Cuban Fricassee de Pollo Recipe

 

Cuban Fricassee de Pollo Recipe is a traditional Cuban dish known for its flavorful taste and simplicity. This recipe features tender chicken pieces simmered in a savory sauce with onions, garlic, tomatoes, and aromatic herbs. The dish is typically served with rice and beans, creating a satisfying and balanced meal.

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One of the notable aspects of Cuban Fricassee de Pollo Recipe is its versatility. It can be prepared using different cuts of chicken, such as drumsticks or thighs, and various seasonings can be added to customize the flavors. This allows individuals to adapt the recipe according to their preferences and dietary needs.

In terms of nutritional benefits, Cuban Fricassee de Pollo Recipe offers a good source of protein from the chicken. Protein is essential for building and repairing tissues in the body. Additionally, the dish incorporates vegetables like onions and tomatoes, which provide vitamins, minerals, and dietary fiber.

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The flavors of Cuban Fricassee de Pollo Recipe are rich and well-balanced. The onions and garlic add a savory depth to the sauce, while the tomatoes provide a slight tanginess. The herbs and spices used, such as oregano and cumin, enhance the overall taste, creating a delicious and aromatic dish.

When enjoying Cuban Fricassee de Pollo Recipe, it is common to pair it with rice and beans. This combination not only adds texture and substance to the meal but also offers a good balance of carbohydrates and proteins. It is a popular choice among Cubans and those who appreciate the flavors of Latin American cuisine.

In conclusion, Cuban Fricassee de Pollo Recipe is a classic Cuban dish known for its simplicity, versatility, and flavorful taste. With its tender chicken, savory sauce, and aromatic herbs, it provides a satisfying and balanced meal option. Incorporating vegetables and being adaptable to personal preferences, it offers nutritional benefits while allowing individuals to customize the flavors to their liking.

How To Make Our Cuban Fricassee de Pollo Recipe

Ingredients (8 Servings)

Chicken and Marinade

1/4 cup freshly squeezed lime juice
1/4 cup freshly squeezed orange juice
1/4 cup freshly squeezed grapefruit juice
1/4 cup white distilled vinegar
10 chicken drumsticks, skinned
4 garlic cloves, minced
½ onion, chopped
1 bay leave
1 teaspoon salt

For the sauce

¼ cup vegetable oil
1 1/2 bay leaf
1 1/2 cup tomato sauce
1 onion, chopped
1 bell pepper, chopped
1 (8 oz) can tomato sauce
1 cup dry white wine
Salt and pepper to taste
1 teaspoon ground cumin
½ tablespoon dried oregano
1 lb russet potatoes, peeled and cut into 1.5 inch pieces
1 cup Spanish Manzanilla olives stuffed with pimentos
4 tablespoons capers
Finely chopped parsley for garnish

Instructions

Cooking Instructions:

1. In a large mixing bowl, combine freshly squeezed lime, orange, and grapefruit juices along with white distilled vinegar. Mix well.

a. Squeeze the lime, orange, and grapefruit to get 1/4 cup of juice each.
b. Measure 1/4 cup of white distilled vinegar.
c. Pour all the juices and vinegar into the mixing bowl.

2. Add the skinned chicken drumsticks to the juice-vinegar mixture and let them marinate for at least 30 minutes.

a. Remove the skin from the chicken drumsticks.
b. Place the chicken drumsticks into the bowl with the juice and vinegar.
c. Stir the chicken to ensure it is coated in the marinade.
d. Cover the bowl and let it sit for a minimum of 30 minutes to absorb the flavors.

3. In a large pot or Dutch oven, heat vegetable oil over medium heat.

a. Measure 1/4 cup of vegetable oil.
b. Pour the vegetable oil into the pot or Dutch oven.
c. Set the heat to medium and wait for the oil to warm up.

4. Add minced garlic, chopped onion, and a bay leaf to the pot, sautéing until the onions become translucent.

a. Mince 4 garlic cloves.
b. Chop 1/2 onion.
c. Add the garlic, onion, and bay leaf to the pot with the heated oil.
d. Stir the mixture until the onions become transparent.

5. Incorporate tomato sauce, chopped bell pepper, canned tomato sauce, and dry white wine to the pot, stirring to combine.

a. Measure 1 1/2 cups of tomato sauce and add it to the pot.
b. Chop 1 onion and 1 bell pepper.
c. Add the chopped bell pepper to the pot.
d. Pour in the 8 oz can of tomato sauce.
e. Measure 1 cup of dry white wine and pour it into the pot.
f. Stir the mixture well to combine all the ingredients.

