Hearty Chicken Stew with Apples and Drumsticks
A Cozy Chicken Stew Featuring Apples and Chicken Drumsticks
This is a thick, comforting stew made with diced potatoes and vegetables simmered in a rich chicken broth. Instead of tomatoes, it uses a unique soybean paste base for a deep, umami flavor. The leftover sauce is absolutely perfect for mixing with rice! #HomeCooking #ChickenStew #AutumnFlavors #AppleAndChicken
Main Ingredients- 600g Chicken (fat removed)
- 1 pack of Baek숙 ingredients (for a secret broth base)
- 1 Broccoli stem (or 1/2 small broccoli head)
- 2 Potatoes (small)
- 3cm piece of Carrot
- 3cm piece of Zucchini
- 2 pieces of Red Bell Pepper
- 2 pieces of Yellow Bell Pepper
- 1 piece of Red Onion
- 7 fresh Basil leaves
- 1 stalk of Green Onion
- 1 whole Garlic bulb
- 1 piece of Apple (seeds removed)
- 1/2 Kiwi
- 1/4 Persimmon (seeds removed)
Seasonings & Others- Herb Salt to taste
- Frying powder (for coating) as needed
- 1 Tbsp Ssamjang (Korean soybean paste)
- 3 Tbsp Soy Sauce
- Herb Salt to taste
- Frying powder (for coating) as needed
- 1 Tbsp Ssamjang (Korean soybean paste)
- 3 Tbsp Soy Sauce
Cooking Instructions
Step 1
First, meticulously trim away any excess fat from the chicken pieces. Properly prepared chicken will contribute to a richer flavor in your stew.
Step 2
Blanch the prepared chicken in boiling water for a moment, then remove. This step helps to remove any unwanted odors and ensures a clean broth.
Step 3
In a pot, combine the Baek숙 ingredients (a special blend for making broth) and the broccoli stem. Begin simmering to create a flavorful base for the stew.
Step 4
Once the broth comes to a boil, reduce the heat to low, cover the pot, and let it simmer gently for about 1 hour. This allows the chicken and aromatics to infuse the liquid with deep flavor.
Step 5
In a separate pan or pot, heat some olive oil over medium-high heat. Sear the chicken drumsticks and wings (or other chicken parts) on all sides until nicely browned. This searing process locks in the juices, resulting in more tender and flavorful chicken.
Step 6
Prepare your vegetables for the stew. Dice the 2 potatoes into bite-sized cubes. Similarly, cut the carrot, zucchini, red onion, red bell pepper, and yellow bell pepper into uniform, bite-sized pieces. Uniform cutting ensures even cooking and an appealing presentation.
Step 7
Heat your pan again and add the diced potatoes first. Sprinkle them with herb salt and then lightly coat with frying powder. Next, add the carrots, followed by the zucchini, seasoning and coating each addition similarly with herb salt and frying powder. This coating helps the vegetables maintain their texture and prevents them from becoming mushy.
Step 8
Add the remaining red onion and bell peppers to the pan. Sprinkle them with herb salt and frying powder, then toss gently to combine. This ensures all vegetables are seasoned and lightly coated.
Step 9
Once the chicken broth has simmered for an hour and is rich in flavor, carefully add the seared chicken drumsticks and wings to the pot. Add the 7 fresh basil leaves. Reduce the heat to low and let the chicken braise gently until tender.
Step 10
Cover the pot and continue to simmer on low heat until the chicken drumsticks are thoroughly cooked. When the broth has reduced by about half, stir in minced garlic and chopped green onions, and continue to simmer, allowing the flavors to meld.
Step 11
While the stew is simmering, occasionally spoon some of the broth over the chicken and vegetables. This helps to keep everything moist and intensifies the flavors.
Step 12
Now, introduce a unique Korean twist by adding 1 tablespoon of ssamjang (fermented soybean paste) and 1 tablespoon of soy sauce. Stir well to incorporate these savory elements into the stew.
Step 13
Let’s add a touch of sweetness and freshness. Finely chop 1 piece of apple, 1/2 kiwi, and 1/4 persimmon. The natural sweetness and slight tartness of the fruits will add complexity to the stew’s profile.
Step 14
Gently stir the chopped fruits into the chicken drumstick stew.
Step 15
Mix everything together lightly so the fruits are well distributed within the stew.
Step 16
Add the sautéed potatoes and vegetables to the chicken drumstick stew. Mix the sautéed vegetables with an additional 2 tablespoons of soy sauce before adding them to the stew. Ensure the potatoes are tender before combining. This step adds texture and depth of flavor.
Step 17
Simmer gently on low heat for a few more minutes until all the ingredients are well combined and heated through. Serve hot, perhaps over rice. And don’t forget to enjoy the delicious leftover sauce mixed with rice – it’s a treat in itself!
