Tender Poulet Basque is a whole chicken casseroled in white wine, tomatoes and mushrooms.
ingredients
serves 4
1 dressed chicken (about 3 pound)
salt and pepper
3 tablespoons olive oil
2 large green peppers, deseeded and cut into strips
4 tomatoes, skinned and quartered
1 cup button mushrooms, washed
2 ounce (2 slices) lean bacon, cut in small dice
1/4 pint dry white wine
method
1. Preheat oven to moderate, 180°C (350°F).
2. Sprinkle chicken with salt and pepper.
3. Heat oil in a large pan and fry chicken until golden brown all over.
4. Transfer chicken to a casserole, draining well.
5. Add green peppers, tomatoes, mushrooms and bacon to pan in which chicken was cooked and fry lightly for 2 - 3 minutes.
6. Add wine, stir well to remove any sediment around the pan, then pour around chicken in casserole.
7. Cover closely with lid or foil and cook in centre of oven for 30 minutes.
8. Remove cover and continue cooking for a further 30 - 45 minutes, or until chicken is golden brown and tender.
9. Serve with boiled rice and crisp green salad.
