Grašak sa piletinom

Grasak sa piletinom, or pea stew with chicken is a beloved dish in many Balkan households. This is particularly true in Serbia, Bosnia and Croatia. This is one of those dishes that are just so comforting and so normal they feel just like home. This meal brings together chicken, fresh or frozen peas and various seasonings. This dish is wholesome, flavourful, and nutritious, and it is loved by adults and children.

The key ingredients for Grašak sa piletinom include:

• Chicken; Typically chicken thighs or chicken breasts are used. I usually use chicken thighs because they have more fat and are softer and tastier than chicken breasts. The addition of chicken to peas brings a depth flavour and they pair so well together.
• Onion and carrots; For this recipe only onion and carrots are used, besides the peas, but one may experiment and add garlic.
• Spices: This is a simple dish, in which the main ingredients scream for attention. There is no need to add a lot of spices because the peas bring forth a beautiful almost sweet flavour which is dominant. A lot of spices may change the taste of the peas (if that makes sense)

Cultural significance

It’s always important for me to tie dishes to culture and tradition because it’s fascinating how certain dishes come to be and how they are enjoyed in different cultures. Like my country, South Africa, the Balkan region is very homely and home cooked meals are very popular. This dish holds a special place in Balkan cuisine, and every family has its own recipe. It is usually served as a main course. I believe it reflects the regions’cultural heritage; utilizing local produce and emphasizing the importance of home-cooked meals.

Serving suggestions

Grašak sa piletinom is typically served hot, often accompanied by bread. For a refreshing contrast, a simple salad can complement the meal well, such as Simple Serbian cabbage salad.

This dish is straightforward, and simple to make and fills the house with a homely, comforting aroma. You may make enough to have twice throughout the week because its not boring at all. Whether you’re revisiting this beautiful traditional dish or you’ve never heard of it and trying it for the first time, you’re sure to appreciate the heartiness and depth of this classic Balakn stew. I really hope you enjoy it as much as my little girl does because she loves it.

Tips to get the perfect pea stew

• Cook the stew until the peas are soft, if your peas take longer to cook, do not remove from the stove until well done.
• Do not add a lot of water, instead add water as needed. But also do not add too little water. Start by filling the pot just above the peas then add as the water gets less.