Pollo alla Cacciatore

One of my resolutions for 2010 is less take-out and more home cooking. That being said, on a late work night how do you stop your tired self from reaching for a take out menu? The answer is simple, Nigella Express. I love Nigella Lawson, full stop. Nigella Express is great – one of my favorite Nigella cookbooks. I love how easily and deliciously these recipes come together. Not only can I make a quick meal for my family on a busy night, I can even have friends over on a work night and not be a frazzled mess.

Try this. You won’t be sorry.

Pollo alla Cacciatore

• 1 tablespoon garlic oil
• 1/2 cup pancetta cubes
• 6 scallions, finely sliced
• 1 teaspoon finely chopped fresh rosemary leaves
• 1 pound chicken thigh fillets, each cut into 4 pieces
• 1/2 teaspoon celery salt
• 1/2 cup white wine
• 1 (14-ounce) can chopped tomatoes
• 2 bay leaves
• 1/2 teaspoon sugar
• 1 (14-ounce) can cannellini beans, optional

NOTE: I know it says optional on the cannellini beans, but they add a lot of depth and heartiness to this dish. Also, with the beans in, you really just need a salad and a crusty loaf of bread and dinner is served.

Heat the garlic oil in a sauté pan; add the pancetta cubes, sliced scallions and chopped rosemary and sauté for a couple of minutes.

NOTE: If you live near a Trader Joe’s, Fairway, or Whole Foods, they sell pancetta already diced. Makes this dish even more Express. I always keep a few packets of the diced pancetta in the freezer.

Add the bite-sized chicken pieces, stirring well, and sprinkle in the celery salt.

Pour in the wine and let it come to a boil before adding the tomatoes, bay leaves and sugar. Cover and let simmer for 20 minutes.

Drain the cannellini beans, and add to the pan. When they have warmed through too, you are ready to eat.

NOTE: I doubled this recipe this time for some hearty eaters I had over for dinner. I toasted the bread lightly and rubbed a cut garlic clove on the bread. I served the cacciatore over the toasted bread. Fantastic again!