Mother's Chicken Cacciatore

by Marie Rizzio
(Interlochen, Mi. )

Both my parents are Italian as well as my grandparents (both sides) who were born in Italy. This recipe was my Mothers and she often made it for Sunday dinner. I have been making Chicken Cacciatore for my family of six for over 50 years.

INGREDIENTS

3 lb. chicken, cut up, washed and dried

4 tablespoons olive oil

1 cup chopped onion

1/2 cup chopped green pepper

4 finely chopped garlic cloves

1 (28 oz.) can tomatoes

1 (8 oz.) can tomato sauce

1/2 cup Chianti wine

1 teaspoon salt

1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper

1/2 teaspoon ground allspice

1/2 teaspoon leaf thyme

1 teaspoon sugar

2 bay leaves

dash cayenne pepper

PREPARATION

Heat olive oil over medium-high heat in Dutch Oven.

Place chicken, few pieces at a time, in Dutch Oven and cook until golden brown on all sides.

When all the chicken is browned, add the onion, green pepper and garlic; cook and stir for 1 minute.

Add the remaining ingredients; simmer uncovered about 40 minutes or until the chicken is tender.

Serve with sauce over it.

Pass Italian bread.

4-6 servings.