El Salvadoran Chicken with Fruity Medley
This vibrant and delicious dish showcases the unique fusion of savory and sweet flavors that characterizes Salvadoran cuisine. The tender chicken simmers in a rich blend of white wine, aromatic herbs, and a medley of colorful vegetables and fruits, creating an unforgettable culinary experience. Perfect for gatherings, this dish tastes even better when prepared a day in advance, allowing the flavors to deepen and mature. Serve it alongside saffron-infused rice for a complete meal that will delight your guests and spark lively conversations.
6
Servings
300
Calories
17
Ingredients
Ingredients
chicken pieces
3 lbs (preferably a whole chicken cut up)
dry white wine
2 cups (good quality)
oil
as needed (for frying)
seasoned flour
as needed (see instructions)
salt and pepper
to taste
onion
1 large (chopped)
tomatoes
4 large (ripe, peeled and chopped)
dried thyme
1 teaspoon
dried basil
1 teaspoon
chilies
2 (seeds and ribs removed, chopped)
carrots
2 large (chopped)
potatoes
2 large (peeled and cut into chunks)
green olives
1 cup (stuffed)
prunes
12 (pips removed)
bananas
4 large (each cut into 4 pieces)
sugar
3 tablespoons
garlic cloves
3 (crushed, chopped (or more))
Instructions
1
Begin by marinating the chicken pieces in dry white wine for a few hours or preferably overnight in the refrigerator. This step infuses the chicken with flavor.
2
After marinating, drain the chicken and reserve the wine for later use.
3
Prepare a seasoned flour mixture by combining the flour, salt, and white pepper (or your preferred seasoning). Dredge each piece of chicken in the flour, shaking off any excess.
4
In a large skillet or Dutch oven, heat oil over medium-high heat. Brown the chicken pieces on all sides, ensuring a golden crust forms. This helps to lock in moisture and flavor.
5
Once browned, add the chopped onions, peeled and chopped tomatoes, reserved wine, dried thyme, dried basil, and chopped chilies to the skillet. Stir gently to combine.
6
Cover the skillet and allow the mixture to simmer for about 30 minutes, letting the chicken cook through and the flavors meld together.
7
Next, add the chopped carrots and potato chunks to the skillet. Continue to simmer, covered, for another 20 minutes until the vegetables are tender.
8
Now, gently fold in the green olives, pitted prunes, cut bananas, and sugar. Allow the dish to simmer uncovered for an additional 10 minutes. This helps to caramelize the fruits slightly, enhancing their sweetness.
9
Finally, stir in the crushed garlic and taste the dish for seasoning, adjusting as desired. Be careful not to over-stir, as the fruits and vegetables should maintain their shape.
10
Serve the chicken with vibrant yellow rice, colored with turmeric, to complement the dish beautifully.
Nutrition Information
12.5
Fat
33.33
Carbs
20
Protein
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is El Salvadoran Chicken with Fruity Medley?
It is a vibrant Salvadoran dish that fuses savory and sweet flavors, featuring chicken simmered in white wine with herbs, vegetables, and fruits.
How much chicken is required for this recipe?
You will need 3 lbs of chicken pieces, preferably a whole chicken cut up.
What is the first step in preparing the chicken?
The chicken must be marinated in 2 cups of dry white wine for a few hours or overnight in the refrigerator.
Should I throw away the wine after marinating?
No, you should drain the chicken and reserve the wine for use later in the cooking process.
How is the chicken coated before frying?
The chicken is dredged in a seasoned flour mixture consisting of flour, salt, and white pepper.
What vegetables are used in the initial simmer?
The initial simmer includes chopped onions and four large, peeled, and chopped tomatoes.
Which herbs provide the aromatic flavor?
The recipe calls for one teaspoon of dried thyme and one teaspoon of dried basil.
Does this dish contain any spice?
Yes, it includes two chopped chilies with the seeds and ribs removed.
How long does the chicken simmer initially?
The chicken simmers with the onions, tomatoes, wine, and herbs for about 30 minutes.
What root vegetables are added to the dish?
Two large chopped carrots and two large potatoes cut into chunks are added after the initial simmer.
How long do the carrots and potatoes need to cook?
They should simmer in the covered skillet for 20 minutes until they are tender.
What fruits are included in the fruity medley?
The medley includes 12 pitted prunes and 4 large bananas cut into pieces.
What type of olives should I use?
The recipe specifies using 1 cup of stuffed green olives.
Why is sugar added to the recipe?
Three tablespoons of sugar are added to help caramelize the fruits and enhance the sweetness of the dish.
When do I add the garlic?
Three crushed and chopped garlic cloves are stirred in at the very end of the cooking process.
What is the purpose of simmering uncovered for the last 10 minutes?
Simmering uncovered helps to slightly caramelize the fruits and allows the sauce to thicken.
How should I prepare the bananas?
Take four large bananas and cut each one into 4 pieces before adding them to the skillet.
What is the recommended side dish for this chicken?
It is best served with vibrant yellow rice colored with turmeric or saffron-infused rice.
Can this dish be prepared in advance?
Yes, it is recommended to prepare it a day in advance to allow the flavors to deepen and mature.
How many servings does this recipe provide?
This recipe is designed to provide 6 servings.
What is the calorie count per serving?
Each serving contains approximately 300 calories.
How much protein is in each serving?
There are 20 grams of protein per serving.
What is the fat content of this dish?
The dish contains 12.5 grams of fat per serving.
How many carbohydrates are in a serving?
There are 33.33 grams of carbohydrates per serving.
What kind of wine is best for this recipe?
A good quality dry white wine is recommended for both the marinade and the sauce.
How do I prevent the fruit from falling apart?
Be careful not to over-stir the dish after adding the bananas and prunes so they maintain their shape.
How many ingredients are used in total?
There are a total of 17 ingredients in this recipe.
What kind of pepper is used in the seasoned flour?
White pepper is specifically mentioned for the seasoned flour mixture.
What are the main flavor profiles of this dish?
The dish is characterized by a savory-sweet flavor profile.
Is this recipe suitable for a party?
Yes, it is tagged as a party dish and a comfort food meal that is great for gatherings.