If you're looking for a hearty and delicious comfort food, look no further than aji de gallina. This traditional Peruvian dish is made with shredded chicken, a creamy sauce made from bread and walnuts, and a spicy kick from aji amarillo peppers.
The History of Aji de Gallina
The origins of aji de gallina can be traced back to colonial times in Peru, when Spanish colonizers brought with them their love of chicken dishes. The dish evolved over time, incorporating local ingredients such as aji amarillo peppers and walnuts.
Ingredients
To make aji de gallina, you will need the following ingredients:
- 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 onion, chopped
- 4 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 cup chicken broth
- 1 cup evaporated milk
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/2 cup chopped walnuts
- 2 slices white bread, crust removed
- 2 tablespoons aji amarillo paste
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 4 boiled potatoes, sliced
- 4 hard-boiled eggs, sliced
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley
Instructions
Here's how to make aji de gallina:
- Heat the oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the onion and garlic and cook until softened, about 5 minutes.
- Add the chicken and cook until browned on all sides, about 10 minutes.
- Add the chicken broth, aji amarillo paste, and salt and pepper to taste. Bring to a boil, then reduce the heat and simmer until the chicken is cooked through, about 15 minutes.
- Remove the chicken from the skillet and shred it with two forks.
- In a blender or food processor, blend the bread, walnuts, and evaporated milk until smooth.
- Add the Parmesan cheese and blend again.
- Return the chicken to the skillet and pour the sauce over it. Stir to combine and cook until heated through, about 5 minutes.
- Serve with boiled potatoes and sliced hard-boiled eggs. Garnish with chopped parsley.
Variations
There are many variations of aji de gallina, depending on the region of Peru or personal preferences. Some common variations include:
- Using shredded beef instead of chicken
- Adding diced carrots, peas, or corn to the sauce
- Serving over rice instead of potatoes
- Making a vegetarian version with tofu or mushrooms instead of chicken
Where to Find Aji Amarillo Paste
Aji amarillo paste is a key ingredient in aji de gallina, but it can be difficult to find in some areas. You can try specialty food stores or Latin American markets. If you can't find it, you can substitute with a mixture of yellow bell pepper and a small amount of cayenne pepper.
Conclusion
Aji de gallina is a delicious and comforting dish that is sure to please any palate. Whether you stick to the classic recipe or try a variation, you can't go wrong with this Peruvian favorite.
