Green Beans with Chicken Cooked in a Cauldron over an Open Fire

Cooking method

1. Step 1:

   

   Gather everything you'll need to cook green beans with chicken in a cauldron over a fire. Cut the chicken into chunks, peel the onion and garlic, and rinse the tomatoes, beans, and herbs under running water.

2. Step 2:

   

   Build a fire and set up the cauldron over it.

3. Step 3:

   

   Once the cauldron is good and hot, pour in the vegetable oil and let it heat for a few minutes until shimmering. Cut one onion in half, drop it in to fry, and leave it until golden. Fish the fried onion out with a slotted spoon.

4. Step 4:

   

   Add the chicken to the cauldron. Keep the fire at full blast — at this stage you want to sear the pieces until golden brown.

5. Step 5:

   

   Cook the chicken for 5 to 10 minutes, stirring constantly. Then pour in enough boiling water to cover the meat halfway. Put the lid on, bring the fire down to moderate, and cook the chicken for 30 to 50 minutes. The time depends on whether your bird is farm-raised or store-bought — it should be nearly done. Mine took about 50 minutes.

6. Step 6:

   

   Meanwhile, prep the green beans. If they're on the older side, trim the tips and strings from both ends. Cut the pods into 2 or 3 pieces, as shown in the photo.

7. Step 7:

   

   When the time is up, check how much liquid is left in the cauldron. If there's a lot, add more wood, build up the fire, and stir with a slotted spoon to boil off the excess. Add the finely chopped onion.

8. Step 8:

   

   Cook for about 5 minutes, until the onion is lightly browned.

9. Step 9:

   

   Next in go the sliced tomatoes and the beans.

10. Step 10:

    

    Gently stir everything together, then season with salt, pepper, and your favorite spices to taste.

11. Step 11:

    

    Cover the cauldron and leave it over a low fire until the beans are fully tender. The time depends on how young the beans are (mine took about 30 minutes). Lift the lid now and then; if the beans start to scorch, add just a splash of boiling water. If the tomatoes are juicy, they usually give off enough liquid to cook everything without adding any water.

12. Step 12:

    

    Sprinkle the finished dish with finely chopped garlic and fresh herbs. Serve it up!