Pollo alla Marengo: A Classic Italian Chicken Dish with a Delightful Twist
Category: Main Course
Serves: 4 people
Pollo alla Marengo is a classic Italian dish with deep flavors and a captivating history. Thought to have been created by a French chef for Napoleon Bonaparte after his victory at the Battle of Marengo, this recipe features a delightful combination of tender chicken, fresh seafood, earthy mushrooms, and bright lemon. The preparation of this dish is straightforward, but the layers of flavors that emerge from slow-cooking in white wine and tomatoes create an unforgettable experience. It’s an excellent choice for a cozy dinner or an impressive meal for guests. Let’s dive into how to create this mouthwatering meal.
Ingredients
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Chicken (whole) | 1 (cut into pieces) |
| Porcini mushrooms | 4 (sliced) |
| Bread | 4 slices |
| Garlic | 1 clove |
| White wine | 500ml |
| Lemon | 1 (juiced) |
| Fresh parsley | 1 bunch (chopped) |
| Eggs | 4 (boiled) |
| Extra virgin olive oil | 50g |
| Salt | to taste |
| Black pepper | to taste |
| Canned peeled tomatoes | 500g |
| Prawns (scampi) | 4 (cleaned) |
Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Chicken
Start by preparing the chicken pieces. If you’re working with a whole chicken, remove any leftover feathers by flaming the chicken over an open flame. Then, cut the chicken along its length and separate the wings. Next, coat each piece in flour, ensuring it’s evenly coated.
Step 2: Sautéing the Chicken
In a large pan, heat some olive oil over medium heat. Once hot, add the chicken pieces and sear them until they are golden brown on all sides. This step will give the chicken a crispy, flavorful exterior while keeping the inside juicy and tender.
Step 3: Preparing the Mushrooms and Tomatoes
Clean the porcini mushrooms thoroughly by wiping them down with a damp cloth and slice them finely. For the tomatoes, crush the canned peeled tomatoes by hand or in a blender, so that they become a smooth, chunky sauce.
Once the chicken is browned, add the sliced mushrooms to the pan and cook for a few minutes until they begin to release their juices. Afterward, add the crushed tomatoes to the pan, along with a pinch of salt. Allow the tomato mixture to simmer and reduce for about 20 minutes with the lid on, creating a rich sauce that will envelop the chicken.
Step 4: Cooking with Wine
After 20 minutes, pour the white wine into the pan, stirring well to deglaze any flavorful bits stuck to the bottom. Let the wine cook down for a couple of minutes to evaporate the alcohol, then cover the pan again and allow the dish to simmer for another 20 minutes, so the chicken becomes tender and absorbs the flavors.
Step 5: Adding the Scampi and Lemon
While the chicken is cooking, clean the prawns (scampi) under cold running water. In a separate small pan, pour the remaining white wine and bring it to a simmer. Season it with a pinch of salt. Add the prawns and cook them for just a few minutes until they turn pink and opaque. Once ready, transfer the prawns into the chicken pan.
Squeeze the juice of one lemon into the dish and stir gently to combine all the flavors. Let everything simmer together for a few more minutes so that the prawns can absorb the flavors of the sauce.
Step 6: Finishing Touches
Just before you remove the dish from the heat, sprinkle fresh, chopped parsley over the top for a burst of freshness. This not only adds vibrant color but also enhances the aroma of the dish.
Step 7: Toasting the Bread
In a separate skillet, heat 3 tablespoons of olive oil. Add the bread slices and toast them until they’re golden and crispy on both sides. These slices of bread will serve as a crunchy base for the chicken and will soak up the delicious juices from the sauce.
Step 8: Serving
To serve, place the toasted bread slices on each plate and spoon the chicken, mushrooms, prawns, and sauce over the top. Garnish with a boiled egg on the side for extra richness, and enjoy the full depth of flavor that Pollo alla Marengo offers.
Tips for Success
- Wine Selection: Choose a good quality dry white wine, as the flavor will infuse into the sauce and complement the chicken and mushrooms.
- Mushrooms: If porcini mushrooms aren’t available, you can substitute them with another type of mushroom, such as cremini or button mushrooms.
- Freshness: Fresh parsley and lemon juice are essential to balancing the richness of the dish, so don’t skip them!
- Optional Add-ins: Some versions of Pollo alla Marengo also include olives or capers, which can add a nice briny contrast to the flavors.
Serving Suggestions
Pollo alla Marengo is delicious served with crusty bread, as the juices from the chicken and prawns pair perfectly with the bread for soaking. You can also serve it alongside roasted vegetables or a fresh salad for a balanced meal.
Nutritional Information (per serving)
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | 450 kcal |
| Protein | 40g |
| Carbohydrates | 25g |
| Fat | 20g |
| Saturated Fat | 4g |
| Fiber | 3g |
| Sugars | 5g |
| Sodium | 650mg |
| Cholesterol | 170mg |
This traditional Italian dish is a perfect way to bring a taste of the Mediterranean into your home. With its delicate flavors of chicken, seafood, mushrooms, and fresh herbs, Pollo alla Marengo is a dish that will make any occasion feel special. Enjoy the vibrant colors and the hearty yet light taste of this remarkable recipe that has stood the test of time.
