Tuscan Chicken Stew

Simple and tasty and perfect for the in-between weather, I have been making this stew for years – it began as a throw together fridge and pantry dinner, that turned out deliciously and has stuck around! I’m not sure how ‘Tuscan’ it really is, but the name has also stuck around… It’s pretty quick to pull together and (apart from the chorizo, which is the un-Tuscan bit…!), you’d hopefully have most of the ingredients in the fridge and pantry ready to go. As with all tomato based braises, it’s obviously extra delicious on day two, so double the recipe if you can and enjoy the leftovers or make it big enough to feed a crowd.

Olive oil
4 x chicken thighs, cut into bite sized pieces
1 x chorizo sausage, diced or crumbled
1 x brown onion, finely diced
1 x carrot, finely diced
1 x large celery stalk, finely diced
1 garlic clove, thinly sliced
2 x bay leaves
1 x 400g tin of crushed tomatoes
250ml chicken stock
1 x tin of cannellini beans
S&P

 Get all your prep and chopping done, so you’re good to go.

 Heat some olive oil in a large heavy based pot over med-high heat and add the chicken. Brown the chicken - in batches if needed to avoid overcrowding. Once brown, with crispy tips, remove from the pan and set aside. Throw in the chorizo (you shouldn’t need to add more oil as it will create its own). Toss around for a few minutes and then add the onion, carrot and celery and turn the heat down. Cook for a few minutes to soften and then add the garlic and cook for an extra minute (stir to avoid burning).

 Throw the chicken and juices back into the pot and stir. Add the bay leaves and the tinned tomatoes and season with salt and pepper. Add the chicken stock and bring to the boil, then turn the heat down and simmer for 15 minutes. Drain the beans and add to the pot. Simmer for another 10 minutes. You want it to thicken up, but still remain saucy (add a dash of water if required). Check for seasoning.

Serve with creamy mashed potato or some fluffy cous cous and a simple green salad.

Rich and full of flavour, it might not be traditionally Tuscan, but it is definitely delish!