Chicken Paprika

Paprika is identified as a spice, which is made from the grinding of dried peppers and the word paprika refers to the Capsicum (pepper). The heat in paprika is caused by capsaicin and can range from mild to hot. Paprika seasoning is available in many grades from sweet, mild, smoked and strong. It is generally used to add colour and flavour to dishes.

Ingredients serve 6 - 8

1000 g chicken thighs

4 tbls olive oil

2 onions chopped (250g)

2 tsp minced garlic

4 tbls Hungarian sweet paprika (25g)

250 ml red wine

250 ml chicken stock

1 tsp salt

1 tbls caster sugar

600 g chopped tomatoes

2 tbls tomato paste (50g)

250 g mushroom chopped

100 ml cream

Method

Cut chicken into 3 cm small pieces. Heat oil in a large saucepan over medium heat and sweat the chicken for approx. 5 minutes while moving meat around. Add onion, garlic and paprika and cook while stirring for 3 minutes. Add red wine, chicken stock, salt, sugar, tomatoes, tomato paste and mushrooms. Bring to the boil, reduce heat and simmer covered for approx. 25 minutes. Blend in the cream and serve on a bed of steamed rice sprinkled with chopped basil on top.

Note: This dish is also excellent with pasta, steamed vegetables or mashed potatoes.