Cazuela de Ave (Chicken Stew)
Cazuela de Ave is a heartwarming and flavorful chicken stew that embodies the essence of comfort food. With its vibrant medley of vegetables and aromatic spices, this dish brings warmth to your table and is perfect for family gatherings or cozy evenings at home. It combines tender chicken with a variety of wholesome vegetables and is thickened naturally by the rice or fine pasta, creating a satisfying meal that will delight both young and old alike.
Ingredients
Here is the list of ingredients you’ll need to prepare this delicious Cazuela de Ave:
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Chicken drumsticks | 2 pieces |
| Medium potatoes | 4, peeled |
| Small pieces of squash | 2 chunks |
| Whole corn | 1, cut in half |
| Carrot, cut into strips | 1 |
| Small piece of bell pepper (green or red) | 1 |
| Garlic clove | 1 |
| Celery stalk | 1 |
| Parsley sprig | 1 |
| Onion | 1/2 |
| Mixed vegetables (green beans and peas) | 3/4 cup |
| Salt | to taste |
| Pepper | to taste |
| Cumin | to taste |
| Oregano | to taste |
| Fresh parsley | to taste |
| Rice or angel hair pasta | 4 tablespoons or 1/2 cup |
Nutritional Information
The following table provides an approximate nutritional breakdown per serving:
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | 380 |
| Protein | 30g |
| Carbohydrates | 50g |
| Dietary Fiber | 8g |
| Total Fat | 12g |
| Saturated Fat | 3g |
| Sodium | 600mg |
Instructions
Follow these easy steps to make your own Cazuela de Ave:
-
Preparation: There’s no need for a traditional sofrito for this recipe, as the natural flavors of the vegetables and chicken will meld beautifully as they cook. Begin by gathering all your ingredients.
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Combine Ingredients: In a large pot, place the chicken drumsticks (skin removed) first. Then, add the whole peeled potatoes, chunks of squash, halved corn, whole garlic clove, half an onion, and all the other vegetables you have prepared. Season generously with salt, pepper, cumin, and oregano, adjusting to your taste. Add the celery and parsley sprigs whole.
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Cooking Process: Cover the ingredients with either warm or cold water, ensuring everything is submerged. Bring the pot to a boil. Once boiling, stir in the rice or pasta. The starch released by the rice will help thicken the broth naturally. Allow the mixture to simmer over medium heat for about 25 minutes. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking. If the rice requires more cooking time but the potatoes and squash are already tender, temporarily remove these vegetables to avoid overcooking, then return them to the pot once the rice is ready.
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Alternative Options: If you prefer, you can substitute the rice with fine pasta, like angel hair or semolina, which will work equally well in thickening the stew and adding texture.
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Serving: Taste and adjust the seasoning before serving. Garnish with freshly chopped parsley for a pop of color and flavor.
This Cazuela de Ave not only warms your heart but also creates a sense of togetherness as you share this wholesome meal with loved ones. Enjoy every spoonful of this delightful chicken stew, and don’t forget to savor the blend of flavors that only a homemade dish can provide!
