Pollo alla mediterranea

Mediterranean Chicken is a flavorful dish that encapsulates the flavors and aromas typical of the regions surrounding the Mediterranean Sea. Here is a version that embraces Italian influences:

Ingredients

• 4 chicken thighs (or breasts, depending on preference)
• 2 cloves of garlic
• 1 sprig of rosemary
• 200 g cherry tomatoes
• 100 g black olives (Taggiasca or Gaeta olives are better)
• 1 small eggplant
• 1 zucchini
• 1 red bell pepper
• Extra virgin olive oil
• Salt and pepper to taste
• A pinch of dried oregano
• 125 ml white wine

Preparation

1. Start by cleaning the vegetables. Dice the eggplant and zucchini, and slice the red bell pepper into strips, taking care to remove seeds and white parts inside.
2. In a large skillet, heat a drizzle of extra virgin olive oil with a clove of garlic. Add the vegetables, starting with the eggplant, after a few minutes the zucchini, and finally the bell pepper. Cook until they are lightly browned but still crispy, then remove from the skillet and set aside.
3. In the same skillet, add another drizzle of oil and a new clove of garlic with the sprig of rosemary. Brown the chicken thighs (previously salted and peppered) until they are golden on both sides.
4. Deglaze the chicken with white wine and let the alcohol evaporate.
5. Add the halved cherry tomatoes, olives, a pinch of oregano, and adjust with salt if necessary.
6. Cover with a lid and cook over medium-low heat for about 20-25 minutes, checking occasionally and turning the chicken thighs if necessary.
7. About 5 minutes before the end of cooking, add the reserved vegetables to the pan with the chicken, and gently mix to combine the flavors.
8. Serve hot, garnished with additional fresh herbs to taste, such as basil or parsley, if you like.

Curiosity

Mediterranean Chicken tells the story of a region rich in flavors and colors. Olives and cherry tomatoes are essential foods in the Mediterranean diet, rich in antioxidants and beneficial for the heart. The Italian touch is felt in the choice of olives and the use of rosemary and oregano, which fragrance the dish with notes typical of Italian cuisine.