Romanian Garlic Chicken Stew – Ostropel de Pui
A traditional Romanian garlic chicken stew, known as Ostropel de Pui, made with chicken, garlic, tomatoes, and white wine, simmered to perfection and served with polenta.
Ingredients
- 700 g chicken legs or drumsticks 🍗
- 8 garlic cloves, minced, grated, or sliced 🧄
- 1 onion, finely chopped 🧅
- 1 can (400g) chopped tomatoes 🍅
- 200 ml chicken stock
- 100 ml white wine (optional) 🍷
- 2 tbsp oil (for frying)
- Salt & pepper, to taste 🧂
- Fresh parsley or thyme, for garnish 🌿
- Polenta or mashed potatoes, for serving 🍽️
Instructions
Brown the Chicken:
- Heat 2 tablespoons of oil in a large pan over medium heat.
- Season the chicken with salt and pepper.
- Place them in the pan and fry for about 9-10 minutes on each side, until golden brown.
Sauté the Aromatics:
- Remove the chicken and set aside.
- In the same pan, add chopped onion and garlic. Sauté until soft and translucent (about 3 minutes).
- Pour in the white wine and let it simmer for 2 minutes to evaporate the alcohol.
Create the Sauce:
- Add the chopped tomatoes and chicken stock, stirring well.
- Return the chicken to the pan, ensuring it’s submerged in the sauce.
Simmer to Perfection:
- Cover with a lid and let it simmer on low heat for 20-30 minutes, until the chicken is fully cooked and tender.
Serve & Enjoy:
- Garnish with fresh parsley or thyme.
- Serve hot with polenta or mashed potatoes. 🥄
Notes
This Romanian Garlic Chicken Stew (Ostropel de Pui) is a dish full of nostalgia, rich flavors, and comforting warmth. It takes me back to childhood visits to my grandmother’s house, where the aroma of garlic and simmering chicken filled the air.
I remember how my mother would insist we walk there instead of taking the bus, much to my dismay. But once we arrived, all was forgotten as my sister and I played while the grown-ups chatted and cooked in the kitchen. Without fail, my grandmother would prepare this garlicky, rich, and deeply comforting stew, and my grandfather would make polenta to serve alongside it.
This dish is simple, hearty, and packed with flavor, and now, after more than 20 years, I’m recreating my grandmother’s recipe to relive those precious memories. Let’s dive into this authentic Romanian classic! 🇷🇴
⭐ Why You’ll Love This Recipe
✅ Bursting with Flavor: The combination of garlic, tomatoes, and tender chicken creates a rich and savory sauce. ✅ One-Pan Wonder: Everything is cooked in a single pan, making cleanup easy! ✅ Perfect Comfort Food: Serve it with polenta or mashed potatoes for a hearty meal. ✅ Authentic & Traditional: A true taste of Romanian home cooking.💡 Pro Tips for the Best Ostropel de Pui
✔️ Garlic Lovers Unite! – If you love garlic, don’t be shy! Use even more than 6 cloves for an extra punch of flavor. ✔️ Texture Matters – For a smoother sauce, grate all the garlic. For more texture, slice half and grate the other half. ✔️ Let It Rest – Like many stews, Ostropel de Pui tastes even better the next day as the flavors deepen. ✔️ Pairing Perfection – Polenta is the traditional side, but crusty bread or mashed potatoes also work beautifully.❓ FAQ – Frequently Asked Questions
🕰️ Can I Make This in Advance?
Yes! Ostropel de Pui can be made a day ahead. The flavors meld together beautifully overnight, making it even tastier the next day. Just reheat thoroughly before serving.🧊 How Do I Store Leftovers?
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for 2-3 days. Reheat on the stovetop over low heat or in the microwave, ensuring the chicken is heated to at least 80°C (176°F).🍗 Can I Use Other Chicken Cuts?
Absolutely! While drumsticks and chicken legs are traditional, you can also use chicken thighs for a juicier result. Boneless chicken breasts work too, but they won’t be as tender.🍷 Can I Skip the Wine?
Yes! While white wine enhances the flavor, you can replace it with extra chicken stock or even a splash of apple cider vinegar for some acidity.❤️ Final Thoughts
This Romanian garlic chicken stew (Ostropel de Pui) is a dish that brings back memories of family, love, and home-cooked goodness. Whether you’re Romanian or just looking to explore new flavors, this dish is a must-try! Give it a go, and let me know how it turned out! Poftă bună! (Enjoy your meal!) 🇷🇴✨