One of the reasons I started my website was to keep a journal of all the family recipes I grew up with. Many are based on memories and flavors of how my grandparents and parents cooked and prepared dishes. I am thankful that Rumba Meats has given me an opportunity to create dishes that are both traditional and modern.
Growing up with 2 cultures
When I look back at my childhood I am thankful because I was exposed a little to both the Chilean and Mexican cultures. Truthfully, I find that my memories are surrounded solely around food. Ask me about holidays, traditions and such and sadly, I would not be able to tell you much. That does not mean that I have not done my own research to know more about both countries.
My mother came to the states at an early age, as did my father, so while they both retained their identity to both their countries, they shared their love for each country through food.
Chilean Family
My mom was the cook in the family for the most part but when my mom needed help my dad came in a cooked one meal. Ok, he knew how to cook eggs really well, but he knew how to prepare Chicken Au Jus, Chilean-style. In Spanish it is called Pollo al Jugo and it is a quick meal stewing chicken with a lot of sliced onions, peppers, and carrots.
Do you have a memory that is focused on a particular dish that your parent prepared?
My other meal memories happen to be all focused around my grandparents. They both loved cooking and many times they were both in the kitchen. I never received any recipes from them because my grandmother told me I was to watch and learn.
I love sharing the world with my kids through food. My girls did not get to meet their Chilean great-grandparents but I make sure to share with them what I enjoyed eating with them when I spent time with them.
My girls also do not get to see their grandfather because he is far away, but I make sure to share my sweet memories of when he got in the kitchen and made dinner for his family.
Rumba Meats
Have you made it to Giant Food Stores or Martin Food Stores yet? While a regular Pollo al Jugo comprises of a quartered chicken or chicken thighs and legs, I decided to use Rumba Meats Pollo Adobado. If you have not tried this pre-marinated chicken, it is not only convenient, but it is super tasty! My dad’s recipe was even more delicious!
Make sure to head down the Meat section of the store to find this brand and my my recipes! I have enjoyed making them a part of my meal planning especially meals for new moms and friends who have needed a meal this summer.
Make sure to check out my Arroz con Pollo (Red Chile Chicken and Rice) recipe and my Pollo Ranchero Tostadas, which have received many views in the past couple of weeks.
The chicken itself can be grilled on a cast iron and simply served with 2 easy side dishes and dinner is ready within 30 minutes or you can make a quick Chilean meal and bring a new world of flavor to your table within 30 minutes. Enjoy!
Pollo Al Jugo Chileno
I will tell you a funny story. After dinner was consumed my family, my middle daughter, who is 6 years old, goes upstairs and comes back down with $1. She proceeds to tell me what a wonderful meal I had prepared and wanted to show her appreciation with her payment. I seriously laughed out loud because this has never happened before. There is true joy when you kids love and enjoy their mother’s cooking.
I hope that you make this dish. Make sure to tag me with #singerinkitchen on social media or email me and share some family recipes you love. Thanks!
I have included a recipe for creamy mashed potatoes because this dish is best enjoyed with them along with a Chilean tomato salad.
Pollo al Jugo Chileno con Puré de Papa {Chicken au Jus}
by Noelle Kelly
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Ingredients (4 servings)
For Chicken Dish
- 1 package Rumba Meats Pollo Adobado
- 8 carrots, peeled and sliced
- 2 large onions, sliced
- 1 green bell pepper, cored and sliced
- 4 garlic cloves, sliced
- 2 bay leaves
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup of water
- 1 cup white wine
For mashed potatoes
- 8 Yukon gold potatoes, peeled and cubed
- 3 tablespoons butter, melted
- 1/3 cup milk
- 1/4 cup sour cream
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper, ground
Instructions
The whole meal is made complete with mashed potatoes and tomato salad.
Add cubed potatoes to a large pot and cover with water. Heat water and bring the water to a boil. While the potatoes cook, pan fry the chicken thighs in a Dutch oven on medium heat.
Pan fry on each side for 7 minutes.
Remove from heat and place chicken on a dish.
Meanwhile, add the carrots, onions, peppers, and garlic and saute’ veggies in the chicken drippings for about 5 minutes.
Add the salt, bay leaves, water and wine and mix well.
Lastly, place the chicken thighs back into the pot cover pot. Cook the chicken for another 15 minutes.
Stir well and add mixture back in to the stew. Cook for another 5 minutes and turn off heat.
While chicken is cooking, check that the potatoes are cooked by checking them with a fork. If cooked, drain the water and return potatoes to the pot.
Turn heat on the low. Add the butter and milk to the potatoes and mash the potatoes with a potato masher. Add the sour cream ,salt and pepper and continue mashing. Switch to a wooden spoon and whip the potatoes until creamy. Keep warm until chicken is ready.
Serve 1/2 cup of mashed potatoes with 1 chicken thigh and a spoonful of veggies and broth.
The post Pollo Al Jugo Chileno [Chilean-style Chicken Au Jus] appeared first on Opera Singer in the Kitchen.