6. Season the sauce with salt, pepper, ground cumin, and dried oregano, allowing it to simmer for 10 minutes.

a. Add salt and pepper to taste.
b. Measure 1 teaspoon of ground cumin and add it to the sauce.
c. Measure 1/2 tablespoon of dried oregano and add it to the sauce.
d. Stir the sauce to evenly distribute the seasonings.
e. Let the sauce simmer for 10 minutes on low heat.

7. Remove the chicken drumsticks from the marinade, adding them to the sauce along with the potatoes, olives, and capers.

a. Take the chicken drumsticks out of the marinade.
b. Place the chicken drumsticks into the sauce.
c. Peel and cut the russet potatoes into 1.5-inch pieces.
d. Add the potato pieces to the pot with the chicken and sauce.
e. Mix in the Spanish Manzanilla olives stuffed with pimentos.
f. Stir in the capers.

8. Cover the pot and cook on medium-low heat for approximately 45 minutes or until the chicken and potatoes are cooked through.

a. Place a lid on the pot to cover it.
b.) Reduce the heat to medium-low.
c. Allow the dish to cook for around 45 minutes, checking the chicken and potatoes for doneness.

9. Garnish with finely chopped parsley before serving.

a. Finely chop fresh parsley.
b. Sprinkle the chopped parsley over the dish before serving.

Prep Time: Approximately 40 minutes

Cooking Time: Approximately 1 hour and 15 minutes

Pots, Pan and Cooking Equipment Needed for the Cuban Fricassee de Pollo Recipe

Large mixing bowl
Large pot or Dutch oven
Knife for mincing garlic and chopping onions and bell pepper
Cutting board for preparing ingredients
Measuring cups for liquids
Measuring spoons for spices
Lid to cover the pot while cooking
Serving dish for presentation

Best Way to Store Leftovers From Cuban Fricassee de Pollo Recipe

a. Store leftover Cuban Fricassee de Pollo in an airtight container to maintain freshness and prevent spills.
b. Refrigerate the leftovers within two hours after cooking to keep them safe for later consumption.
c. It’s best to divide the leftovers into individual portions for easy reheating.
d. Label the container with the date before storing to track freshness.
e. Reheat the leftovers thoroughly until they reach an internal temperature of 165°F (74°c. before serving.
f. Leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.

Tips and Tricks For Easier Creation

Add a pinch of sugar to balance the acidity of the citrus juices in the marinade.
For a spicier version, add a chopped chili pepper to the sauce.
Using bone-in chicken pieces can enhance the flavor of the dish.
To save time, you can use pre-cut vegetables from the store.
Simmer the sauce on low heat to allow the flavors to meld together.
For a richer taste, marinate the chicken overnight in the refrigerator.
If the sauce is too thick, you can add a splash of chicken broth or water to adjust the consistency.

Side Dishes and Desserts For the Cuban Fricassee de Pollo

a. White rice and black beans
b. Yuca con mojo (Yucca with garlic sauce.
c. Moros y Cristianos (Black beans and rice.
d. Tostones (Fried green plantains)
e. Ensalada de Aguacate (Avocado salad.
f. Platanos Maduros (Sweet fried ripe plantains)

How To Serve the Cuban Fricassee de Pollo

a. Carefully transfer the cooked Cuban Fricassee de Pollo to a serving dish.
b. Arrange the potatoes, olives, and capers evenly over the chicken.
c. Sprinkle finely chopped parsley on top for a pop of color.
d. Serve the dish with white rice and your choice of side dishes.
e. Allow your guests to help themselves and enjoy the delicious Cuban flavors.
f. Store any leftovers following the leftover storage instructions provided earlier.

Dietary Substitution For the Cuban Fricassee de Pollo Recipe

1. Vegan Options for the Cuban Fricassee de Pollo Recipe:

a. Replace chicken drumsticks with firm tofu or tempeh for a plant-based protein source.
b. Substitute vegetable broth for white wine in the sauce to keep it vegan.
c. Use olive oil instead of vegetable oil in the sauce.
d. Omit the Spanish Manzanilla olives and capers or use brined green olives and pickled capers for a vegan alternative.
e. For a tangy twist, replace the bay leaf with dried thyme or rosemary in the sauce.

