Pollo fricase is one of my father's specialties. He learned how to make it from his mom, my Abuela Carmen. This dish usually has wine or beer in it, but if that wasn't readily available, he says they used to make it by adding some grape juice into the dish. Sounds crazy right? Well, grape juice and wine are related, so I totally get it. The sweetness and acidity from the wine or juice gives this dish a unique twist. Puerto Rican pollo fricase is a hearty one-pot dish that's a total crowd pleaser, and it tastes even better the next day.
What Is Pollo Fricase?
Pollo Fricase is a chicken stew that features Spanish and French influences on the Caribbean. A fricassee is halfway between a saute and a stew. There are as many variations as there are Abuelas in Puerto Rico - it relies on humble ingredients and just a single pot. This dish originated in France. It's the original French comfort food that features simmered chicken with hearty vegetables in a rich, tomato-based sauce that features wine.
What Ingredients Do I Need For Puerto Rican Pollo Fricase?
The basis of pollo fricase, and many other Puerto Rican recipes, is sofrito. In addition, wine or beer is essential, as it gives the dish a lovely acidity and depth of flavor that you don't get from a broth only stew like pollo guisado. The chicken is seasoned with adobo and sazon. I add potatoes, sweet potatoes, pumpkin, carrots, and/or corn on the cob to the pot as well. It's an amazing one-pot wonder. Other flavorings include olives, bay leaves and oregano.
What's The Difference Between Pollo Fricase & Pollo Guisado?
There's no definitive answer, but fricase typically features wine, beer or even grape juice as a supplement to the broth. In addition, pollo fricase has less liquid, so it's more stew-like. Fricase tends to have more vegetables, less tomato sauce, and a thicker sauce than pollo guisado.
The Best Pot To Use For Pollo Fricase?
A fricassee is best prepared in a large heavy pot or Dutch oven that has a cover. Any size vessel should work, but be sure not to crowd the pot with too many ingredients. You'll need a vessel that can comfortably fit all your ingredients and can easily be sealed with a cover during the cooking process.
Can I Freeze Leftover Pollo Fricase?
Heck yea! Cool the fricase down to room temperature, then package it in freezer safe containers. To reheat, add the frozen stew to a pot and reheat thoroughly. Serve immediately.
Puerto Rican Pollo Fricase (Chicken Fricassee)
