ADVERTISEMENT

A Heirloom Dish Rediscovered: A Recipe Close to My Grandma's Heart

ADVERTISEMENT

Introduction: Growing up, I always looked forward to the holidays when my grandma would make her signature dish. It was a family tradition, a recipe she never wrote down, but passed down through years of love and cooking. Unfortunately, I never thought to jot it down before she passed. For years, I tried to recreate it from memory, but something was always missing. Recently, I found a recipe that tastes remarkably similar to hers, and I couldn't be more thrilled to share it with you. Whether it's a special occasion or a cozy family dinner, this dish brings back fond memories and is sure to become a staple in your kitchen too.

Ingredients:

2 cups of fresh vegetables (carrots, peas, and green beans)
1 pound of chicken (cut into bite-sized pieces)
1 cup of cooked rice (preferably white or jasmine rice)
1 medium onion (diced)
3 cloves garlic (minced)
1 cup of chicken broth (or vegetable broth for a lighter version)
1 tablespoon of olive oil
2 teaspoons of dried thyme
1 teaspoon of paprika
Salt and pepper to taste
Fresh parsley (for garnish)
Instructions:

Prepare the Ingredients:

Begin by cooking your rice according to package instructions, if you haven't done so already.
While the rice is cooking, cut your chicken into bite-sized pieces and season with salt, pepper, and paprika. Set aside.
Cook the Vegetables:

In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat.
Add the diced onion and minced garlic to the skillet and sauté until fragrant and translucent, about 3 minutes.
Add the mixed vegetables (carrots, peas, green beans) and cook for another 5 minutes, stirring occasionally. If the vegetables are frozen, let them thaw and cook for a little longer to heat through.
Cook the Chicken:

Push the vegetables to the side of the skillet and add the chicken pieces to the empty side of the pan.
Cook the chicken until golden brown and cooked through, about 7-10 minutes. Stir to combine with the vegetables.
Add the Broth and Rice:

Pour in the chicken broth, and stir in the cooked rice, thyme, and a bit more salt and pepper to taste.
Let everything simmer together for 5-7 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld. The broth should slightly reduce, creating a savory coating on the rice and chicken.
Serve and Garnish:

Remove from heat and garnish with fresh chopped parsley.
Serve immediately and enjoy the warmth of this comforting dish!
Tips for Serving and Storing:

Serving Tips:

This dish is a great standalone meal but can also be paired with a side salad or crusty bread to round out your meal.
For a little extra flavor, top the dish with grated Parmesan cheese or a squeeze of lemon juice right before serving.
Storing Tips:

ADVERTISEMENT

ADVERTISEMENT