Country Captain is a classic Southern dish that is made with a combination of chicken, tomatoes, onions, and spices. It is often served over rice or with biscuits. The dish is thought to have originated in the Southern United States and has become popular in other parts of the country as well.
To make a Country Captain, will need the following ingredients:
| Ingredients: |
| 4 tablespoons vegetable oil |
| 4 chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces |
| Salt and pepper, to taste |
| 1 medium onion, diced |
| 2 cloves garlic, minced |
| 1 teaspoon curry powder |
| 1/2 teaspoon ground cumin |
| 1/2 teaspoon ground coriander |
| 1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon |
| 1/4 teaspoon ground allspice |
| 1 cup chicken broth |
| 1 cup diced tomatoes |
| 1/2 cup raisins |
| 1/4 cup chopped almonds |
| Cooked white rice, for serving |
Here is a step-by-step recipe for making Country Captain:
Step1: In a big skillet over medium heat, heat 2 tablespoons of the oil.
Step2: Add salt and pepper to the chicken before adding it to the pan.
Step3: Cook the chicken until it is browned on all sides and cooked through, about 5-7 minutes.
Step4: Place the chicken aside after removing it from the skillet.
Step5: Add the remaining 2 tablespoons of oil to the skillet and heat it over medium heat.
Step6: Add the onion and garlic and cook until the onion is soft, about 5 minutes.
Step7: Stir in the curry powder, cumin, coriander, cinnamon, and allspice and cook for 1 minute.
Step8: Add the chicken broth, tomatoes, raisins, and almonds to the skillet and bring the mixture to a boil.
Step9: Reduce the heat to low and simmer for 10-15 minutes, or until the sauce has thickened.
Step10: Add the reserved chicken to the skillet and cook for an additional 5 minutes, or until the chicken is heated through. Serve the Country Captain over cooked white rice.
Nutritional value of Country Captain:
Here is a rough estimate of the nutritional value of a serving of Country Captain made with 4 chicken breasts, 1 cup of diced tomatoes, 1/2 cup of raisins, and 1/4 cup of chopped almonds:
| Nutritious: |
| Calories: 460 |
| Protein: 39 grams |
| Fat: 18 grams |
| Carbohydrates: 45 grams |
| Fiber: 4 grams |
| Sodium: 350 milligrams |
Background History of Country Captain:
Country Captain is a classic Southern dish that has a long and storied history. The origins of the dish are somewhat unclear, but it is thought to have originated in the southeastern United States in the 19th century. Some sources claim that the dish was brought to the United States by British traders and was named after a British naval officer, Captain White, who was stationed in the South. Others believe that the dish was created by a chef at a plantation in Georgia, who named it after a visit from the governor of the state, who was known as the “Country Captain.”
Advantages and Disadvantages of Country Captain:
| Advantages: |
| It is a hearty and filling dish that can be a main course for a meal. |
| It is relatively easy to prepare and can be made forward. |
| It can be made with a variety of ingredients, such as chicken, vegetables, and a tomato-based sauce, which can provide a good source of protein, fiber, and various vitamins and minerals. |
| It has a long history and is a classic Southern dish that is enjoyed by many people. |
| Disadvantages: |
| It may be high in fat and sodium, depending on the specific ingredients used and how the dish is prepared. |
| It may not be suitable for people with food allergies or sensitivities, as it may contain ingredients such as nuts, tomatoes, or raisins that some people cannot eat. |
| It may not be suitable for people who follow certain dietary restrictions, such as a low-sodium or low-fat diet. |
There are a few dishes that are similar to Country Captain:
Chicken Tikka Masala: This is an Indian dish that is made with chicken that has been marinated in yogurt and spices and then cooked in a tomato-based sauce. Usually, rice or naan bread are served with it.
Chicken Curry: This is a dish that is made with chicken, vegetables, and a curry sauce, which is a combination of spices and coconut milk or other liquid. It is often served with rice or another grain.
Chicken Cacciatore: This is an Italian dish that is made with chicken, vegetables, and a tomato-based sauce. It is typically served with pasta or rice.
Chicken Jalfrezi: This is an Indian dish that is made with chicken, vegetables, and a spicy tomato-based sauce. It is often served with naan bread or rice.
Related questions people often ask?
What are some variations of Country Captain?
- Country Captain is a chicken dish that is popular in the southern United States. It is typically made with diced chicken that is cooked in a tomato-based sauce with onions, bell peppers, and spices. Some variations of Country Captain include the following:
- Some recipes include raisins, which add a touch of sweetness to the dish.
- Some versions of the dish include the addition of coconut milk or coconut flakes, which gives the dish a unique flavor and adds richness to the sauce.
