Prep: 20 mins | Cook: 40 mins – 45 mins | Difficulty: Medium | Serves: 6 |
kcal | fat | saturates | carbs |
350 | 15g | 3g | 28g |
sugars | fibre | protein | salt |
8g | 5g | 25g | 1.3g |
Throwing it back to my Italian-American roots, today we are venturing into something a bit special and adventurous. Enter Ulluco Stew with Chicken, a delicious wonder where simplicity pairs impeccably well with bursts of distinguished flavors. Expecting good old Italian fare? Well, you’re not wrong. Although drawing inspiration from my Italian grandparents, I am not afraid to step beyond the traditional and familiar, blending the Italian American culture with Peruvian ingredients for an extraordinary culinary journey. And, oh, how grand this experiment turned out!
The Magic of Ulluco
Bare with me here, because ulluco is not your common everyday produce. It’s a vibrant tuber native to the Andean regions, touted for its sweet, colorful, and subtly earthy notes. Reminiscent of our trusty potato but with a touch of extra zest, ulluco forms the heart of this Ulluco Stew with Chicken, offering a unique taste experience you won’t want to miss.
But ulluco isn’t just about the taste – it’s also a powerhouse of nutrition. Packed with protein, dietary fiber, and a host of vitamins and minerals, ulluco has a low glycemic index which makes it an excellent choice for people managing diabetes or anyone looking for slow-release energy.
The Italian-American Touch
Now, I couldn’t resist putting my own Italian-American spin on the dish. Ditching the usual papas in favor of ulluco tubers and adding in some common Italian staples – think onions, garlic, parsley, and the like – this stew is a beautiful harmony of two different world kitchens. One look and you’d think this dish was born out of a rustic Italian kitchen.
This hearty stew echoes the love and warmth found in classic Italian dishes like spaghetti and meatballs or a heartening minestrone soup. You could easily pair it with a rustic loaf of Italian bread because, really, who can resist mopping up that deliciously tangy broth?
And don’t worry, even with its surprising ingredients, this dish is as comforting and homely as my grandmother’s table. It’s a family meal that everyone can appreciate, cherishing the warmth of a hearty stew while exploring unique flavors.
So, there you have it. The wonderfully rich Ulluco Stew with Chicken – a melting pot of Italian-American and Peruvian flavors that will leave you longing for more. Why do I love this recipe? Because it allows me to step out of my comfort zone, engage in exciting culinary innovation, all the while staying true to the hearty, family-forward ethos that Italian-American cuisine represents.
Want to know more about ulluco? Check out HealthLine’s fantastic guide on ulluco covering its nutritional profile and potential health benefits.
What You’ll Need
- 2 tbsp Olive Oil
- 2 lbs Boneless Chicken Breasts, cubed
- 1 Medium-sized Onion, diced
- 2 cloves Garlic, minced
- ½ tsp Salt
- ½ tsp Black Pepper
- ½ tsp Paprika
- 2 lbs Ulluco Tubers, peeled and cubed
- 1 cup Carrots, diced
- 1 cup Celery, diced
- 4 cups Chicken Broth
- 1 cup Green Peas
- 1 cup Corn Kernels
- 2 tbsp Fresh Parsley, chopped
Method
Step One
Heat the olive oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat. Once the oil is hot, add the cubed chicken breasts and cook until they are browned on all sides. Remove the chicken from the pot and set it aside.
Step Two
In the same pot, add the diced onion, minced garlic, salt, black pepper, and paprika. Stir well and cook until the onions become translucent.
Step Three
Add the ulluco tubers, carrots, and celery into the pot. Stir well to combine with the onion and garlic. Cook for about 5 minutes until the vegetables start to soften.
Step Four
Return the cooked chicken to the pot. Add the chicken broth and bring the mixture to a boil. Once boiling, reduce the heat to low, cover the pot, and let it simmer for about 25-30 minutes until the ulluco tubers are cooked through and tender.
Step Five
Add the green peas and corn kernels into the pot. Stir well to combine. Cover the pot and continue cooking for another 10 minutes until the vegetables are cooked.
Step Six
Just before serving, stir in the chopped fresh parsley. Taste the stew and adjust the seasoning if necessary. Serve the Ulluco stew with chicken while it’s hot. Enjoy!