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Creamy Loboda with Chicken and Garlic (Loboda cu Smântână și Pui la Cuptor)

A comforting Romanian spring dish made with vibrant loboda leaves, creamy sauce, and juicy roasted chicken.

Ingredients
    For the Baked Chicken:
  • 4 chicken thighs
  • Salt and pepper (to taste)
  • Baking paper
    • For the Loboda Dish:
  • 1 large bunch of loboda (red or green), thoroughly washed and finely chopped
  • 1 red onion (or any type), finely chopped
  • 2-3 tbsp olive oil
  • 1 tsp butter
  • 3 garlic cloves, finely chopped
  • ½ cup water
  • 1 glass chicken broth (or water as a substitute)
  • Salt and pepper (to taste)
  • 1 tbsp tomato paste
  • 1 cup cooking cream (for a creamy texture)
  • Juice of ½ lemon (adjust to taste)
  • Grated Parmesan (optional, for finishing)
Instructions
  1. 1
    Prepare the Chicken:

    • Season the chicken thighs with salt and pepper.

    • Place them in a baking tray, cover with baking paper, and bake at 200°C for ~40 minutes until golden and cooked through.

  2. 2
    Prepare the Loboda:

    • Wash the loboda leaves well, piece by piece.

    • Finely chop the clean loboda and set aside.

  3. 3
    Cook the Base:

    • In a heated pan, add olive oil and butter.

    • Sauté the chopped onion for 2–3 minutes.

    • Add ½ cup of water, then stir in the chopped garlic and sauté for another 2 minutes, until softened.

  4. 4
    Add the Loboda:

    • Add the chopped loboda and sauté briefly.

    • Pour in chicken broth (or water) and season with a little salt.

    • Cook until the loboda softens completely.

  5. 5
    Finish with Cream Sauce:

    • Stir in 1 tbsp tomato paste and 1 cup of cooking cream.

    • Add pepper to taste and the juice of half a lemon (adjust to your preference).

    • Optionally, stir in a handful of grated Parmesan at the end for extra richness.

  6. 6
    Serve:

    • Serve hot, ideally alongside mashed potatoes or crusty bread.

    • Pair with the baked chicken thighs for a hearty meal.

    Great for lunch or dinner. Kid-friendly and full of flavor!
Read it online: https://yummy.expert/recipe/creamy-loboda-with-chicken-and-garlic-loboda-cu-smantana-si-pui-la-cuptor/