2. Gluten-Free Options for the Cuban Fricassee de Pollo Recipe:

a. Ensure the tomato sauce and all ingredients used are gluten-free and labeled as such.
b. Use tamari or gluten-free soy sauce instead of regular soy sauce for added depth of flavor in the sauce.
c. Substitute cornstarch for the flour when thickening the sauce.
d. Choose gluten-free vegetable broth or water instead of white wine in the sauce.
e. Check the labels on olives and capers to ensure they are gluten-free.

3. Vegetarian Options for the Cuban Fricassee de Pollo Recipe:

a. Replace chicken drumsticks with meatless chicken substitutes like seitan or veggie chicken strips.
b. Use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth in the sauce.
c. Replace the white wine with vegetable broth or a splash of red wine vinegar.
d. Opt for plant-based olive and caper alternatives or omit them altogether.
e. Consider adding sautéed mushrooms to the sauce for added umami flavor.

4. Mediterranean Diet Options for the Cuban Fricassee de Pollo Recipe:

a. Stick with the original recipe as it already aligns well with the Mediterranean diet.
b. Use extra virgin olive oil in the sauce for added health benefits.
c. Incorporate more garlic and onions for their health-promoting properties.
d. Serve the Cuban Fricase de Pollo with a side of fresh Mediterranean salad.
e. Accompany the dish with whole-grain couscous or quinoa instead of rice.

5. Keto Diet Options for the Cuban Fricassee de Pollo Recipe:

a. Use skin-on chicken drumsticks for added healthy fats and flavor.
b. Replace the white wine with chicken broth or bone broth in the sauce.
c. Choose low-carb olives and capers without added sugars.
d. Serve the dish with cauliflower rice instead of traditional rice.
e. Opt for a lower-carb tomato sauce with no added sugars or preservatives.

6. Heart Healthy Diet Options for the Cuban Fricassee de Pollo Recipe:

a. Choose skinless chicken drumsticks to reduce saturated fat content.
b. Use avocado oil or olive oil in the sauce for heart-healthy fats.
c. Reduce the salt in the recipe to lower sodium content.
d. Add more onions and garlic for heart-protective benefits.
e. Serve the Cuban Fricassee de Pollo with a side of steamed vegetables.

7. Paleo Options for the Cuban Fricassee de Pollo Recipe:

a. Stick with the original recipe, as it already aligns well with the Paleo diet.
b. Ensure all ingredients used are free of processed sugars and additives.
c. Serve the dish with cauliflower rice instead of traditional rice.
d. Choose high-quality olive oil or coconut oil in the sauce.
e. Emphasize organic and pasture-raised chicken for a Paleo-friendly option.

8. Low Carb Options for the Cuban Fricassee de Pollo Recipe:

a. Use skinless chicken drumsticks to reduce carb content.
b. Choose low-carb tomato sauce with no added sugars.
c. Replace the white wine with chicken broth or water in the sauce.
d. Serve the dish with zucchini noodles or shirataki noodles instead of rice.
e. Opt for low-carb olives and capers without added sugars.

9. Whole 30 Options for the Cuban Fricassee de Pollo Recipe:

a. Ensure all ingredients used are Whole 30 compliant, without added sugars or processed additives.
b. Use ghee or clarified butter instead of vegetable oil in the sauce.
c. Replace the white wine with chicken broth or water.
d. Serve the dish with cauliflower rice or roasted sweet potatoes.
e. Check labels on olives and capers to ensure they meet Whole 30 guidelines.

10. Weight Watchers Options for the Cuban Fricassee de Pollo Recipe:

a. Choose skinless chicken drumsticks to reduce points.
b. Use cooking spray instead of vegetable oil to reduce points.
c. Replace the white wine with chicken broth or water.
d. Serve the dish with cauliflower rice instead of traditional rice for fewer points.
e. Opt for olives and capers in brine instead of oil to save points.

11. Low Fat Options for the Cuban Fricassee de Pollo Recipe:

a. Use skinless chicken drumsticks to reduce fat content.
b. Use cooking spray or broth instead of oil when sautéing the onions and garlic.
c. Replace the white wine with chicken broth or water.
d. Omit or reduce the amount of olives and capers to lower fat content.
e. Choose a low-fat tomato sauce or make your own without added fats.

