Kota Kapama(chicken Stewed In Wine, Garlic, & Cinnamon)

Total Time: 1 hr 35 mins Preparation Time: 20 mins Cook Time: 1 hr 15 mins

Ingredients

• Servings: 4
• 1 whole chicken, cut into 8 serving pieces (2 1/2-3 pounds)
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 2 teaspoons kosher salt
• 1 teaspoon fresh ground black pepper
• 5 garlic cloves
• 1 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil
• 4 cups coarsely chopped yellow onions
• 1/2 cup dry wine
• 2 cups water
• 1 (6 ounce) can tomato paste
• 1/2 cup grated mizithra cheese (may substitute parmesan or pecorino romano cheese)

Recipe

• 1 pat the chicken pieces dry with paper towels so they won't splatter in the pan. mix the cinnamon, salt and pepper together in a small bowl. rub the chicken pieces on all sides with mixture. mince 3 of the garlic cloves, set aside.
• 2 heat oil in a large, deep, 12" cast iron skillet(or stainless steel, but you want high sides-about 3") over high heat. don't crowd the pieces in the pan or the chicken will steam rather than brown. if you need to, do in 2 batches.
• 3 add the chicken to skillet and brown for 4-5 minutes on each side, moving the pieces with a metal spatula so they don't stick to the pan. when the chicken is browned nicely on all sides, remove from skillet and set aside.
• 4 reduce heat to medium high and add onions and minced garlic. cook for 3 minutes, stirring constantly, until onions have softemed and are a rich golden brown. add the wine and scrape the bottom of the pan with a spoon to deglaze, loosening any brown bits.
• 5 when the wine has evaporated, add the water, tomato paste, and remaining 2 whole garlic cloves. return the chicken to the pan. the liquid should cover about 3/4 of the chicken.
• 6 reduce heat to low, cover skillet with a lid, and simmer for about 1 hour, or until the chicken is tender and thoroughly cooked. if the sauce gets too thick, thin with a little more water. taste and adjust seasoning to your taste.
• 7 great served with buttered noodles, rice, orzo, or macaroni. sprinkle the grated cheese over the top of each serving. enjoy!