Arni Kapama Food

KAPAMAS - LAMB IN AROMATIC TOMATO SAUCE

Steps:

• In a large heavy stewing pot, heat olive oil and cook lamb, turning it frequently on all sides to brown evenly and lightly. Add the onion and sauté, stirring with a wooden spoon, until wilted.
• "Extinguish" the pot, as the Greeks say -- deglaze, in other words -- with the brandy by pouring it into the pot. Add the tomatoes, allspice, bay leaves, cinnamon, salt and pepper. Stir well with a wooden spoon to blend. Add, if necessary, enough water just to cover the meat. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to low. Cover and simmer for about 1 hour 15 minutes, or until meat is almost cooked. Add more water, if necessary, during cooking to keep mixture moist and sauce from reducing too much.
• About 10 minutes before meat is done, Adjust seasoning if necessary, and stir in the parsley just before removing from heat. Serve with saffron rice.

EASY CHICKEN KAPAMA

Steps:

• Season chicken well on both sides with salt and pepper and sprinkle with the ground cinnamon. In a large skillet, heat butter and olive oil over medium. Working in batches to avoid overcrowding, cook the chicken until it begins to lightly brown in spots, 2 to 4 minutes per side. Set aside. (If it's not cooked through at this point, that's O.K.)
• Add the onion and the garlic to the skillet and cook until the onion begins to soften and the garlic is fragrant, 2 to 3 minutes. Season with salt.
• Stir in the tomato paste, tomatoes, 1/4 cup water and the cinnamon stick(s). Add the chicken and any residual juices, stir to coat with the sauce and bring to a simmer. Turn heat to medium-low, cover and simmer until the chicken is cooked through and the flavors meld, stirring occasionally, 15 to 20 minutes. Add a few tablespoons water if needed to thin out the sauce. Taste and adjust seasonings to your liking.
• Serve the chicken over buttered egg noodles or orzo, if using, spooning the tomato sauce on top. Top with the herbs and grated cheese, if using.