This is once again a meal that grandma would cook. All made in one pan, all simple and fresh ingredients. All bursting with flavor. This dish hugs the heart and is one of many comfort foods we associate with our Sicilian grandma. You have all your major food groups in this pan. And it’s not very expensive to prepare. Usually grandma would have all these ingredients in the pantry. Grandpa would bring home the chicken from his butcher shop and grandma was set to make an amazing meal. Bring on the crispy Italian bread and a glass of wine and as my grandfather would say, “today, I eat like a king”.

I always made it a habit to go up to my grandparent’s apartment to see what was cooking. Even if I just finished dinner with my family, a trip up the flight of stairs to visit grandma’s kitchen was a necessity. I always had a little room left for a chicken leg or a piece of steak. It never bothered them, they enjoyed watching me eat.

• 1 Chicken cut up, I’m using legs and thighs
• 1 medium onion, chopped
• 1 large carrot, chopped
• 1 stalk of celery, chopped
• 1/4 cup olive oil or avocado oil
• 2 tablespoons of butter
• 1/2 cup red or white wine
• 2 1/2 cups of passata
• 1 cup of water
• 2 medium potatoes, cubed
• 16 ounces of frozen peas
• Fresh basil
• Salt and Pepper

In a large 14 inch pan, heat the olive oil and butter on medium high heat. Salt and pepper the chicken on both sides.

Brown the chicken for about 5 minutes on each side. Remove the chicken to a plate and reserve for later.

Add the chopped onion, carrot and celery to the pan. Salt and pepper the vegetables. Cook for about 5 minutes or until the onions are translucent. Add the wine and cook down for 2 minutes.

Add the passata and water and mix well. Add back the chicken and all the juices from the plate. Cover and cook on low for 30 minutes.

While the chicken is cooking, peel and cube the potatoes. After the 30 minutes, add the potatoes, peas, salt and pepper and some fresh basil to the chicken. Cover and cook until the potatoes are tender,about another 25 – 30 minutes.

Remove the chicken and potatoes and peas to a platter and keep warm. Reduce the sauce to your liking. Add the sauce to the chicken and enjoy.