Mar 9th, 2010 by hotinlittlerock
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Good friends were coming for dinner last Saturday, but we had just returned from a long road trip and wanted to keep things simple. We’ve always been a sucker for Chicken Marsala and often order it at one of our favorite Italian restaurants. But, we like to make it at home, too, so that was the choice. It is not a difficult dish to make and practically fool proof.
Pound four skinless, boneless chicken breasts until they are no more than ½ inch thick. Salt and pepper, and dredge them in flour. Saute them in olive oil and butter, about 5 minutes per side. When they are golden (they will not be cooked all the way through), remove them from the skillet to a plate and cover to keep the breasts warm. Add a bit more butter and olive oil to the pan and sauté 4 to 5 cups of sliced mushrooms (any kind will do) until they are caramelized. Add a diced, medium shallot and sauté that until transparent. Sprinkle the mushrooms and shallots with 1 -2 tbs of flour and stir until the flour is cooked. Add 1 cup (at least!) of Marsala wine. (Marsala is a fortified wine originating in Southern Italy and is similar to Port.) As the mixture begins to thicken you may want to add some heavy cream (or half and half). Finally, return the chicken breasts to the skillet, spoon the mushroom sauce over them, and continue to cook for another 5-7 minutes. Serve over buttered pasta tossed with chopped Italian parsley. Add a green salad and crusty bread and you have a fairly quick, simply meal that will please any guests.
We opened a bottle of 2008 La Loggia Barbera D’Alba. The Barbera grape is a classic from the Piedmont region of Italy (that is to say NOT the south). Though it was tasty when we removed the cork, we allowed it to breathe for an hour or so, and the result was a nose of rich strawberry (not sweet, but lovely). On the palate there was also blackberry, a good mouthfeel, nice tannins and a long finish. We finished it and wished for another.
The evening was filled with stories (we never have to hunt for topics with these friends) and laughter. The chicken Marsala was easy and enjoyed by all, and the wine fit the dish perfectly. What more can one ask?
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Posted in Wine
