Cacciatore facts for kids
Chicken cacciatore
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| Course | Main |
|---|---|
| Place of origin | Italy |
| Region or state | various |
| Serving temperature | Hot or lukewarm |
| Main ingredients | chicken thighs, flour, olive oil, onions, chopped red bell peppers, plum tomatoes, green olives, capers, fresh minced garlic, chili pepper, red/white wine, chicken stock, thyme, fresh basil, oregano |
| Variations | various |
Cacciatore (say "kah-chah-TOR-ee") is an Italian word that means "hunter". When you see alla cacciatora on a menu, it means the dish is made "hunter-style." This cooking style usually includes tasty ingredients like onions, herbs, tomatoes, and often bell peppers. Sometimes, a little wine is added too.
Cacciatore is a popular way to cook chicken (called pollo alla cacciatora) or rabbit (coniglio alla cacciatora). These meats are often braised, which means they are cooked slowly in liquid until they are very tender. There's also a small type of salami called salamino cacciatore. It is seasoned simply with garlic and pepper.
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How to Make Cacciatore
Making cacciatore usually starts with heating some olive oil in a big pan. Pieces of chicken are seasoned with salt and pepper. Then, they are quickly browned in the hot oil for a few minutes on each side. After browning, the chicken is taken out of the pan. Most of the extra oil is poured away.
The remaining oil is used to cook onions, peppers, or other vegetables. They cook for several minutes until they are soft. Next, a small can of peeled tomatoes, chopped up, is added to the pan. Herbs like rosemary and about half a cup of dry red wine are also mixed in. Sometimes, a bay leaf or chopped carrots are added for extra flavor and sweetness.
The browned chicken pieces are then put back into the pan. The pan is covered, and the dish cooks slowly for about an hour. This slow cooking makes the chicken very tender and full of flavor.
Cacciatore is often served with a crusty bread. Outside of Italy, especially in the United States, people might eat it with pasta or white rice.
Chicken Cacciatore Basics
Chicken cacciatore is a very common version of this dish. It almost always includes basic ingredients like onion, garlic, and tomato. These ingredients create the rich sauce that makes cacciatore so delicious.
Salami Cacciatore
Salami cacciatore is a type of salami that often comes from southern Italy. A well-known area for it is Squillace in Calabria. The exact ingredients for this salami can be different depending on where it is made.
Different Ways to Make Cacciatore
There are many different ways to make cacciatore. The ingredients used often depend on what is available in different parts of Italy. For example, in southern Italy, cacciatore often uses red wine. However, chefs in northern Italy might prefer to use white wine instead. Some versions of the dish also include mushrooms, adding another layer of flavor.
