Pollo alla Cacciatora

I didn't want my 100th post to be a recipe that I am kind of lukewarm about, but unfortunately it has worked out that way. A twist of fate, I suppose - the blog can't be entirely successful. But I shouldn't denigrate this recipe too much. It was comforting, and it smelled fantastic. There was nothing really wrong with it. It just didn't have the intense flavor that its smell advertised.

I've changed the recipe a bit from the way I made it in the hopes that this will make it more flavorful - namely by adding an extra garlic clove and some red pepper flakes. I do recommend giving it a try, as it makes a lovely simple Sunday supper that is surprisingly quick to make. Also, serve it with something yummy, like creamy polenta or cornbread. We had ours with some French bread and I think it could have used a better partner.

So here it is, the 100th recipe I've shared with you, and only the second (if I remember correctly) that I don't wholeheartedly endorse. I suppose that's a pretty good track record.

Pollo Alla Cacciatora
adapted from Nigella Express
serves 2

INGREDIENTS:

1/2 tablespoon EVOO (extra virgin olive oil)
2 cloves garlic, minced or pressed
1 strip of bacon, chopped
3 scallions, finely sliced
1/2 teaspoon finely chopped fresh rosemary
1/2 pound chicken breast tenders, cut into bite-size pieces
pinch celery salt
1/4 cup dry white wine
1 14-oz can diced tomatoes
1 bay leaf
pinch red pepper flakes
1/2 14-oz can cannellini beans, drained and rinsed

DIRECTIONS:

1. Warm the EVOO over medium-high heat in a large skillet. When it's hot, add the garlic, bacon, scallions, and rosemary. Cook for 2 or 3 minutes.

2. Add the chicken pieces and celery salt and stir. Cook for about 1 minute.

3. Pour in the wine and let it come to a bubble before adding the tomatoes, bay leaf, and red pepper flakes. Put the lid on and let the pan simmer for 10 minutes.

4. Stir in the cannellini beans and warm through, about 1 minute. Serve.

I hope someone does give this a try, perhaps with his or her own spin on it, and lets me know how it turns out! If you do, enjoy!