Ragout of Chicken Legs

Ingredients

• 4 even-sized chicken legs with thigh
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 3 tablespoons butter
• 2 tablespoons flour
• 1/2 cup chicken stock
• 1 cup dry red wine
• 1 clove garlic, crushed
• 1 shallot, finely chopped
• 1 bay leaf
• salt & freshly ground black pepper
• 2 tablespoons madeira wine

Directions

1. 1

   Let the chicken legs sit at room temperature for 20 minutes.

2. 2

   Heat the oil in a large skillet and add the butter.

3. 3

   When the butter melts, brown the chicken legs a few at a time over a medium-high heat until they are all browned.

4. 4

   Remove them from the pan and sprinkle in the flour.

5. 5

   Cook, stirring, for 4 minutes, then pour in the chicken stock, wine, garlic, shallot, bay leaf, salt, pepper and Madeira.

6. 6

   Bring the liquids to a boil, then replace the chicken legs skin side down and cover the pan.

7. 7

   Let the liquids return to the boil, then lower the heat and let the chicken simmer gently for 15 minutes or until the legs are cooked through.

8. 8

   Transfer the chicken legs to a platter and cover with foil; keep warm.

9. 9

   Let the sauce return to a rolling boil and let it bubble vigorously until it is reduced by half.

10. 10

    Remove the bay leaf and spoon the sauce over the chicken legs.

11. 11

    Serve at once.