12. Vegetable Variations for the Cuban Fricassee de Pollo Recipe:

a. For a veggie-forward version, omit the chicken and double the amount of potatoes.
b. Use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth in the sauce.
c. Add more bell peppers and onions for extra veggies in the sauce.
d. Experiment with other types of olives like Kalamata or green olives.
e. Include other vegetables like carrots or green beans in the sauce.

Please note that the given substitutions are general suggestions, and individual dietary needs and preferences may vary. It’s always recommended to check labels, choose quality ingredients, and consult with a healthcare professional or registered dietitian for personalized advice.

FAQ About the Cuban Fricassee de Pollo Recipe

What is the Cuban Fricassee de Pollo Recipe?
The Cuban Fricassee de Pollo Recipe is a traditional Cuban dish featuring tender chicken drumsticks simmered in a flavorful sauce made with freshly squeezed lime, orange, and grapefruit juices, white distilled vinegar, onions, garlic, tomato sauce, and aromatic herbs. The dish is usually served with rice and beans, creating a delicious and satisfying meal.

How can I make this recipe vegan-friendly?
For a vegan-friendly version of the Cuban Fricassee de Pollo Recipe, you can replace the chicken drumsticks with firm tofu or tempeh as a plant-based protein source. Use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth and olive oil instead of vegetable oil in the sauce. Omit the Spanish Manzanilla olives and capers or use brined green olives and pickled capers for a vegan alternative. For added flavor, you can replace the bay leaf with dried thyme or rosemary in the sauce.

Is the Cuban Fricassee de Pollo Recipe gluten-free?
Yes, the Cuban Fricassee de Pollo Recipe can be made gluten-free. Ensure that the tomato sauce and all other ingredients used are gluten-free and labeled as such. Use tamari or gluten-free soy sauce instead of regular soy sauce in the sauce. You can also substitute cornstarch for flour when thickening the sauce. Be sure to check the labels on olives and capers to ensure they are gluten-free.

Can I make the Cuban Fricassee de Pollo Recipe suitable for a Mediterranean diet?
Absolutely! The Cuban Fricassee de Pollo Recipe already aligns well with the Mediterranean diet. Use extra virgin olive oil in the sauce for added health benefits. Incorporate more garlic and onions for their health-promoting properties. You can serve the dish with a fresh Mediterranean salad and accompany it with whole-grain couscous or quinoa instead of rice.

How can I adapt the Cuban Fricassee de Pollo Recipe for a low-carb or Keto diet?
To make the Cuban Fricassee de Pollo Recipe suitable for a low-carb or Keto diet, use skin-on chicken drumsticks for added healthy fats and flavor. Replace the white wine with chicken broth or bone broth in the sauce. Choose low-carb olives and capers without added sugars. Instead of rice, serve the dish with cauliflower rice, which is a great low-carb alternative. Opt for a lower-carb tomato sauce with no added sugars or preservatives.

Final Thoughts

Having prepared the Cuban Fricassee de Pollo Recipe, I am delighted to share its wonderful merits. This traditional Cuban dish features tender chicken drumsticks immersed in a flavorful sauce made with citrus juices, vinegar, onions, garlic, and herbs. The resulting combination of tastes is both tangy and savory, creating a satisfying and well-balanced meal. The dish’s versatility allows for customization with various cuts of chicken and seasoning preferences, catering to different tastes.

One notable advantage of this recipe is its adaptability to various dietary needs. For those following a vegan or vegetarian diet, replacing the chicken with plant-based alternatives like tofu or tempeh can deliver a delightful experience. Moreover, by making simple ingredient swaps, the dish can be tailored to suit gluten-free, Keto, low-carb, and Whole 30 diets.

In addition to its flavors, the Cuban Fricassee de Pollo Recipe offers nutritional benefits. The chicken provides a valuable source of protein, essential for tissue repair and growth. The inclusion of vegetables like onions, tomatoes, and bell peppers adds vitamins, minerals, and fiber to the meal. For those seeking heart-healthy options, using olive oil and reducing sodium can be advantageous.

To conclude, the Cuban Fricassee de Pollo Recipe is a delectable and versatile dish, allowing for diverse dietary preferences while delivering rich flavors and potential health benefits. Its simplicity and range of adaptations make it a delightful addition to any meal rotation. Whether enjoyed with rice, vegetables, or other side dishes, this Cuban delicacy is sure to delight taste buds and satisfy the hunger of those seeking a wholesome and delightful meal.