Basque Chicken

The Basque Country. Is it part of Spain or is it independent from Spain. Is it French or Spanish? I guess it really boils down to who you ask. It definitely has its own identity and culture and it’s thought that the Basques may be the oldest ethnic group in Europe. It is also believed they inhabited the south-western corner of Europe since before Indo-European peoples came to the area some 5,000 years ago. The people survived numerous invasions yet still retained a deep-seated sense of autonomy.

While much of the Basque region is in France, most of the land, industry, and people are in Spain. And many consider Spanish Basque culture to be feistier and more colorful than that of the more integrated French Basques. It is an autonomous community in Northern Spain that straddles two nations on the Atlantic Coast — stretching about 100 miles from Bilbao, Spain, north to Bayonne, France — lies the ancient, free-spirited land of the Basques. They speak Basque, and the French Basque also speak French whereas the Spanish Basque also speak Spanish. The Basque Country is famous for its beaches and scintillating modern architecture…and for its feisty, industrious natives. It includes the Basque provinces of Álava, Biscay, and Gipuzkoa. It also surrounds an enclave called Treviño, which belongs to the neighboring autonomous community of Castile and León. The Basque Country or Basque Autonomous Community was granted the status of nationality within Spain, attributed by the Spanish Constitution of 1978.

Because The Basques have their own unique culture, they also have their own unique style of food too. As with any culture, it is influenced by what is local and native to the regions. I am still looking for recipes to use all the delicious tomatoes that Janet and Bob recently gave me, and one of the recipes I came across was for Basque chicken.

Basque Chicken

Basque chicken is like a light stew of sorts. It is loaded with all kinds of simple goodness. I served it over some couscous, with some toasted garlic bread on the side, and a Spanish white to complete the meal. Last year when we went to Spain and Andorra, we went through Basque country, but we never actually stopped in it. Next time. 🙂

I did what I always do. I had a recipe that I used as a guide, then made it my own and added my own personal touches.

1 1/2 lbs chicken breast, cut into strips

salt & pepper to taste

1-2 tsp paprika

olive oil

1 onion, sliced very thin

1 TBSP garlic

red and/or green peppers, sliced into thin matchsticks

5-6 medium tomatoes, diced and some cherry or sweet 100’s if you like

12 oz, red potatoes, quartered

1 cup chicken broth

1/2 cup green olives, cut in half

1 TBSP fresh thyme and/or oregano, chopped

1-2 TBSP lemon juice

I also had a couple of mushrooms I wanted to use up, so I added those as well. I thought I had red peppers, but I only had some green ones that were in my goody package from Janet and Bob.

Get a large skillet or pot very hot, then add the olive oil, chicken, salt, pepper, and paprika. Cook for about 3-4 minutes, or until the chicken is mostly cooked.

Add the onions, and continue to cook for an additional 2-3 minutes, stirring frequently.

Add the rest of the ingredients, except for the tomatoes, olives, herbs and lemon juice, and thoroughly combine together, then add the chicken broth and mix in.

Add the tomatoes, olives and herbs and mix in. Bring everything to a boil, then reduce the heat to a simmer and continue to cook, for about 20 minutes, stirring occasionally.

Add the lemon juice right before serving, and mix it in thoroughly.

You can serve it as is or over couscous, rice or pasta if you like. I served it over couscous. !Esta mui delicioso!

The latest batch of tomatoes and peppers from Janet and Bob. I used quite a few for my Basque chicken, gave some away to a couple of friends, and I still have a lot left to use. I think you will be seeing more tomato dishes coming your way in the near future. 🙂 My green tomatoes ae ripening up nicely too.

Have a great day and make everyday great. Stay safe and stay well. ‘Til next time.