Erin's Joy of Cooking- Day 5

Tonight for dinner my boyfriend and I made Chicken Paprika (p. 425 of the 1985 edition). This recipe looks fairly easy, and as neither of us are very ambitious tonight (or have a lot of energy), it looks perfect. I don't think this recipe would be appropriate if you don't like paprika, as that is the only spice used, and the recipe calls for a lot of it.

Step 1

I like to have my ingredients ready while I am cooking, so before starting the margarine (substituting for butter) and olive oil over the burner, I am chopping the onion. When chopping, you want the pieces about 1/3-1/2 inch each (see picture, below). I am using a Dutch Oven for the whole process, so I am just simmering the onions in the Dutch Oven. You can also use a deep skillet for the entire process.

Step 2

Now you are ready to heat the margarine and olive oil. Heat them over medium to high flame, then add the onions and paprika. I stirred the onions to coat with the paprika.

Step 3

When the onions are glossy (as the recipe describes), add the hot stock to the mixture. Bring the liquid to a boil by turning up the heat (if on medium).

Step 4

When the liquid comes to a boil, add the uncooked chicken. I am using boneless skinless chicken breasts instead of the frying chicken, in the name of healthiness.

Step 5

Bring the liquid back to a simmer by turning the heat down to low. Let simmer for an hour (I know this is hard. I am an impatient person. And hungry. I want to see the results of my labors, and to eat, now. But I am being a good girl and following the instructions.

Review

When I took the lid off the Dutch Oven and smelled the results of our efforts, I knew it was worth it. We made rice to go along with the chicken, and served it on top of the rice. The chicken was so tender that we didn't need knives to cut it, a fork was all we needed. In sum, this recipe was divine. I have never made a recipe that was so simple and was this yummy. This will definitely be making a return appearance at our table. I give this dish a 7 out of 10, as does my boyfriend.