Yahnia

Yahnia

26
4
45min
3635g
Nutrition per 100g
9
83
2
4
83
Yahnia is a hearty Balkan stew of meat and vegetables, perfect as a main course or a thick soup. This version features tender chicken (drumsticks, wings, and breast) simmered with cauliflower in a flavorful tomato sauce with soy sauce and spices. Rich, warming, and incredibly tasty — a great choice for a family meal.
HealthyanddeliciousLunchMeatFats & OilsSoups

WHAT YOU WILL NEED

From ingredients

11 products

SIMPLE PROCESS

Step by step recipe

For a deeply flavorful yahnia, marinate the chicken in soy sauce beforehand — it adds depth. Brown the chicken well, then stew with vegetables and tomato paste. Add the cauliflower 20 minutes before the end to keep its texture. Season with basil, BBQ spice, and allspice for the perfect finish.

Marinate the Chicken
Step 1

Marinate the Chicken

Cut the chicken (drumsticks, wings, breast) into pieces. Coat with soy sauce, season with salt, and leave at room temperature for 1 hour (or in the fridge for 2–3 hours).

Brown the Chicken
Step 2

Brown the Chicken

Heat oil in a heavy-bottomed pot. Fry the chicken in batches until golden (5–7 minutes per batch). Set aside.

Sauté Vegetables
Step 3

Sauté Vegetables

In the same pot, sauté chopped onion and carrot until soft (5 minutes). Add tomato paste and cook for 2 minutes, stirring.

Stew the Meat
Step 4

Stew the Meat

Return the chicken to the pot, cover with hot water (about 2 liters), bring to a boil, reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 25 minutes.

Add Cauliflower and Spices
Step 5

Add Cauliflower and Spices

Break cauliflower into florets. Add to the pot with spices (basil, BBQ seasoning, allspice). Cook for another 20 minutes until the cauliflower is tender.

Serve
Step 6

Serve

Garnish with fresh herbs (parsley or dill). Serve hot as a main dish or thick soup with bread.

CHEF'S TIP

Marinate the Chicken

Toss the chicken with soy sauce and let it sit for an hour — this tenderizes the meat and boosts flavor. 30 minutes minimum if you're short on time.

Sear the Meat Until Golden

Brown the chicken in oil before stewing to lock in juices and give the dish a rich, savory base.

Don't Overcook the Cauliflower

Add the cauliflower 20 minutes before the end to keep it slightly firm. For a softer texture, cook 25 minutes.

Adjust the Thickness

For a thicker main course, reduce the liquid. For a soup-like version, leave more broth. Choose your preference.

SUBSTITUTIONS

Add your taste

  • With Zucchini Instead of Cauliflower Replace cauliflower with zucchini — they cook faster (add 10–15 minutes before the end) and give a milder taste.
  • Add Potatoes for More Heartiness Add 2–3 diced potatoes with the cauliflower for a more filling, classic stew.
  • Without Soy Sauce (Milder Flavor) Omit the soy sauce and add extra salt and herbs for a more European-style dish.
  • Add Bell Pepper Add sliced bell pepper with the onion and carrot for extra color and sweetness.

HOW TO STORE

How to Store Yahnia

Cool the stew, transfer to an airtight container, and refrigerate for up to 3 days. Add a little water or broth when reheating if it has thickened. Freeze in portions for up to 2 months — thaw in the fridge and reheat on the stovetop.

GOOD TO KNOW

Frequently asked questions