- Some recipes call for the inclusion of nuts, such as almonds or cashews, which add texture and flavor to the dish.
- Some variations of Country Captain include the addition of curry powder or other spices, which gives the dish an aromatic and spicy kick.
- Some versions of the dish include the addition of chopped apples or pineapple, which adds a touch of sweetness and helps to balance out the spicy flavors in the dish.
How can I make Country Captain spicier?
There are several ways you can make Country Captain spicier:
1. Use a spicier tomato sauce or diced tomatoes: Look for a tomato sauce or diced tomatoes that have a higher level of heat, such as those made with habanera peppers or other spicy peppers.
2. Add more chili flakes or hot sauce: You can add more chili flakes or hot sauce to the dish to increase the level of heat.
3. Use spicier spices: You can add more cumin, coriander, paprika, or other spicy spices to the dish to give it a kick.
4. Add diced jalapeno peppers: Diced jalapeno peppers can add a lot of heat to the dish. You can add them to the tomato sauce or sauté them with the onions and bell peppers.
5. Use a spicier curry powder: If you’re using curry powder in your recipe, you can use a spicier variety, such as Madras curry powder, which has a higher level of heat.
Can I use other types of meat in Country Captain, such as pork or lamb?
Yes, you can use other types of meat in Country Captain if you prefer. Chicken is the traditional meat used in the dish, but you can use other types of meat such as pork, lamb, or beef if you prefer.
If you’re using a different type of meat, you’ll need to adjust the cooking time accordingly. For example, pork and lamb will generally take longer to cook than chicken, so you’ll need to increase the cooking time to ensure that the meat is cooked through and tender.
You can also experiment with using a combination of different meats in the dish, such as chicken and pork, or lamb and beef. This can add depth of flavor and variety to the dish.
Can I make Country Captain with a different type of sauce, such as a coconut milk-based sauce or a peanut sauce?
Yes, you can certainly make variations of Country Captain using different types of sauces. For example, you can use a coconut milk-based sauce or a peanut sauce in place of the traditional tomato-based sauce.
To make a coconut milk-based sauce, you can start by sautéing onions and bell peppers in a large pot or Dutch oven. Then, add diced chicken (or your preferred type of meat) and cook until it is browned on all sides. Next, add a can of coconut milk, diced tomatoes, and your preferred spices (such as curry powder, cumin, coriander, and paprika) to the pot. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to a simmer and let it cook for about 20-30 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and the sauce has thickened.
To make a peanut sauce, you can start by blending together peanut butter, coconut milk, soy sauce, and your preferred spices (such as cumin, coriander, and paprika). Then, follow the same basic steps as above, substituting the peanut sauce for the tomato sauce.
Can I make Country Captain in the slow cooker or Instant Pot?
Here is a basic recipe for making Country Captain in a slow cooker:
Ingredients:
- 1 pound diced chicken (or your preferred type of meat)
- 1 cup diced onions
- 1 cup diced bell peppers
- 1 can diced tomatoes
- 1 cup chicken broth
- 1 teaspoon curry powder
- 1 teaspoon cumin
- 1 teaspoon coriander
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
Step1: Place the diced chicken, onions, and bell peppers in the slow cooker.
Step2: Add the diced tomatoes, chicken broth, curry powder, cumin, and coriander to the slow cooker.
Step3: Stir the ingredients together to combine.
Step4: Cover the slow cooker and cook on low heat for 6-8 hours, or on high heat for 3-4 hours.
Step5: Season with salt and pepper to taste before serving.
Here is a basic recipe for making Country Captain in an Instant Pot:
Ingredients:
- 1 pound diced chicken (or your preferred type of meat)
- 1 tablespoon oil
- 1 cup diced onions
- 1 cup diced bell peppers
- 1 can diced tomatoes
- 1 cup chicken broth
- 1 teaspoon curry powder
- 1 teaspoon cumin
- 1 teaspoon coriander
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
Step1: Add the oil and switch the Instant Pot to the “sauté” setting
Step2: When the oil is hot, add the diced chicken and cook until it is browned on all sides.
Step3: Add the onions and bell peppers and cook until they are softened.
Step4: Add the diced tomatoes, chicken broth, curry powder, cumin, and coriander to the Instant Pot.
Step5: Stir the ingredients together to combine.
Step6: Close the lid of the Instant Pot and set it to the “manual” or “pressure cook” function. Set the cooking time to 10 minutes.
Step7: When the cooking time is up, carefully release the pressure using the valve on the lid.
Step8: Open the lid and season the dish with salt and pepper to taste before serving.
How can I make Country Captain vegetarian or vegan?
