Alethea’s Green Chile Chicken Stew is a delightful Southwestern dish known for its bold flavors and comforting qualities. While there might not be a specific historical account tied to this stew, it’s a popular recipe in the Southwestern United States, particularly in New Mexico, where green chiles are abundant. Here’s a detailed breakdown of its components, preparation steps, and approximate cooking time:
Components:
- Chicken: Typically, boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs are used. You can also use a whole chicken, deboned and cut into bite-sized pieces.
- Green Chiles: The star of the dish! You’ll need roasted and peeled green chiles. Hatch green chiles are a popular choice, but Anaheim or Poblano chiles work well too.
- Onions: Chopped onions provide a sweet and savory base for the stew.
- Garlic: Minced garlic cloves add depth of flavor.
- Potatoes: Cubed potatoes add heartiness to the stew.
- Chicken Broth: Provides the liquid base for the stew.
- Spices: Cumin, oregano, salt, and pepper are common spices used in this recipe.
- Optional Ingredients: You can customize the stew with ingredients like corn, diced tomatoes, or beans.
Preparation Steps:
- Prepare the Green Chiles: Roast the green chiles over an open flame, on a grill, or in the oven until the skin is charred and blistered. Place them in a plastic bag for a few minutes to sweat, then peel, remove seeds, and chop them.
- Cook the Chicken: In a large pot or Dutch oven, heat some oil over medium-high heat. Add the chicken and cook until browned. Remove the chicken and set it aside.
- Sauté Onions and Garlic: In the same pot, add a bit more oil if needed and sauté the chopped onions and garlic until they become translucent.
- Add Potatoes and Chiles: Stir in the cubed potatoes and chopped green chiles.
- Season and Simmer: Add the cumin, oregano, salt, and pepper. Pour in the chicken broth and return the cooked chicken to the pot.
- Simmer: Cover the pot and simmer on low heat until the potatoes are tender and the flavors have melded together. This usually takes about 30-45 minutes, but it can vary based on the size of your potato cubes and the heat level.
Time Needed: The total time needed to prepare Alethea’s Green Chile Chicken Stew is approximately 1 to 1.5 hours, including prep and cooking time. However, this can vary based on your cooking skills and the specific ingredients used.
Enjoy this flavorful Southwestern dish, rich with the taste of green chiles and a symbol of comfort in many households!
Certainly, here are the nutrition facts and some health information for Alethea’s Green Chile Chicken Stew:
Nutrition Facts (Approximate values per serving):
- Calories: Around 250-350 calories per serving, depending on the size of the serving and specific ingredients used.
- Protein: Provides a good source of protein due to the chicken.
- Fat: Contains some fat, primarily from the chicken and any added oils.
- Carbohydrates: Includes carbohydrates from ingredients like potatoes and optional additions like beans or corn.
- Dietary Fiber: Dietary fiber is present in potatoes and any added vegetables.
- Vitamins: Rich in vitamins such as vitamin C (from green chiles), vitamin A (from green chiles), and various B vitamins.
- Minerals: Contains essential minerals like potassium, calcium, and iron.
- Sodium: The sodium content can vary depending on the amount of salt added and the type of chicken broth used. Consider using low-sodium broth if you’re watching your sodium intake.
Health Information:
- Lean Protein: Chicken is a lean source of protein, which is essential for muscle health and overall body function.
- Vegetables: The stew includes vegetables like green chiles and potatoes, which provide essential vitamins, minerals, and dietary fiber.
- Spices: Spices like cumin and oregano not only add flavor but also potential health benefits, including anti-inflammatory properties.
- Low Fat: Depending on the cooking method and ingredients used, the stew can be relatively low in fat.
- Moderate Calories: The calorie content can be moderate, making it a suitable choice for a balanced meal.
- Adjustable Ingredients: You can customize the stew to your dietary preferences by choosing specific ingredients and portion sizes.
Keep in mind that the exact nutrition content may vary based on the specific ingredients and portions you use when preparing Alethea’s Green Chile Chicken Stew. It’s always a good idea to calculate precise nutrition facts if you have specific dietary requirements or restrictions.
