Chicken ostropel is one of those traditional Romanian dishes that warms the soul and delights the taste buds. With an irresistible combination of tomato sauce, garlic, and tender pieces of chicken, this recipe brings to the table the simple yet rich flavors of home cooking. Prepared slowly and patiently, the ostropel releases unmistakable tastes and aromas that take you back to childhood, to the meals in your grandparents’ household.
The secret of a successful chicken ostropel lies in the simplicity of the ingredients and the method of preparation. The browned chicken is left to soak in the rich tomato and garlic sauce, while thyme and bay leaf bring depth and authenticity. Finally, fresh parsley completes the dish, adding a touch of freshness.
Traditionally served alongside steaming mămăligă (Romanian polenta), chicken ostropel is a dish that perfectly combines textures and flavors, turning every bite into an unforgettable experience. This authentic recipe is more than just a meal – it is a link to our roots, an invitation to savor the flavors of the past, and to celebrate the joy of family dining.
Ingredients
1 chicken (or 4–6 chicken thighs, with skin and bone)
2–3 tablespoons oil (or lard for an authentic flavor)
1 large onion
4–5 garlic cloves
400 ml tomato purée or 2–3 fresh chopped tomatoes
200 ml water or chicken broth
1 bay leaf
1 teaspoon dried thyme
Salt and pepper, to taste
1 bunch of fresh parsley (for garnish)
Instructions
Step 1: Preparing the Meat
If you are using a whole chicken, cut it into pieces (legs, wings, breast, etc.). You can also choose to use only chicken thighs, depending on preference.
In a deep pan, heat the oil or lard and brown the chicken pieces until they form a golden crust. Remove the meat onto a plate and set aside.
Step 2: Preparing the Sauce
In the same pan, add the finely chopped onion and sauté until it becomes golden and soft.
Add the crushed or thinly sliced garlic and sauté it gently, without burning it, to release its aroma.
Add the tomato purée or fresh tomatoes into the pan, together with the bay leaf and dried thyme. Pour in water or chicken broth to thin out the sauce. Stir and let it simmer on low heat for 10 minutes.
Step 3: Cooking the Ostropel
Return the chicken pieces to the pan, into the rich tomato and garlic sauce. Cover the pan and let everything simmer over low heat for 30–40 minutes, until the meat is tender and fully cooked, and the sauce has thickened.
Taste and adjust with salt and pepper, if needed.
Step 4: Serving
Sprinkle chopped parsley on top and serve the hot chicken ostropel with warm mămăligă (Romanian polenta) or rice. The strong garlic flavor and rich tomato sauce make this dish a comforting and delicious choice.
Serving Suggestions
Chicken ostropel is perfect when paired with mămăligă, which absorbs the aromatic sauce beautifully. This traditional Romanian recipe is ideal for family meals, bringing to the plate an authentic Romanian taste, simple yet full of flavor. Enjoy!
What Makes Chicken Ostropel an Authentic Romanian Dish?
Chicken ostropel reflects the simplicity and traditions of Romanian cuisine, using basic ingredients such as chicken, garlic, and tomatoes. The dish is cooked slowly, which allows the flavors to blend harmoniously. Its rich taste and the balance between the slightly sour tomato sauce and the strong garlic aroma make it a true symbol of the traditional Romanian meal.
What Is the Role of Garlic in Chicken Ostropel?
Garlic is essential in this recipe, bringing a distinct note of aroma and an intense flavor, specific to ostropel. When added at the right moment, garlic enriches the tomato sauce and perfectly complements the tenderness of the chicken meat.
How Can You Get the Perfect Tomato Sauce for Ostropel?
The ideal tomato sauce comes from well-ripened fresh tomatoes, pureed, or from high-quality canned tomatoes. For a more intense taste, add dried thyme and a bay leaf, allowing the sauce to simmer slowly so it can develop rich flavors.
Why Is Chicken with Skin and Bone Recommended in the Recipe?
Chicken with skin and bone adds more flavor to the dish, while the meat stays tender during cooking. The fat from the skin contributes to a richer sauce, and the bone enhances the overall aroma of the preparation.
How Can the Recipe Be Adapted for a Lighter Version?
For a lighter variation, you can use skinless and boneless chicken breast and replace lard with olive oil. The tomato sauce can also be thinned with vegetable broth instead of chicken broth, for a more delicate flavor.
What Is the Secret to Achieving Tender and Well-Cooked Meat?
Cooking on low heat, in the tomato and garlic sauce, is essential for the chicken to become tender and to absorb the flavors. It is important to cover the pot to keep the steam inside and to prevent the meat from drying out.
What Role Do Spices Like Thyme and Bay Leaf Play?
Thyme adds a subtle earthy note and depth of flavor, while the bay leaf brings a delicate fragrance, balancing the strong aromas of garlic and tomatoes. These spices are characteristic of traditional Romanian cooking and complete the recipe beautifully.
How Is Chicken Ostropel Best Served?
Chicken ostropel is traditionally served with steaming mămăligă (Romanian polenta), which absorbs the rich sauce. It can also be accompanied by rice or fresh bread, while freshly chopped parsley on top adds a final touch of freshness.
What Other Variations of Ostropel Exist in Romanian Cuisine?
Besides the classic chicken version, ostropel can also be prepared with pork or turkey. In some regions, bell peppers or white wine are added for a more complex flavor.
How Can the Recipe Be Personalized for a Different Taste?
You can personalize chicken ostropel by adding a teaspoon of sugar to the sauce to balance the acidity of the tomatoes. Red wine can be included for a more sophisticated aroma, or olives for a Mediterranean touch. Spices such as sweet paprika can also bring extra color and flavor to the dish.
