Chicken, Potato and Spinach Stew

This is another recipe I took out of an issue of First Magazine way back when they had real recipe cards in them. This one actually wasn't on a card, but part of the "Hearty One-pot Dishes" section (October 3, 1994 issue, Vol 6, Issue 40, page 72). I haven't made it in a while, but it's definitely worth bringing back into the rotation.

I've made a few changes to the recipe, such as using frozen spinach and way more garlic than the original recipe called for (1 clove?!? Who uses only 1 clove of garlic in anything?). I like to use frozen chopped spinach because it make the preparation easier and I think it give a better "yield" of spinach - makes it a bit more "spinachy".

Chicken, Potato and Spinach Stew
Ingredients:
2 chicken breast halves, boneless, skinless (~1 lb)
1 Tablespoon Olive Oil
2 medium shallots, chopped (oh, I love shallots!)
2-3 cloves of garlic, minced (or more...)
4 medium red potatoes, cut into quarters (~1 1/2 lbs)
2 cans Chicken broth (13 oz or so, preferably reduced sodium)
1/2 teaspoon dried thyme leaves
10 oz package of chopped frozen spinach, thawed and squeezed dry
1/2 cup evaporated milk

Directions:
Cut each chicken breast halve lengthwise then crosswise into 1/2-inch thick strips.
In a large saucepot over medium heat, brown the chicken in the olive oil.
Remove the chicken and set aside.
In the drippings, add the shallots and cook until tender (a bit more oil won't hurt).
Stir in the garlic, add the potatoes, chicken broth and thyme.
Increase the heat to high and bring the mixture to a boil.
Reduce the heat to low, cover and simmer until the potatoes are tender, about 15 minutes.

Spoon 1/2 of the potato mixture into a blender or food processor, process on medium speed until smooth, then return to the saucepot.
Stir in the chicken, spinach and evaporated milk.
Heat through and serve with some nice crusty sourdough bread.

Here's the nutritional info (per serving) that accompanied this recipe:
Calories: 346 Protein: 35g Fat: 7g Sodium: 716mg
Carbohydrates: 33g Cholesterol: 72mg

Enjoy,
Lorence