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There’s a special warmth in preparing and savoring a traditional Bolivian dish like Sajta de Pollo. I find joy in marinating the chicken in an aromatic blend of spices. Then browning it to perfection, and then simmering it in a rich peanut-infused sauce. The addition of tender potatoes and peas completes the dish, infusing it with wholesome goodness. This recipe embodies the essence of comfort food, and each bite takes me on a delightful culinary journey through the vibrant flavors of Bolivia.
In my kitchen, I prioritize simplicity without compromising on flavor. Making Sajta de Pollo follows this principle, ensuring an uncomplicated cooking process that brings out the best of each ingredient. As the dish simmers and the scents fill the air, I'm reminded of the beauty of sharing delicious, home-cooked meals with loved ones. This dish serves as a heartwarming reminder of the rich culinary heritage of Bolivia. I’m excited to share this treasure with you all. Enjoy the journey and the taste of Sajta de Pollo, a true Bolivian gem.
Why You'll Love This Recipe
- Authentic Bolivian Flavors: Immerse yourself in true Bolivian cuisine with this traditional dish, rich with the deep, nutty notes of peanuts and the vibrant spices that characterize Andean cooking.
- Balanced Nutrition: With lean chicken, hearty potatoes, and wholesome peas, this recipe offers a well-rounded meal, providing protein, fiber, and essential nutrients for a balanced diet.
- Simple Preparation: Despite its exciting flavors, the Sajta de Pollo is straightforward to prepare. Even novice cooks can effortlessly bring this Bolivian delight to their dinner tables.
- Versatile Serving Options: Serve Sajta de Pollo with rice, quinoa, or traditional Bolivian side dishes, offering flexibility to fit this delicious meal seamlessly into any menu.
History of Sajta de Pollo
The history of Sajta de Pollo is deeply intertwined with Bolivia's rich cultural and culinary tapestry. The dish originates from the highland regions of Bolivia. It's a testament to the country's extensive indigenous heritage and the significant influence of local ingredients in the culinary traditions.
Sajta de Pollo, like many other Bolivian dishes, showcases the usage of peanuts and potatoes, both indigenous to the region. The name "Sajta" comes from Aymara, an indigenous language spoken in the Andes, and roughly translates to "hot or spicy." The dish epitomizes the intricate balance of flavors, textures, and nutrition that characterizes Bolivian cuisine. Bolivians have been enjoying this hearty, satisfying meal for generations It continues to be a staple, particularly in the Andean part of the country.
In essence, Sajta de Pollo stands as a cherished culinary symbol. Seamlessly blending the flavors of history, culture, and regional produce. Creating a meal that transcends time and geographical boundaries, continuing to delight palates around the world.
Tips and Tricks for Making Sajta de Pollo
Chicken Selection: You can use any cut of chicken for this recipe. Chicken thighs or legs often yield the juiciest results, but feel free to use chicken breasts for a leaner option. Ensure you adjust the cooking times accordingly to ensure the chicken is cooked through.
Peanut Sauce: For an even richer flavor in the peanut sauce, consider roasting the peanuts yourself. Use unsalted peanuts, roast them in a dry pan until golden, and then grind them for the sauce. This fresh preparation gives a depth of flavor that's hard to beat.
Potato Choices: Choose a waxy variety of potato, which will hold its shape during cooking. Avoid starchy potatoes that may fall apart.
Adjusting Spiciness: The recipe is moderate in terms of heat. If you prefer more or less spice, feel free to adjust the amount of paprika or add a chopped chili to the sauce for extra heat.
How to Make Sajta de Pollo
Preparing the Ingredients:
Clean and Marinate Chicken:
- Wash the chicken pieces and pat them dry.
- Season with salt, pepper, cumin, and paprika.
- Let it marinate for about 15-20 minutes for the flavors to infuse.
Prepare Vegetables:
- Peel and halve the potatoes.
- Finely chop the onion and mince the garlic cloves.
Cooking Process:
Boil the Potatoes and Peas:
- In a large pot, boil the potatoes until tender.
- In the same pot, boil the peas until they are tender.
- Drain both and set aside.
Brown the Chicken:
- Heat vegetable oil in a frying pan over medium heat.
- Add the marinated chicken pieces and brown them on all sides.
- Once browned, remove the chicken and set aside.
Prepare the Peanut Sauce:
- In the same frying pan, sauté the chopped onion and minced garlic until translucent.
