Monday, July 13, 2009

Pikantiko Kotopoulo me Fassolakia--Spiced Chicken with Green Beans

I love making tomato-based dishes, known as kokkinista (literally meaning "reddened") and yiahni in Greek. Obviously versatile dishes, they can be made with a variety of seasonal ingredients; with any meat or vegetable available; and can easily be taken from basic to exceptional with a few herbs and spices.

In summer months, kotopoulo (chicken) kokkinisto makes for a much lighter dish than beef or lamb cooked in tomato. And more often than not, a main dish of just vegetables cooked this way graces our dinner table when the warm summer weather calls for lighter fare.

Here I combined some chicken thighs (a flavorful and, more importantly, cost-effective option) with some fresh green beans and added some Hungarian paprika and cayenne pepper for a little heat.

Pikantiko Kotopoulo me Fassolakia--Spiced Chicken with Green Beans

1/4 cup olive oil
8 chicken thighs, skin removed
1 1/2 lbs. green beans, rinsed and trimmed
1 large onion, thinly sliced
1 garlic clove, minced
1 cup chopped tomatoes
1/2 teaspoon paprika
1/4 teaspoon Hungarian paprika
Pinch of cayenne pepper
Salt and freshly ground pepper, to taste
Handful of dill, finely chopped
Handful of parsley, finely chopped


Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium high heat. Season chicken with some salt and pepper and add to the pot. Brown well on both sides then throw in the onion and garlic. Shake the pot to combine, then add the plain paprika, Hungarian paprika and cayenne pepper. Add the tomatoes to the pot along with some salt and pepper; bring to a boil, cover then lower heat to a simmer and cook chicken about 25 minutes or so. (Add some water or a bit of chicken or vegetable stock to the pot if necessary.)

Add the green beans to the pot, shake the pot and stir green beans lightly to coat with sauce. Cover the pot and cook until the green beans are tender, about 15 minutes. Sprinkle with the dill and parsley, adjust seasonings and serve with plenty of bread.

15 comments:

Betty's Cuisine said...

Bravo Maria! Absolutely delicious and very "Greek" dish! One of our favorite kokkinista!!! I love the addition of the variety of spices...

Unknown said...

I agree with Maria! Delicious, I love any type of Kokkinisto.

Peter G | Souvlaki For The Soul said...

Maria, I love the idea of using paprika and cayene on "kokkinista"! Perfectly suited for these dishes.

Maria Verivaki said...

we're very lucky to have access to fresh beans off the vine (from a relative's garden)

chicken is the ultimate meat accompaniment for them

♥Rosie♥ said...

Absolutely delicious Maria with wonderful spices!

Anonymous said...

I, too, really love kokkinista dishes, Maria. I love the spice you've used here. Paprika is so tasty!

Ivy said...

Chicken kokkinisto with green beans sounds delicious with the spices.

Muneeba said...

This is a wonderful, healthy recipe, and I'm gonna make it for myself soon. I'll just have to cut down on the quantities, but I can't wait to try it!

Teresa Cordero Cordell said...

I am so happy you made this dish with dark meat (chicken thighs). I know most people say white meat is better for you but I love dark meat. It looks delicious, so do the green beans.

Peter M said...

Maria, this is one of those dishes that's even tastier the next day. A couple of pieces of psomaki are a must for this.

Alexandra Stafford said...

This reminds me so much of my grandmother. My favorite recipe she used to make was a red chicken with cinnamon sticks and she served it with green beans that we also tossed with the red sauce. It was delicious. I am going to have to try this recipe!

alexandra
www.alexandracooks.com

Thistlemoon said...

There is just something about chicken and green beans that go so well - but your versions sound even better with all those awesome flavors!

Konstantina said...

That reminds me so much of my mom's kokkinisto...even though this one is a little spicier;))

Unknown said...

What a great combination! I had never thought of eating chicken with green beans, although to most people it seems like very normal.

gastroanthropologist said...

I'm getting my hands on a ton of green beans this weekend and I love the idea chicken smothered with some tomato and paprika. This will make a perfect sunday night dinner for me this week.