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Hochepot de poulaille

Hochepot de poulailler, a dish of chicken, chicken livers and wine, in silver salver. For Hochepot de poulaille recipe.

A “hochepot” is Anglo-Norman for a stew containing a variety of ingredients both animal and vegetable.  The word developed into a “hotchpotch” in Scotland and there is a possible link to the English “hotpot”.  However, this recipe does not include vegetables so isn’t strictly a hochepot.  It is based on that in Viandier de Taillevent of 1380.

Equipment

  • Weighing scales
  • Measuring jug
  • Large cast iron casserole
  • Blender

Preparation method

  • Heat the oil in the casserole and fry the chicken joints in batches, transferring them to a plate once browned.
  • Place the liver, breadcrumbs, and a 100ml of the wine in the blender and whizz to a smooth purée.
  • Return the chicken joints to the casserole and pour over the purée along with the rest of the wine and the stock.
  • Bring to a boil and simmer for an hour.
  • Add the salt, spices and verjuice and cook for a further 15 minutes.

Tip: To make breadcrumbs, the best way is to place chunks of bread into a blender and whizz.  You may need to turn the blender off occasionally and push the bread pieces down with a wooden spoon.
 
More Medieval chicken recipes
Blank maunger
Brouet de cannelle
Dillegrout
Pottage
 

Norman and Medieval

Serves:
4
Prep Time 30 minutes
Cook Time 1 hour 15 minutes
Total Time 1 hour 45 minutes

Ingredients

  • 1 small chicken (1.4kg), jointed
  • 2 tbsp oil
  • 120 g chicken livers
  • 300 g fresh white breadcrumbs
  • 500 ml red wine
  • 400 ml chicken stock
  • 1/2 tsp salt
  • 3 tsp cinnamon
  • 2 tsp ginger
  • 1/2 tsp black pepper
  • 100 ml verjuice

Nutrition

Nutrition Facts
Hochepot de poulaille
Serving Size
 
562 g
Amount per Serving
Calories
711
Percent of Daily Value*
Fat
 
11
g
17
%
Saturated Fat
 
2.6
g
16
%
Cholesterol
 
237
mg
79
%
Sodium
 
988
mg
43
%
Potassium
 
923
mg
26
%
Carbohydrates
 
63
g
21
%
Fiber
 
3.9
g
16
%
Sugar
 
2.4
g
3
%
Protein
 
57
g
114
%
Calcium
 
59
mg
6
%
Iron
 
6.8
mg
38
%
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2000 calorie diet.

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Keywords

Chicken

© Dr Caroline Gordon 
2026
Illustrations by Chichi Parish
Site by Anselm Eustace