Indulge in the vibrant culinary traditions of El Salvador with our mouthwatering Pollo Encebollado. This beloved dish features succulent chicken pieces marinated in a tantalizing blend of spices and then simmered to perfection with a generous helping of onions. The result is a rich and savory flavor profile that will transport you to the bustling streets of San Salvador. Served alongside rice, beans, and warm tortillas, this dish is a celebration of authentic Salvadoran cuisine that is sure to delight your taste buds. Whether you're seeking a taste of home or eager to explore new culinary horizons, our Pollo Encebollado promises a satisfying and memorable dining experience.

Ingredients:

• 1 whole chicken, cut into pieces (or chicken thighs and drumsticks)
• 3 large onions, thinly sliced
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 tomatoes, diced
• 1 bell pepper, sliced
• 1 teaspoon ground cumin
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1 teaspoon paprika
• 1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper
• Salt to taste
• 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
• 1 cup chicken broth or water
• Fresh cilantro for garnish (optional)

Instructions:

1- In a large bowl, combine the chicken pieces with minced garlic, ground cumin, dried oregano, paprika, ground black pepper, and salt. Mix well to ensure the chicken is evenly coated with the spices. Let it marinate for at least 30 minutes in the refrigerator.

2- In a large skillet or Dutch oven, heat the vegetable oil over medium heat. Add the sliced onions and cook until they become soft and translucent, stirring occasionally, for about 5-7 minutes.

3- Push the onions to the side of the skillet and add the marinated chicken pieces to the center. Brown the chicken on all sides, turning occasionally, for about 8-10 minutes.

4- Once the chicken is nicely browned, add the diced tomatoes and sliced bell pepper to the skillet. Stir to combine with the onions and chicken.

5- Pour in the chicken broth or water, ensuring it covers the chicken pieces. Bring the mixture to a simmer, then reduce the heat to low. Cover the skillet and let it cook for about 30-40 minutes, or until the chicken is tender and fully cooked, stirring occasionally.

6- Once the chicken is cooked through and the sauce has thickened slightly, taste and adjust the seasoning with more salt or pepper if needed.

7- Garnish with fresh cilantro leaves if desired, and serve the Pollo Encebollado hot with rice, beans, and warm tortillas.

Enjoy the authentic flavors of El Salvador with this hearty and flavorful Pollo Encebollado!

Nutritional Value:

Here's an approximate breakdown of the nutritional values for the main ingredients in Pollo Encebollado, based on standard serving sizes:

Chicken:

A standard serving of chicken (about 3 ounces or 85 grams) typically contains:

• Calories: 165
• Protein: 31 grams
• Fat: 3.6 grams
• Carbohydrates: 0 grams
• Fiber: 0 grams

benefits:

• Excellent source of protein, essential for building and repairing tissues.
• Rich in vitamins such as B6 and niacin, important for metabolism and energy production.
• Contains minerals like phosphorus and selenium, necessary for bone health and immune function.

Onions:

A medium-sized onion (about 110 grams) contains approximately:

• Calories: 44
• Protein: 1 gram
• Fat: 0 grams
• Carbohydrates: 10 grams
• Fiber: 2 grams

benefits:

• Low in calories but high in antioxidants, particularly flavonoids and quercetin, which may reduce inflammation and lower the risk of chronic diseases.
• Good source of vitamin C, essential for immune function and collagen production.
• Contains fiber, which aids in digestion and promotes gut health.

Tomatoes:

One medium-sized tomato (about 123 grams) contains roughly:

• Calories: 22
• Protein: 1 gram
• Fat: 0 grams
• Carbohydrates: 5 grams
• Fiber: 1.5 grams

benefits:

• Rich in vitamin C, an antioxidant that supports immune function and skin health.
• Good source of potassium, which helps regulate blood pressure and muscle function.
• Contains lycopene, a powerful antioxidant linked to reducing the risk of certain cancers and promoting heart health.

Bell Pepper:

One medium-sized bell pepper (about 119 grams) provides approximately:

• Calories: 30
• Protein: 1 gram
• Fat: 0 grams
• Carbohydrates: 7 grams
• Fiber: 2.5 grams

benefits:

• Excellent source of vitamin A, important for vision health and immune function.
• High in vitamin C, which boosts immunity and aids in collagen production.
• Contains fiber, which supports digestive health and helps maintain a feeling of fullness.

Additional Ingredients:

• Garlic, vegetable oil, and spices (cumin, oregano, paprika, black pepper, salt) contribute minimal calories and nutrients to the dish.

benefits:

• Garlic is known for its antimicrobial properties and may help lower cholesterol levels and blood pressure.
• Vegetable oil provides healthy fats and vitamin E, which acts as an antioxidant and supports skin health.
• Spices like cumin, oregano, paprika, black pepper, and salt add flavor without significantly contributing to calorie or nutrient intake.

Keep in mind that these values are approximate and can vary based on factors such as the specific ingredients used and cooking methods. Additionally, the nutritional content may change if you modify the recipe or serving sizes.