Ingredients
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2 tablespoons plain flour
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salt & freshly ground black pepper
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4 chicken quarters, halved
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4 carrots, thickly sliced
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4 celery ribs, thickly sliced
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2 ounces butter
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1 tablespoon olive oil
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1 bouquet garni, see note
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3 tablespoons heavy cream or 3 tablespoons half-and-half
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2 onions, quartered
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1 garlic clove, crushed
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12 ounces light ale (Biere Blonde)
Instructions
- Season the flour with salt and black pepper, scatter on a plate and use to coat the chicken pieces. Now heat the butter and oil in a pan ( big enough to hold the chicken and with some depth ) until foaming then add the vegetables and cook gently for 5 minutes. Remove with a slotted spoon and set aside.
- Add the chicken pieces to the pan and brown on all sides (add a little more oil, if necessary).
- Add the sauteed vegetables, ale, garlic, bouquet garni and season to taste. Bring to a simmer, cover and cook for 60 minutes over low heat, stirring occasionally. Half way through cooking taste broth and adjust seasonings to taste.
- To serve, transfer the chicken and vegetables to a warmed serving dish. Bring the juices in the casserole to a boil then take off the heat and stir in the cream to thicken. Pour over the chicken pieces and serve.
- Note.
- Substitute 1 bay leaf, 1-2 tsp of dried thyme, and some fresh parsley for the bouquet garni, though best with fresh herbs.