Mains
Pullum Frontonianum (Braised Chicken with Leeks and Dates)
Ingredients
- - 1.2 kg chicken pieces, bone-in (2 1/2 lb bone-in chicken pieces)
- - 2 leeks, sliced
- - 8 pitted dates, halved
- - 500 ml chicken stock (2 cups chicken stock)
- - 15 ml fish sauce (1 tbsp fish sauce)
- - 30 ml honey (2 tbsp honey)
- - 30 ml white wine vinegar (2 tbsp white wine vinegar)
- - 1 tsp ground cumin
- - 1/2 tsp ground black pepper
- - 30 ml olive oil (2 tbsp olive oil)
- - Salt, to taste
Method
- Heat the olive oil in a large casserole dish over medium-high heat and brown the chicken pieces on all sides. Remove and set aside.
- In the same dish, soften the leeks for 5 minutes over medium heat.
- Return the chicken to the dish, add the stock, fish sauce, cumin and pepper, and bring to a simmer.
- Cover and braise gently for 30 minutes.
- Stir in the dates, honey and vinegar, then continue simmering uncovered for 10-15 minutes, until the chicken is cooked through and the sauce has thickened slightly. Season with salt to taste before serving.
Native Name: Pullum Frontonianum
Cultural Background: Named for the orator Fronto in the Apicius collection, this braised chicken dish reflects the sweet-savoury layering typical of more refined Roman cooking, with dates and honey balancing the saltiness of garum and the sharpness of vinegar.
Tips: Browning the chicken well before braising builds a deeper base flavour that carries through the whole dish.
Variations: Use dried figs in place of dates for an equally authentic, slightly less sweet variation.
Vegetarian / Vegan Note: Not suitable as written; the dish relies on chicken and fish sauce for its character.
Storage: Store covered in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Reheating: Reheat gently in a covered pan over medium-low heat until piping hot throughout, adding a splash of stock if needed.
Nutrition: Approx. 420 kcal, 32 g protein, 22 g carbohydrate, 22 g fat per serving.
FAQs:
Q: Who was Fronto?
A: Marcus Cornelius Fronto was a celebrated Roman orator and tutor to Emperor Marcus Aurelius; this dish is one of several named for well-known figures in Apicius.
Q: Can I use chicken thighs only?
A: Yes, bone-in thighs work very well and stay moist through the longer braise.