Poul nan sòs : Chicken sauce

Treat yourself to the vibrant and enticing flavors of Haitian cuisine with our delectable Stewed Chicken recipe. This classic dish showcases succulent chicken cooked to perfection in a luscious tomato-based sauce, enhanced by a medley of aromatic spices and herbs.

Ingredients:

• 2 Lemon or Lime

• 3 tablespoon Oil

• 1 Onion

• Salt

• Optional sweet peppers (green, yellow, and orange, sliced)

• 6-8 clove Garlic

• 4-5 pieces of Chicken legs or thighs

• 1 Fresh tomato or a can of tomato sauce

• 2 Bonnet or habanero pepper

• Haitian epis (1/2 bunch of parsley, 5-6 garlic, 1 tablespoon of salt, lemon or lime juice, 1 Scotch bonnet or habanero pepper, 1 onion, and 1 sweet pepper, (cloves optional)

Instructions:

1. Prepare the Haitian Epis:

To kick-start the recipe, blend or chop together the key ingredients of Haitian epis - parsley, garlic, 1 tablespoon salt, lemon or lime juice, 1 Scotch bonnet pepper, onion, and sweet peppers. This aromatic base will infuse the stewed chicken with a burst of flavors.

2. Clean and Marinate the Chicken:

Thaw the chicken in a clean sink or mixing bowl. Remove any excess fat from the chicken pieces. Squeeze the juice of lemons over the chicken and sprinkle salt. Allow the chicken to brine for 10-15 minutes, allowing the acidity to break down the tendons. Rinse the chicken thoroughly and add the epis. Marinate for 30 minutes.

3. Sauté and Spice:

In a pot, heat oil over medium heat. Add onions, chop garlic, and Sauté until the onions turn translucent and fragrant. Now, it's time to add the chicken to the pot and brown it on all sides, infusing it with the flavors of the sautéed ingredients.

4. Tomato Sauce and Spice it Up:

Once the chicken is nicely browned, add fresh tomatoes (chopped) or tomato sauce to the pot. For a spicy kick, include a whole or chopped bonnet or habanero pepper, adjusting the quantity based on your heat preference. The tomatoes and pepper will give the dish a tangy and fiery dimension.

5. Simmer to Perfection:

Pour water into the pot until the chicken is just covered. Season with salt to taste. Cover the pot and let the chicken simmer over low heat for 45 minutes to an hour, or until the chicken becomes tender and thoroughly cooked. This slow simmering process will allow the flavors to meld together, resulting in a delightful taste.

Once the chicken is cooked to perfection, it's time to serve this flavorful dish. Accompany it with white rice, beans, or any preferred side dish to complete the Haitian culinary experience. The stewed chicken will entice your senses with its spicy, tangy, and aromatic flavors.