Catalan Saute Of Chicken With Sausage Capers And Herbs Recipes

CHICKEN SAUSAGE SAUTé

Steps:

• Cook the pasta according to package directions until cooked but still firm to the bite (al dente). While the pasta is cooking, place the sausages in a small skillet over medium heat and add 1/4 cup water. Cover and simmer for 10 minutes. Turn sausages at 5 minutes and add more water if necessary.
• Heat the oil in a large nonstick skillet over medium heat. Add the onion and coloured pepper strips and sauté for 10 minutes. Add the garlic and rosemary, and season with black pepper to taste. Lower heat and cook for 5 minutes more.
• Remove sausages from small skillet and slice in half lengthwise, then crosswise into 1/2-inch slices. Add to the onions and peppers. Add balsamic vinegar and toss. Cook mixture until sausage is no longer pink in the middle. Serve over cooked pasta.

CATALAN CHICKEN STEW

Steps:

• For the picada: Toast the nuts in a small skillet, then remove to a plate. Add the EVOO to the skillet and toast the bread slices until golden. Chop the bread and add to a food processor along with the parsley, lemon juice, garlic, toasted almonds and a splash of water. Pulse until the mixture is a pesto-like consistency. Refrigerate until ready to serve. For the stew: Heat the EVOO in a Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Add the thyme, paprika, celery, bay leaves, carrots, onions, bell peppers, chile peppers and saffron and season with salt and pepper. Cook until the vegetables are soft, 7 to 8 minutes. Add the tomatoes and mash. Add the stock and simmer for 30 minutes. Stir in the chicken. Stir in the picada and olives, then remove from the heat and let stand for 5 minutes. Ladle the stew into shallow bowls and serve with warm bread for mopping. Cook's Note: The stew and the picada can be refrigerated in separate containers in the refrigerator for a make-ahead meal. Reheat the stew over medium heat, adding the picada and olives.
• Put the chicken in a very large stockpot or divide between 2 pots if necessary. Add the peppercorns, garlic, bay leaves, carrots, celery, lemons, onions and herb bundle and sprinkle with salt. Add enough water to cover the chicken. Bring to a boil, then reduce the heat to low and cook at a rolling simmer for 1 1/2 hours. Remove the chicken from the liquid and let cool. Strain the stock. (You should have 5 to 6 quarts stock.) Remove the skin and bones from the chicken, and shred the meat using your hands or 2 forks.