The recipe for chicken drumstick ostropel is quite similar to the classic chicken stew with onions and lemon, but it has its own unique charm that sets it apart. While both dishes share a hearty, comforting base, the flavors in chicken ostropel feel richer and more balanced, at least to me. Personally, I find chicken ostropel much more appealing than its lemon-infused counterpart. Don’t get me wrong—lemon has its place in certain dishes, but when it comes to hearty stews, I prefer a simpler, more savory flavor profile. That’s just my personal preference, of course!
This dish combines tender chicken, sweet onions, and a vibrant tomato-based sauce that’s enriched with garlic and spices. It’s one of those recipes that fills your home with the most inviting aroma as it cooks. If you’re ready to explore a traditional Romanian recipe that’s both easy to prepare and utterly delicious, let’s dive into the details and bring this comforting meal to life together!
Traditional Romanian Chicken Ostropel
Equipment
Ingredients
1 kg chicken drumsticks- 1.5 kg onions
- 5 garlic cloves
- 3 tbsp tomato paste or 200 ml tomato juice
- 50 ml sunflower oil
- 1/2 tsp salt to taste
- 1/3 tsp ground black pepper to taste
Instructions
Prepare the Chicken
- Wash the chicken drumsticks thoroughly and pat them dry.Heat a generous amount of oil (or butter for a richer taste) in a large pan and fry the chicken on medium heat until golden brown.For extra tenderness, pour in a glass of beer while frying. This not only softens the meat but adds a subtle depth of flavor, a technique often used in Asian cuisine.
Prepare the Onion Sauce
- While the chicken cooks, peel, wash, and coarsely chop the onions. Larger pieces allow the onion's sweetness to shine through.Heat a bit of oil in a deep pot, add the chopped onions, and cook on medium heat until they soften and turn slightly golden.Stir in the tomato paste, minced garlic, salt, and ground black pepper to taste. For a thinner sauce, add a cup of water. Simmer the mixture for about 10 minutes to let the flavors meld together.
Combine and Cook
- Place the fried chicken drumsticks into the pot with the onion sauce. Stir gently to coat the chicken in the sauce.Cover the pot with a lid and cook on low heat for an additional 5–7 minutes, allowing the flavors to infuse.Serve hot with your choice of side dishes, and enjoy the comforting flavors of this traditional Romanian recipe!
