Chicken Pastel: A Creamy and Hearty Filipino Stew
Just as a comforting blanket embraces you on a chilly evening, Chicken Pastel is a dish that offers warmth and satisfaction with every spoonful. This beloved Filipino stew is a delightful medley of tender chicken, savory vegetables, and often sausages, all swimming in a rich and creamy sauce. While variations exist across the Philippines, the heart of Chicken Pastel lies in its comforting flavors and its ability to bring people together around a shared table.
Ingredients:
1 kilo chicken, seasoned with salt and ground black pepper
6 cloves garlic, minced
1 large white onion, chopped
These initial ingredients form the aromatic and flavorful base of our Chicken Pastel. The seasoned chicken will be sautéed with the fragrant garlic and sweet onion, laying the groundwork for the rich stew to come.
Expanding the Flavor Profile:
While these are the starting ingredients, a truly satisfying Chicken Pastel often includes a variety of other components that contribute to its unique character. Consider adding:
Vegetables: Diced potatoes, carrots, and bell peppers (red and green) are common additions, providing both texture and sweetness. Some recipes also include green peas and mushrooms.
Sausages: Sliced chorizo de Bilbao or even regular hotdogs are frequently incorporated, lending a savory and slightly smoky depth to the stew.
Liquids: Chicken broth or stock forms the base of the sauce, while all-purpose cream or evaporated milk adds the signature richness and creaminess. Some recipes use a touch of cornstarch or flour to thicken the sauce.
Other Flavor Enhancers: A bay leaf, a touch of soy sauce or fish sauce, and sometimes even a splash of white wine can be included to deepen the flavor complexity. Quail eggs are also a popular addition, adding a unique visual and textural element.
The Culinary Journey: Building the Pastel
The process of making Chicken Pastel involves layering these ingredients to create a harmonious blend of flavors:
Sauté the Aromatics: The minced garlic and chopped onion are typically sautéed in oil or butter until fragrant and softened, creating the aromatic foundation of the dish.
Brown the Chicken: The seasoned chicken pieces are then added to the pot and browned, which helps to develop a richer flavor.
Introduce the Vegetables and Sausages: The diced potatoes, carrots, and sausages are usually added next, allowing them to soften and absorb the developing flavors.
Create the Creamy Sauce: Chicken broth or stock is poured into the pot, and the mixture is brought to a simmer. Cream or evaporated milk is then stirred in to create the signature creamy sauce. A thickening agent like cornstarch or flour might be used to achieve the desired consistency.
Simmer and Meld: The stew is then left to simmer gently, allowing all the flavors to meld together and the chicken and vegetables to become tender.
Final Touches: Towards the end of cooking, other ingredients like mushrooms, green peas, and quail eggs are often added. The stew is then seasoned to taste with salt, pepper, and sometimes a touch of fish sauce or soy sauce for an umami boost.
Serving and Enjoying:
Chicken Pastel is a versatile dish that can be enjoyed in various ways. It’s often served warm with steamed white rice, allowing the creamy sauce to coat the grains beautifully. Some regions also bake the Chicken Pastel in a casserole dish topped with a flaky pie crust, transforming it into a comforting chicken pot pie-like creation.
Whether enjoyed as a simple stew or a more elaborate baked casserole, Chicken Pastel is a dish that embodies the warmth and heartiness of Filipino cuisine. Its creamy texture, savory chicken, and sweet vegetables create a symphony of flavors that makes it a comforting and satisfying meal for any occasion.