German Frikassee
Tenderly Cooked Meat and Vegetables in a Delicate Gravy
Chicken or veal Frikassee is a cherished German classic, where tenderly cooked meat and vegetables harmoniously mingle in a delicate gravy crafted from the essence of the cooking broth, enriched with a blend of butter and flour. Staying true to the subtlety of European culinary traditions, the original recipe relies solely on salt for seasoning. Nevertheless, we’ve introduced a unique twist by infusing a lemon herb blend, enhancing the aroma of the fresh ingredients in this refined dish.
Asparagus - Green or White
Tips & Tricks
- Recipe Shortcut: Opt for convenience by using leftover chicken or pre-cook your chicken in advance for a time-saving culinary experience.
- Vegetable Pairing Suggestions: Explore a variety of vegetable combinations such as mushrooms and asparagus, or green peas and carrots. Additionally, consider other options like root vegetables such as parsnip or celery root for a diverse and flavorful twist.
- Butter Replacement Options: Opt for a variety of alternatives by substituting cow butter with clarified butter, ghee, coconut oil, or lard for a versatile and flavorful twist.
- Versatile Gravy: Extend the utility of this flavorful gravy beyond the current dish. Consider using it for your upcoming turkey feast, drizzling over steamed vegetables, or enhancing the flavor of pasta for a delightful culinary experience.
- Culinary Tip: Highly recommend not skipping the capers for an enhanced flavor profile. For those seeking a more adventurous taste, consider adding a few anchovy fillets to elevate the dish further.
- Recipe Expansion Tip: Easily scale up the recipe by doubling the ingredients. Once prepared, transfer half of the savory gravy to a separate bowl before introducing the spices to the remaining portion in the pot. Taste both variations – spiced and unspiced – and let us know what you think.
- Customizable Serving Option: If potatoes or rice aren’t your preference, try serving the dish over a head of steamed cauliflower, cauliflower rice, or wide noodles for a versatile and delightful dining experience.
Frikassee Ingredients
Making the Gravy
Frikassee Side Options
German Frikassee
Chicken or veal Frikassee is a cherished German classic, where tenderly cooked meat and vegetables harmoniously mingle in a delicate gravy crafted from the essence of the cooking broth, enriched with a blend of butter and flour. Staying true to the subtlety of European culinary traditions, the original recipe relies solely on salt for seasoning. Nevertheless, we've introduced a unique twist by infusing a lemon herb blend, enhancing the aroma of the fresh ingredients in this refined dish.
Ingredients
Protein
- 1 lb boneless chicken breast [1]
Fresh Produce
- 1 medium onion quartered
- 2 cups small cut vegetables [2]
- 1-3 tbsp lemon juice, to taste
Dairy
- 3 tbsp butter [3]
- 1 egg yolk
Packaged Food/Staples
- 1/3 cup all-purpose flour [4]
- 1-2 tbsp dry white wine optional
- 1-3 tsp capers [5] optional
Culinary Spice Kit
- Dill, chives, lemon balm, white pepper, mustard, nutmeg, paprika, tarragon, lemon peel
Suggested Sides
- cooked rice or potatoes
- mashed potatoes
- dumplings or gnocchi
Instructions
Step 1 - Cook Chicken & Vegetables
- In a POT, bring 4 cups of lightly salted water to a boil.
- Add chicken, onion, and small-cut vegetables.
- Cook over medium-low heat for 15-20 minutes until the chicken is tender.
- Turn off the heat and remove the onion.
- Cut or shred the chicken into half-inch pieces.
- Return the chicken to the pot.
Step 2 - Prepare Sauce
- In a second POT, melt butter over medium heat without browning.
- Gradually add flour and stir constantly until it turns slightly golden.
- Gradually add 3 cups of the chicken stock from step 1, incorporating 0.5 cup at a time. Whisk constantly until well combined with the flour-butter mixture.
- Optionally, add white wine and whisk to combine.
- Bring the sauce to a boil, then reduce the heat to low and cook for 15 minutes, stirring frequently.
Step 3 - Finish
- Optionally, add capers to the sauce.
- Add Frikassee spices, and lemon juice and salt to taste.
- In a CUP, whisk the egg yolk with 2 tbsp cold water. Add this to the sauce.
- Add the chicken and small-cut vegetables. Mix well.
- Serve with your preferred side.
Notes
[1] Substitute chicken with veal or pork and cook until tender.
[2] Cut the vegetables into pieces approximately 1/2 inch in size, or choose any bite-size form you prefer.
Suggested vegetables:
- green peas, carrots, and turnip or celery root
- mushrooms and asparagus (green or white) or cauliflower florets
