In this week’s random ingredient generator game, there were – as ever – plenty of appealing options. It was a miserable day, so suggestions of cauliflower, chorizo, and aubergine were particularly enticing, but in the end it was Clive Coombs’ simple recommendation of tarragon that swung it. It’s such a simple and somewhat old-fashioned dish, this, but on an evening that felt like autumn had come early, it hit the spot.
Serves 2
A knob of butter
A small onion, peeled and finely chopped
A stick of celery, trimmed and chopped
A clove of garlic, peeled and sliced
A good glug of Marsala wine
A handful of mushrooms, sliced
2 chicken breasts, cut into chunks
100ml double cream
A tablespoon or so of chopped tarragon
Salt and pepper
– Melt the butter in a saucepan and add the onion, celery and garlic. Season with salt and pepper, cover and sweat gently for 10 minutes.
– Add the Marsala and simmer, uncovered, until reduced a little. Throw in the mushrooms and simmer gently for 5 minutes, stirring occasionally. Add the chicken and stir for a minute or so before adding the cream. Bring to a boil and simmer very gently for 10 minutes, stirring now and then. Finish with the tarragon and serve. Wild rice is a good side.
Great minds. I used the last of the fresh peas to make a tarragon and pea pesto for pasta last night for a fresh, but autumnal feel.
I wish I’d had this instead. Sounds perfect for a night in!
Oh that sounds really lovely, J
Glad to be of service! Tarragon is my ‘Herb of the moment’ and I have been using quite a bit over the last week or so, methinks my poor wife is getting a tad fed up (pun intended!). I made a tarragan and garlic crust for a whole chicken, which I stuffed with quartered lemons, halved small onions, and more garlic, last week. Tarragon worked well with my pasta dish:Cappaletti Prosciutto with shallot/red onion/white wine & cream sauce tarragon and fresh chilli, and tonight I am going to use Tarragon when I lightly poach some un-dyed haddock fillets.
That is some serious tarragon lovin’…thanks for the tip, J
This looks absolutely spectacular!
Thank you! Not sure spectacular is the right word – incredibly simple and ‘old school’ but perfect for a rainy evening.
I think next time you should make a meal with ALL the suggestions of ingredients you get…
Challenge accepted. Don’t you f**k it up though by suggesting something silly.