Tkemali Stew with Chicken and Broccoli

4 servings

60 minutes

The 'Tkemali' stew with chicken and broccoli is a fragrant and rich Georgian dish where the tenderness of chicken harmoniously combines with the spicy taste of the sweet-sour tkemali sauce. The roots of this recipe go back to traditional Georgian cuisine, where tkemali is used to add a special freshness and depth of flavor. The sweet-tart note of the sauce perfectly complements the softness of the stewed meat and the freshness of broccoli. This dish not only warms but also satisfies while remaining light due to the vegetables. It is perfect for cozy family dinners and festive gatherings, offering a taste of the Caucasus where traditions and love for natural ingredients intertwine.

Energy value per serving

• Calories: 680.5
• Proteins: 45.4g
• Fats: 45.7g
• Carbohydrates: 27.3g

Ingredients

• Chicken thigh fillet: 700 g
• Broccoli cabbage: 1 head
• Onion: 1 pc
• Carrot: 2 pc
• Tkemali: 3 tbsp
• Salt: to taste
• Ground black pepper: to taste
• Seasonings: to taste
• Curry: 0.5 tsp
• Sour cream 15%: 100 g
• Olive oil: 3 tbsp
• Hercules: 2 tbsp
• Chicken broth: 1 l

Cooking steps

1. Before starting to cook, it’s good to boil chicken broth (say, from breasts) or make sure it’s already available. But this is not critical (it can be replaced with water).

2. Dice the carrot into small cubes and sauté in vegetable oil, stirring. After 10 minutes, add finely chopped onion and finely chopped broccoli stems (take 1 small head of broccoli, about half a kilo). Sauté until the onion is translucent.

   Required ingredients:

   • Carrot: 2 pieces
   • Onion: 1 piece
   • Broccoli cabbage: 1 head
   • Olive oil: 3 tablespoons

3. Add the washed chicken thighs and fry, turning them on all sides. Season with salt and pepper to taste, add herb spices and curry.

   Required ingredients:

   • Chicken thigh fillet: 700 g
   • Salt:  to taste
   • Ground black pepper:  to taste
   • Seasonings:  to taste
   • Curry: 0.5 teaspoon

4. Add sour cream, broth (if available; if not, water can be used), oats (for sauce thickness), mix, reduce heat (it will be good on low heat), cover with a lid and simmer for 20 minutes. NB! Always simmer covered!

   Required ingredients:

   • Sour cream 15%: 100 g
   • Chicken broth: 1 l
   • Hercules: 2 tablespoons

5. Add tkhemali, mix, and simmer for another 10 minutes.

   Required ingredients:

   • Tkemali: 3 tablespoons

6. Add the broccoli broken into small florets, mix, cover with a lid, and simmer for another 15 minutes.

   Required ingredients:

   • Broccoli cabbage: 1 head

7. Let it sit for 10 minutes — then serve.