Turkish chicken stew - Tavuk sote
Tavuk Sote, a flavorful Turkish chicken stew, features tender chicken, hearty vegetables, and aromatic spices simmered in a rich tomato sauce. Perfect for pairing with rice or bread, this comforting dish is ideal for any meal.
4 Servings
Ingredients
- 500 g boneless chicken breast cubed
- 1 large potato cubed
- 2 medium carrots sliced
- 1 green bell pepper chopped
- 1 medium red onion chopped
- 4 cloves garlic minced
- 1 green chili pepper chopped
- 2 cups tomato sauce
- ½ cup parsley chopped
- 1 tsp thyme
- 2 tsp cumin
- 2 tsp paprika
- 1 tsp salt
- 1 tsp black pepper
- 3 tbsp olive oil
- ¼ cup vegetable oil for frying
- 2 –3 cups water
Instructions
Prepare the Aromatics:
- Heat the olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add the chopped red onion and minced garlic, sautéing until softened and translucent.
Cook the Chicken and Peppers:
- Stir in the cubed chicken breast and cook for about 5 minutes until the exterior is lightly browned. Add the chopped green bell pepper and green chili, stirring for another 2–3 minutes.
Season and Add Sauce:
- Sprinkle in the thyme, cumin, and paprika, ensuring the chicken and vegetables are evenly coated. Pour in the tomato sauce and stir thoroughly to combine.
Simmer the Base:
- Add 2–3 cups of water to the pot, depending on your desired consistency. Bring the mixture to a simmer, cover, and let it cook for 20 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.
Fry the Potatoes and Carrots:
- In a separate pan, heat the vegetable oil over medium heat. Fry the cubed potatoes and sliced carrots until they develop a light golden crust. They do not need to be fully cooked, as they will finish cooking in the stew.
Combine and Finish:
- Transfer the fried potatoes and carrots to the simmering pot. Add the chopped parsley and stir gently to combine. Let the stew cook for an additional 5 minutes.
Season to Taste:
- Add salt and black pepper to taste, adjusting as needed. Stir one final time and turn off the heat.
Serve:
- Ladle the stew into bowls and serve it hot alongside rice, bread, or your preferred side dish.
Notes
This recipe is naturally gluten-free as written. However, if serving with bread, ensure you use a certified gluten-free option. Double-check that your spices and tomato sauce are gluten-free to avoid any cross-contamination.