Cluj-Style Chicken

Every so often, we stumble upon a dish that, in a single bite, transports us to a time unrelated to our usual surroundings. One such dish for me is the Romanian classic, Cluj-Style Chicken. From the first time I prepared it, the aroma, taste, and texture have been a delightful journey, revealing an intriguing facet of Romanian culinary culture. To give you a quick taste of this Romanian delicacy, it’s a savory, hearty chicken dish, simmered in a bell pepper and tomato-based sauce spiced with sweet paprika, thyme, peppercorn, and bay leaves for a flavor that’s unforgettably robust.

A Taste of Heritage

You might be thinking – given my Italian-American roots, how did I end up, of all recipes, falling in love with Cluj-Style Chicken? That’s a great question. I learned this recipe during my travels across Europe, exploring different cuisines and food cultures. The very first time I tasted it, it reminded me of my grandmother’s cooking. The rich sauce, the deeply flavored meat, the balance between acidity and sweetness – it was like revisiting the comfort of my grandma’s kitchen, albeit in a unique Romanian way. Although the recipes are different, my experiences, tastes, and associations with them are pretty similar.

The Harmony of Flavor

It might seem unusual to pair chicken with bell peppers and tomatoes at first, but once you’ve tried it, it becomes an unforgettable combination.You’ll fall in love with the exceptional balance of flavors. The sweetness of the onions and bell pepper, coupled with the acidity of the tomatoes, sets a beautiful stage for the chicken. As it slow-cooks, it absorbs all these wonderful flavors, resulting in a tender and juicy piece of chicken that’s truly a treat. Chef Ana Sortun’s dishes, with their similar attributes of balance and harmony, have been a great source of inspiration.

Complementing this hearty main dish can be quite simple. A fresh, hearty bread or a side of polenta works amazingly well. They soak up the rich sauce, creating a perfect harmony of flavors. And if leftovers happen – this chicken is surprisingly delicious when served as a sandwich filling!

Bring It Home

Finding space for Cluj-Style Chicken within my recipe collection has provided an avenue for introducing the nuances of Romanian cuisine to friends and family. It shows that food is more than a means for sustenance; it’s an exploration of cultures and histories from far-flung places; it’s a storytelling medium that, like a good book, absorbs you into a whole new world with each bite. And in the process, it fosters connections between people across cultures and generations.