Indulge in the flavors of the tropics with this exquisite French Guianese dish, Fricassée de Poulet. Tender pieces of chicken are lovingly simmered with a medley of vibrant spices and fresh herbs, creating a dish that bursts with tantalizing aromas and rich flavors. This culinary masterpiece embodies the cultural fusion of French and Creole influences, offering a taste of the diverse culinary heritage of French Guiana. Served alongside aromatic rice or crispy fried plantains, this Fricassée de Poulet promises a culinary journey that will transport you to the sun-kissed shores of this enchanting South American paradise.

Here's a recipe for French Guiana Fricassée de Poulet:

Ingredients:

• 1 whole chicken, cut into pieces (or about 2 pounds of chicken pieces)
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 onion, finely chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 bell pepper, diced
• 2 tomatoes, diced
• 1 teaspoon thyme, dried
• 1 bay leaf
• 1 teaspoon paprika
• 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper (adjust to taste)
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 1 cup chicken broth
• 1 tablespoon tomato paste
• 2 tablespoons chopped parsley, for garnish

Instructions:

1- Heat the olive oil in a large skillet or Dutch oven over medium heat.

2- Season the chicken pieces with salt and pepper. Add them to the skillet and cook until golden brown on all sides, about 5-7 minutes per side. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.

3- In the same skillet, add the chopped onion and bell pepper. Sauté until the vegetables are softened, about 5 minutes.

4- Add the minced garlic, diced tomatoes, thyme, bay leaf, paprika, and cayenne pepper to the skillet. Cook for another 2 minutes, stirring frequently.

5- Return the chicken pieces to the skillet. Pour in the chicken broth and add the tomato paste. Stir to combine everything well.

6- Bring the mixture to a simmer, then reduce the heat to low. Cover the skillet and let the chicken simmer for about 30-40 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and tender.

7- Once the chicken is cooked, taste and adjust the seasoning with salt and pepper if needed.

8- Garnish the Fricassée de Poulet with chopped parsley before serving.

9- Serve the Fricassée de Poulet hot, with rice, mashed potatoes, or crusty bread to soak up the delicious sauce.

Enjoy your French Guiana Fricassée de Poulet, packed with flavors of the tropics!

Nutritional Values:

Here are approximate nutritional values for the main ingredients in the French Guiana Fricassée de Poulet recipe:

Chicken (per 100g):

• Calories: 239 kcal
• Protein: 27 g
• Fat: 14 g
• Carbohydrates: 0 g
• Fiber: 0 g

benefits:

• Excellent source of high-quality protein, essential for muscle repair and growth.
• Rich in vitamins and minerals such as B vitamins, phosphorus, and selenium, which support overall health.

Olive Oil (per tablespoon - 15ml):

• Calories: 119 kcal
• Fat: 14 g
• Saturated Fat: 2 g
• Monounsaturated Fat: 10 g
• Polyunsaturated Fat: 2 g
• No carbohydrates, protein, or fiber

benefits:

• Contains heart-healthy monounsaturated fats, which may help lower bad cholesterol levels and reduce the risk of heart disease.
• Rich in antioxidants, particularly vitamin E, which have anti-inflammatory properties and may protect against oxidative damage.

Onion (per 100g):

• Calories: 40 kcal
• Protein: 1.1 g
• Fat: 0.1 g
• Carbohydrates: 9.3 g
• Fiber: 1.7 g

benefits:

• Good source of fiber, which aids in digestion and promotes gut health.
• Contains antioxidants such as quercetin, which may help reduce inflammation and lower the risk of chronic diseases.

Bell Pepper (per 100g):

• Calories: 31 kcal
• Protein: 1 g
• Fat: 0.3 g
• Carbohydrates: 6 g
• Fiber: 2.1 g

benefits:

• High in vitamin C, which supports the immune system and helps the body absorb iron from plant-based foods.
• Rich in antioxidants, particularly beta-carotene, which may help reduce the risk of certain cancers and protect eye health.

Tomato (per 100g):

• Calories: 18 kcal
• Protein: 0.9 g
• Fat: 0.2 g
• Carbohydrates: 3.9 g
• Fiber: 1.2 g

benefits:

• Excellent source of the antioxidant lycopene, which may help reduce the risk of heart disease and certain types of cancer.
• Contains vitamins A, C, and K, as well as potassium, which support overall health and hydration.

Chicken Broth (per cup - 240ml):

• Calories: 12 kcal
• Protein: 0.9 g
• Fat: 0.2 g
• Carbohydrates: 1.8 g
• Fiber: 0 g

benefits:

• Provides hydration and helps replenish electrolytes, making it beneficial for overall hydration and recovery.
• Contains gelatin, which supports joint health and may improve digestion.

Parsley (per tablespoon - 4g):

• Calories: 1 kcal
• Protein: 0.1 g
• Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 0.2 g
• Fiber: 0.1 g

benefits:

• Rich in vitamin K, which is essential for bone health and blood clotting.
• Contains antioxidants such as flavonoids and carotenoids, which may help reduce inflammation and protect against chronic diseases.

Please note that these values are approximate and can vary based on factors such as cooking methods, specific brands of ingredients used, and portion sizes.