- Add the ground peanuts and chicken broth to the pan.
- Stir the mixture well to combine, ensuring a smooth and consistent sauce.
Combine Chicken and Sauce:
- Return the browned chicken to the pan with the peanut sauce.
- Cover and let it simmer on low heat for about 20-25 minutes until the chicken is cooked through.
Add the Vegetables:
- Mix in the boiled potatoes and peas, allowing them to absorb the sauce and heat through.
Final Cooking:
- Let everything simmer together for an additional 5-10 minutes.
- Adjust the seasoning if necessary, ensuring the sauce is well flavored and the chicken is tender.
Serving the Dish:
Garnish and Serve:
- Serve the Sajta de Pollo hot with your choice of accompaniment – rice or quinoa work wonderfully.
- Garnish with fresh chopped parsley or coriander for an added fresh flavor and a pop of color.
Storing/Freezing/Reheating
Storing: When I have leftovers of Sajta de Pollo, I pour them into an airtight container and store them in the refrigerator. The dish remains fresh for up to three days. It’s important to let the dish cool to room temperature before placing it in the fridge to maintain its texture and flavor.
Freezing: I often freeze Sajta de Pollo for later use, ensuring a quick and flavorful meal on busy days. I place the cooled leftovers in a freezer-safe container, making sure it’s sealed tightly to prevent freezer burn. I find that it keeps its quality for up to one month in the freezer. For easy thawing and reheating, I portion out the Sajta de Pollo before freezing.
Reheating: When I'm ready to enjoy the stored or frozen Sajta de Pollo, I reheat it to enjoy it as fresh. For refrigerated leftovers, I transfer the dish into a saucepan and reheat it gently on the stovetop over low heat, stirring occasionally until it's warmed through. If it's frozen, I first thaw it in the refrigerator overnight, and then follow the same reheating process. If the sauce thickens too much upon reheating, I add a splash of chicken broth or water to reach the desired consistency.
Recipe
Sajta de Pollo (Bolivian Chicken Dish)
Equipment
- Frying Pan
- Blender or food processor
Ingredients
- 1 kg Chicken legs, thighs, or breast - 1 kg
- 4 Potatoes peeled and halved
- 1 cup Fresh or frozen peas
- 1 Onion finely chopped
- 3 cloves Garlic cloves minced
- 1 teaspoon Ground cumin
- 1 teaspoon Ground paprika
- ½ cup Peanuts toasted and ground
- 2 cups Chicken broth
- 2 tablespoon Vegetable oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Prepare the Chicken: Clean and season the chicken pieces with salt, pepper, cumin, and paprika. Set aside for 15-20 minutes.
- Cook the Potatoes: In a large pot, boil the potatoes until tender. Drain and set aside.
- Cook the Peas: In the same pot, boil the peas until they are tender. Drain and set aside.
- Cook the Chicken: In a frying pan, heat the vegetable oil over medium heat. Add the chicken pieces and brown them on all sides. Remove the chicken and set aside.
- Prepare the Sauce: In the same pan, sauté the chopped onion and minced garlic until translucent. Add the ground peanuts and chicken broth to the pan. Stir well to combine.
- Combine: Return the chicken to the pan. Cover and simmer on low heat for about 20-25 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through.
- Add Vegetables: Add the cooked potatoes and peas to the pan. Stir to combine, allowing them to heat through and absorb the flavors of the sauce.
- Final Cooking: Cook everything together for an additional 5-10 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together. Adjust the seasoning if necessary.
- Serve: Serve the Sajta de Pollo hot with cooked rice or quinoa, and garnish with fresh chopped parsley or coriander if desired.
Nutrition
Sajta de Pollo - Frequently Asked Questions
Absolutely! You can use boneless chicken breasts or thighs. Just be mindful to adjust the cooking time as boneless chicken may cook faster than bone-in pieces.
Yes, you can use other nuts like almonds or cashews as a substitute for peanuts to make the sauce. Keep in mind the flavor will be different, but it should still be delicious.
Traditional accompaniments include white rice or quinoa. You can also serve it with a fresh salad for a lighter option or with cooked vegetables for extra nutrition.
If the sauce is too thick, you can thin it out by adding a bit of chicken broth or water while reheating. Add gradually until you achieve the desired consistency.
Jin says
This is a great soup for fall nights
Michael Whiting says
Thank you 🙂
Bobbie Fey says
I love this recipe
Michael Whiting says
Thank You