MAMIE'S CHICKEN STEW

Mamie's Chicken Stew image

Provided by Chuck Hughes

Time 3h

Yield 6 to 8 servings

Number Of Ingredients 13

2 tablespoons/30 ml canola oil
One 4-pound/2 kg whole chicken
2 large carrots, peeled and roughly chopped
2 stalks celery, chopped
2 medium onions, chopped
1 head garlic, halved
1 leek, chopped
1 tablespoon/15 ml peppercorns
A handful fresh parsley, leaves torn
About 10 sprigs fresh thyme
Salt and freshly ground black pepper
4 potatoes, cubed
12 ounces/375 g bow tie pasta

Steps:

In a large saucepan, heat the oil over medium-high heat. Add the chicken, stir to coat and cook until brown on all sides, about 5 minutes. Add the carrots, celery, onions, garlic and leek and continue cooking until the vegetables are a light brown. Add enough water to cover the chicken, and then add the peppercorns, parsley and thyme. Stir to mix and bring to a simmer. Reduce the heat to low and let simmer until the meat falls off the bone, about 2 hours.
Keep the chicken aside and let cool. Keep the stock. Debone and cut the meat in chunks. Strain and skim the fat from the stock. Adjust the seasoning with salt and pepper. (This step can be done the day before.)
Add the potatoes to the stock and cook for 20 minutes. Skim the surface if necessary. Add the pasta and continue cooking until the pasta is al dente, 8 to 10 minutes. Add the chicken chunks. Adjust the seasoning and serve.