To make Country Captain vegetarian or vegan, you’ll need to use a plant-based protein source in place of the chicken or other meat. Some options for vegetarian and vegan protein sources include tofu, temper, legumes (such as beans or lentils), and seitan.
Here is a basic recipe for making vegetarian Country Captain using tofu:
Ingredients:
- 1 pound firm tofu, cubed
- 1 tablespoon oil
- 1 cup diced onions
- 1 cup diced bell peppers
- 1 can diced tomatoes
- 1 cup vegetable broth
- 1 teaspoon curry powder
- 1 teaspoon cumin
- 1 teaspoon coriander
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
Step1: A big saucepan or Dutch oven should be heated with the oil on medium.
Step2: The tofu should be added and cooked until it is browned all over.
Step3: Add the onions and bell peppers and cook until they are softened.
Step4: Add the diced tomatoes, vegetable broth, curry powder, cumin, and coriander to the pot.
Step5: Stir the ingredients together to combine.
Step6: Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to a simmer and let it cook for about 20-30 minutes, or until the tofu is tender and the sauce has thickened.
Step7: Season with salt and pepper to taste before serving.
If you’re using temper, beans, or lentils, you’ll need to cook them separately before adding them to the dish. Seitan can be added to the pot along with the vegetables and cooked until it is browned.
How long to brown chicken thighs?
It typically takes about 10-15 minutes to brown chicken thighs on the stovetop. To brown chicken thighs, heat a large skillet over medium-high heat and add a small amount of oil. When the oil is hot, add the chicken thighs to the skillet and cook them for about 5-7 minutes on each side, or until they are nicely browned and have gotten to a 165 degree Fahrenheit internal temperature.
It’s important to use a meat thermometer to ensure that the chicken is fully cooked, as undercooked chicken can be dangerous to eat. Chicken thighs are a moist and flavorful cut of meat, and they are well-suited to braising, roasting, and grilling.
How to make Madhur Jaffrey country captain recipe?
Madhur Jaffrey’s recipe for Country Captain is a flavorful and aromatic dish that is perfect for a hearty and satisfying meal. Here is a recipe for Madhur Jaffrey’s Country Captain:
Ingredients:
- 2 tablespoons oil
- 2 pounds chicken thighs, skinned and cut into 1-inch pieces
- 1 large onion, finely chopped
- 2 medium-size garlic cloves, finely chopped
- one seeded and coarsely chopped jalapeño pepper
- 1 tablespoon ground cumin
- 1 tablespoon ground coriander
- 1 tablespoon ground turmeric
- 1 teaspoon chili powder
- 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper
- 1 (14.5-ounce) can diced tomatoes
- 1 cup water
- 2 tablespoons tomato paste
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup raisins
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh cilantro
Instructions:
Step1: A big saucepan or Dutch oven should be heated with the oil on medium.
Step2: Add the chicken and cook until it is browned on all sides.
Step3: Add the onion, garlic, and jalapeno pepper to the pot and cook until the vegetables are softened.
Step4: Add the cumin, coriander, turmeric, chili powder, and cayenne pepper to the pot and cook for about 1 minute, or until the spices are fragrant.
Step5: Add the diced tomatoes, water, tomato paste, and salt to the pot. Stir the ingredients together to combine.
Step6: Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to a simmer and let it cook for about 20-30 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and the sauce has thickened.
Step7: Stir in the raisins and cook for an additional 5 minutes. Before serving, garnish with freshly cut cilantro.
How to make vegetarian country captain?
To make vegetarian Country Captain, you’ll need to use a plant-based protein source in place of the chicken or other meat. Some options for vegetarian protein sources include tofu, temper, legumes (such as beans or lentils), and seating.
Here is a basic recipe for making vegetarian Country Captain using tofu:
Ingredients:
- 1 pound firm tofu, cubed
- 1 tablespoon oil
- 1 cup diced onions
- 1 cup diced bell peppers
- 1 can diced tomatoes
- 1 cup vegetable broth
- 1 teaspoon curry powder
- 1 teaspoon cumin
- 1 teaspoon coriander
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
Step1: A big saucepan or Dutch oven should be heated with the oil on medium.
Step2: The tofu should be added and cooked until it is browned all over.
Step3: Add the onions and bell peppers and cook until they are softened.
Step4: Add the diced tomatoes, vegetable broth, curry powder, cumin, and coriander to the pot.
Step5: Stir the ingredients together to combine.
Step6: Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to a simmer and let it cook for about 20-30 minutes, or until the tofu is tender and the sauce has thickened.
Step7: Season with salt and pepper to taste before serving.
If you’re using temper, beans, or lentils, you’ll need to cook them separately before adding them to the dish. Seitan can be added to the pot along with the vegetables and cooked until it is browned.
