrooms!
1 cup of diced onions
About 3 tablespoons of assorted fresh herbs, dill, thyme, chives and parsley- finely minced
Truffle Salt and pepper to season- You can use regular salt, the truffles just add an extra dimension of flavor that I love.
To begin:
Swirl some very good olive oil into a saute pan and add 1 tablespoon of butter. Turn up the heat to medium and add the chicken legs and allow to caramelize until golden. Season them with the herbs and the salt and pepper and continue cooking on a lower heat while you add the tomatoes,mushrooms, onions, garlic and wine. Simmer gently until the cooking juices are reduced and everything just tastes and smells really good! You'll know if the chicken is done because it will begin to fall from the bone, about 45 minutes to one hour.
Serve with a nutted rice pilaf or mashed potatoes, a simple salad of mixed greens and vinaigrette and a glass of that delicious wine that you've used to prepare this dish. Then relax, you deserve it!
Hi Beth. Congratulations forits work. XOXO .Betty
Posted by: Elisabeth | May 08, 2009 at 10:37 AM