Chicken with Polenta

Ingredients

• 1 small (about 2-3 lbs) Chicken (Cleaned and prepared)
• 1 tablespoon Ham fat (Or good lard)
• 0.5 medium Onion (Finely chopped)
• 1 small Carrot (Finely chopped)
• 1 stalk Celery (Finely chopped)
• 0.5 teaspoon Salt (To taste)
• 0.25 teaspoon Black pepper (To taste)
• 0.125 teaspoon Allspice (Pinch)
• 0.33 glass Red or white wine
• 1 tablespoon Tomato paste
• 1 cup Hot water
• 1 cup Polenta (Indian meal) (For polenta preparation)
• 4 cups Water (For polenta preparation)
• 0.5 teaspoon Salt (For polenta preparation)
• 0.25 cup Grated cheese (Parmesan or similar)

Instructions

1. 1Clean and prepare the chicken. Pat it dry with paper towels.
2. 2Chop the ham fat (or lard) very fine. Chop the onion, carrot, and celery into very small pieces. Add the ham fat to a good-sized saucepan over medium heat. Add the chopped vegetables and sauté until softened, about 5 minutes.
3. 3Put in the chicken, salt, pepper, and allspice. Cover the saucepan. Cook until the chicken is browned on all sides, basting with the grease and turning the chicken frequently, about 15 minutes.
4. 4Add the wine. Cook until the wine has become absorbed, about 5 minutes. Add the tomato paste dissolved in the hot water (or tomato sauce). Cook for a few moments more until the chicken is thoroughly cooked, about 10 minutes.
5. 5Bring the water and salt to a boil in a saucepan. Gradually whisk in the polenta, ensuring no lumps form. Reduce heat to low and cook, stirring constantly, until the polenta is thick and creamy, about 20-25 minutes.
6. 6Serve the chicken surrounded by the polenta, with the sauce poured over all. Sprinkle with grated cheese.