In this day and age where mobile phones, television/digital television and video games are fast taking the place of the good old family time, which is further threatened by bad traffic in the cities, working late nights at the office and returning home all fagged out; the modern family is faced with the task of finding interesting and meaningful ways to connect with one another and to maintain meaningful relationships.

So we thought, what is that one thing that can bring people together whether male or female; young or old; parents or children…? Still, wondering…? Food! Yes… finger-licking food!

So we got Chef Dakkie to come up with a recipe that the family can cook together and enjoy every moment of the cooking and eating process! And true to the chicken loving Chef, she came up with the marvellous Chicken Casserole with a unique twist to it. This easy to prepare and hearty dish for the family to cook together can be customized to your family’s taste and doesn’t take long to prepare. Now, gather the family together and let’s get cooking!

Ingredients

• 1 tablespoonful of olive oil
• Chicken Laps (as many as you want), such as thighs and drumsticks
• 1 onion – finely sliced
• 2 garlic cloves – crushed
• 2 celery sticks – cut into chunks
• 2 leeks – cut into chunks
• 600g (1lb 6oz) potatoes – peeled and cut into large chunks
• 1 level tbsp. plain flour or cornflour 600ml Chicken Stock / Water 2 rosemary and thyme sprigs Salt and black pepper; to taste
• Optional Veggies – Carrots, pumpkin, zucchini, green beans, bell peppers, cabbage etc.

Directions

Heat the oil in a large, flameproof casserole pot. Season chicken pieces and brown all over for 10min. Remove and set aside.
Add the onion, garlic, celery, carrots, leeks and potatoes to the pan, and cook, stirring, for 5-10min. Stir in the flour, cook for 2min and then pour in the stock/water. Season well; return the browned chicken to the pan. Add the rosemary and thyme. Cover and bring the casserole to the boil.
Cook on medium heat for 15-20min until the sauce is piping hot and thickened. Now you can add in the other vegetables that don’t take long to cook for 5 – 10 minutes, by now the chicken would be fully cooked. If you are adding cabbage, add it after you’ve turned off the heat, the residual heat from the pot will cook the cabbage slightly.

Imagine mom preparing the chicken while dad chops some of the ingredients ably assisted by the children amidst amazing rib-cracking banter! Heavenly… right? When the meal is ready and served; and you eat together as a family; and you reenact this moment over and over again, the precious bond you share will grow and grow. Indeed, how good and pleasant it is when God’s people live together in unity.