With the arrival of winter, hearty recipes take center stage at the table to combat the cold and provide the body with the energy it needs to get through each day. There's nothing better than having a couple of substantial dishes that, for many, will also bring back memories of grandma's homemade cooking. This Hen with Paprika Sauce is a comforting dish that highlights the unmatched flavor of hen, perfect for cold winter days. The...
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Cut the hen into pieces and place them in a pot with boiling salted water.
Add half of the onion (uncut) and the previously peeled and washed vegetables to the pot.
Cook the hen until it is halfway tender, then remove it from the pot.
In a saucepan, melt the margarine and sauté the other half of the onion, finely chopped.
Add the paprika and mix well.
Add the hen pieces to the saucepan, cover them with a bit of the cooking broth, and cook, stirring occasionally.
Add water if necessary.
After about 40 minutes, remove the hen and cut the meat into small cubes.
If necessary, debone the meat, depending on whether you used the breast or the legs and thighs.
Mix the milk with the flour and add it to the cooking base of the hen.
Cook over low heat for 5 minutes.
Remove the sauce from the heat and strain it.
Add the heavy cream and season with salt and pepper.
Finally, stir in the paprika.
To tenderize the hen and enhance its flavor, marinate it for a few hours with lemon juice before cooking.
Use the leftover cooking broth as a base for a soup by adding noodles or rice.
Adjust the amount of paprika to your taste for a milder or stronger flavor.
Can I use chicken instead of hen?
Yes, you can use chicken, but keep in mind that hen has a richer flavor and requires longer cooking time.
How do I know when the hen is halfway tender?
The hen is halfway tender when it starts to soften but still has some firmness. You can test it by piercing it with a fork.
Can I use butter instead of margarine?
Yes, butter can be used as a substitute for margarine in this recipe.
What vegetables can I use for the broth?
You can use carrots, celery, and red bell peppers as suggested, but feel free to add other vegetables like leeks or parsley for extra flavor.
Can I make the sauce thicker?
Yes, you can add a bit more flour to the milk mixture to achieve a thicker consistency.
