Chicken Giouvetsi with Homemade Trahanas

Chicken Giouvetsi with Homemade Trahanas - Photo By Thanasis Bounas
Chicken Giouvetsi with Homemade Trahanas - Photo By Thanasis Bounas

Giouvetsi is a classic Greek dish, traditionally made with meat (usually lamb, beef, or chicken) and orzo pasta, baked together in a tomato-based sauce. The name “giouvetsi” comes from the Turkish word “güveç,” referring to the clay pot often used to cook this dish. In modern kitchens, it’s usually baked in an ovenproof casserole dish.

The dish is rich in flavor, with simple yet delicious ingredients like tomatoes, garlic, onions, and spices such as cinnamon or allspice that enhance its taste. As the pasta absorbs the meat juices and tomato sauce during baking, it takes on a velvety, tender texture.

Giouvetsi is a beloved comfort food in Greece, often served at family gatherings or Sunday meals. It’s traditionally finished with a sprinkle of grated cheese, such as kefalotyri or graviera, for an extra layer of flavor. This dish represents the essence of home-cooked Greek cuisine—hearty, flavorful, and shared with loved ones.

Trahanas is a traditional Greek pasta made from either fermented wheat or flour mixed with milk or yogurt. It has a coarse, grainy texture and is typically sun-dried, making it ideal for long-term storage. Trahanas is commonly used in soups, stews, or casseroles and gives dishes a rich, creamy texture.

There are two main types of trahanas: sweet (made with milk) and sour (made with yogurt or fermented milk). It’s a staple in Greek kitchens, especially during the colder months, and is valued for its comforting and hearty nature. Trahanas is often homemade but is also available in stores across Greece and other Mediterranean countries.

The preparation varies regionally, but it remains a beloved comfort food, often used in simple yet nutritious meals like the one combined with chicken in this traditional recipe.

Ingredients

  • 4 chicken portions
  • 300g trahanas (homemade or store-bought)
  • 4 ripe tomatoes, finely chopped
  • 2 garlic cloves, finely chopped
  • 2 onions, finely chopped
  • Salt
  • Pepper
  • Sweet paprika
  • Olive oil

Instructions

  1. Heat the olive oil in a pot and sauté the chicken. Remove the chicken and set it aside in a bowl.
  2. In the same oil, sauté the garlic and onion, then add the tomatoes and cook everything together for 2-3 minutes.
  3. Return the chicken to the pot with the tomato sauce.
  4. Add enough water to cover the chicken, then season with salt, pepper, and sweet paprika.
  5. Cover the pot and let it simmer for about 40 minutes until the chicken is cooked through.
  6. Once the chicken is ready, remove it again and set it aside. Add the trahanas to the sauce.
  7. While the trahanas is cooking, stir frequently to prevent it from sticking. If more water is needed while the trahanas cooks, add just enough to reach your desired consistency.
  8. Finally, return the chicken to the pot with the cooked trahanas, let everything simmer together for 2-3 minutes, and then remove from heat.

Enjoy your meal!

“Want to learn more about the rich history and unique characteristics of Giouvetsi? Click here to read our detailed description and discover the story behind this Greek culinary classic!”

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Chicken Giouvetsi with Homemade Trahanas - Photo By Thanasis Bounas
Chicken Giouvetsi with Homemade Trahanas – Photo By Thanasis Bounas
Chicken Giouvetsi with Homemade Trahanas - Photo By Thanasis Bounas
Chicken Giouvetsi with Homemade Trahanas – Photo By Thanasis Bounas




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