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Pollo yassa

17/11/2023

Yassa Chicken is a traditional dish from Senegal that boasts intense flavors due to the marinade and the presence of caramelized onions and lemon. I propose a classic recipe with an Italian twist, as I would suggest.

Ingredients

  • 1 kg of chicken thighs
  • 5 large onions, sliced
  • Juice of 4 lemons
  • 2 tablespoons of Italian extra virgin olive oil
  • 4 cloves of garlic, crushed
  • 1 fresh chili pepper, chopped (optional)
  • 2 bay leaves
  • 1 sprig of rosemary (not traditional, but adds an Italian touch)
  • Salt and black pepper to taste
  • 100 ml of chicken broth or water

Preparation

  1. In a large bowl, combine the sliced onions, garlic, lemon juice, chili pepper, rosemary, bay leaves, salt, and pepper. Mix well.
  2. Add the chicken thighs and ensure they are well-coated with the marinade. Cover and let marinate in the refrigerator for at least 2 hours, or even better, overnight.
  3. Remove the chicken from the marinade (keeping the marinade) and pat dry with paper towels.
  4. In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat and brown the chicken on all sides until golden.
  5. Remove the chicken and set aside. In the same skillet, add the onions with the rest of the marinade. Cook over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until the onions are soft and golden, about 15-20 minutes.
  6. Return the chicken to the skillet with the onions, add chicken broth or water and cook covered on low heat for about 30-40 minutes or until the chicken is cooked through and the sauce has reduced a bit.
  7. Adjust the seasoning with salt and pepper, and serve your Yassa Chicken hot, preferably with a side of white rice or, for an even more local touch, with a nice soft polenta.

Trivia

Yassa Chicken, also known as Yassa au Poulet, originates from the culinary culture of the Casamance region in Senegal but has become popular throughout West Africa. Prolonged marination is essential for making the meat tender and flavorful. In classic Yassa, the chicken is grilled before being stewed with the onions, which gives the dish a particularly appreciated smoky taste.

Pollo yassa