Tavuk Sote

Tavuk sote: quick Turkish chicken sauté with peppers, tomatoes, onion and paprika in a light pan sauce.

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Tavuk sote is everyday Turkish home cooking at its most practical. High heat and small chicken pieces keep the dish fast while preserving juicy meat.

Ingredients

• 700 g boneless chicken thighs or breast (cut into bite-size pieces)
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 1 onion (sliced)
• 2 green peppers (sliced)
• 1 red bell pepper (sliced)
• 3 garlic cloves (minced)
• 3 tomatoes (diced)
• 1 tbsp tomato paste
• 1 tsp paprika
• 1 tsp dried thyme
• 1 tsp fine salt (or to taste)
• 0.5 tsp black pepper
• 100 ml hot water
• 2 tbsp fresh parsley (chopped)

Step-by-step method

1. Pat the chicken dry and season lightly with salt and pepper.
2. Heat the olive oil in a wide frying pan over high heat. Add the chicken in one layer and cook for 5–6 minutes until browned.
3. Add the onion and peppers and cook for 5 minutes, stirring frequently.
4. Add the garlic, tomato paste, paprika and thyme and cook for 1 minute.
5. Add the diced tomatoes and hot water and stir well.
6. Reduce the heat to medium and simmer for 8–10 minutes until the chicken is fully cooked and the sauce lightly coats the pieces.
7. Taste and adjust salt and pepper. If there is too much liquid, increase the heat for 1–2 minutes to reduce it.
8. Scatter with parsley and serve with rice, bulgur or crusty bread.