CHICKEN WITH POLENTA

Another recipe from Sergio. Terrific on a cold day. Imagine sitting round an open fire with Sophia Loren, Umberto Eco, Gina Lollobrigida and Marcello Mastrionni dining on this bold rustic food while guzzling a flinty Sangiovese. We'll live Silvio Berlusconi outside. No bunga bunga here, just good wholesome fun!

CHICKEN WITH POLENTA

Finely chop 2 onions
Finely chop 3 cloves of garlic
1 tablespoon olive oil
½ cup white wine

Add the above to a large casserole dish and cook 3 to 4 mins until the onion is soft.

Add the chicken pieces (ask your butcher to cut up the whole chicken into about 10 pieces)
Also add 1-2 carrots, chopped finely
Add celery stick, chopped finely
Add torn basil leaves and rosemary leaves
Add more white wine (about ½ cup)
Add 5-6 fresh tomatoes or you can use good quality canned whole peeled tomatoes. If you are using fresh tomatoes, don’t bother to peel and seed them.

Also add potatoes cut into large pieces

You may also add more water if you want lots of sauce.

Cook all of the above in the casserole on top of the stove for approx 45 mins to 1 hour depending on the quantities used.

Once the chicken is cooked, serve the chicken in a wide bowl and add a large tablespoon or two of polenta on top of the chicken and serve.

Some people at this stage add white wine vinegar
Grated parmesan cheese
Black pepper
Chopped fresh chilli