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LIGHT & LOCAL |
| • | Flatbreads go full circle |
Want something fast, easy, and tasty? Make my quick version of chicken cacciatore (kah-cha-TOR-ay). The literal Italian translation of cacciatore is "hunter." In the old days, during the fall, hunters would scout out wild game and the women would prepare a slow-braised stew with whatever their men caught. They also "cacciatoréd" lamb, rabbit and other wild fowl. Originating in central Italy, the dish is thought of as a country or comfort food.
It is one of more popular Italian-American dishes, too, and doesn't require very expensive ingredients. Usually the meat is braised with olive oil, herbs, tomatoes and mushrooms. Often, it is cooked very slowly for at least an hour or longer. This allows the chicken to absorb the braising liquid, becoming more tender, and gives the flavors time to develop.
With all of our busy schedules and lifestyles, we don't have the time to hunt and cook as our elders did. Instead, hunt the aisles of your favorite grocery store and you will have a delicious dinner for you and your family. Buon appetito!
QUICK CHICKEN CACCIATORE
Soak the shiitake mushrooms in boiling water until they are rehydrated. Spray a nonstick skillet with olive oil spray. Add chicken tenders and brown on each side. Remove chicken and reserve. Spray a little more olive oil in the skillet and saute the onion, garlic and celery until transparent. Add green pepper and Italian seasoning. Drain mushrooms, reserving the liquid for thinning sauce if needed; slice and add to vegetables. Add the browned chicken tenders, spaghetti sauce and capers. Season with salt to taste. Serve with pasta, polenta or crusty garlic bread and a green salad.
Serves 4.
Want a local recipe lightened up? Write Light & Local, Taste Section, The Advertiser, P.O. Box 3110, Honolulu, HI 96802; or taste@honoluluadvertiser.com. Carol Devenot is a Kaimuki-raised kama'aina, teacher and recipe consultant, and author of "Island Light Cuisine" (Blue Sea Publishing, paper, 2003). Learn more at www.islandlightcuisine.com.
