Pollo alla Cacciatora

The chicken for this hearty rustic stew—called “hunter’s style”—is braised (see “Le Tecniche: Brasare il Pollo”) in a mixture of puréed tomatoes, mushrooms, garlic, and rosemary. As with many braises, creamy polenta makes an excellent accompaniment.

When browning the chicken, make sure the oil in the pan is hot; if it is too cool, the skin of the chicken will stick to the bottom of the pan and will not brown well.

Braises may be cooked on top of the stove, as in this