If you happened to be looking for the perfect food friendship, there's no doubt that chicken and tomato would catch your eye. They might be a little shyer, but they are just as companionable as boisterous bacon and eggs or showy fish and chips. One simply goes better with the other.
This is no wonder when they have such a lot in common. Both chicken and tomato are foods that have been homegrown for decades. They are each mild in flavour and extremely versatile, being happily fried, roasted, barbecued or boiled.
They might be a little more shy, but they are just as companionable as boisterous bacon and eggs or showy fish and chips.
Better still, you can prepare a dish of chicken and tomato in mere moments, or leave them to gently get along for hours. They are equally delicious either way.
You can always tell a perfect pairing when it shows up in cuisines from across the world and time itself. Take these recipes here - all of them are traditional dishes that have been passed down through many generations. Except maybe for a . That's a thoroughly modern friendship.
A little grated nutmeg lifts both the chicken and tomato in this comforting dish. Source: Hardie Grant Books
The glorious colour of this pandan-scented chicken curry is thanks in part to added tomato. Source: China Squirrel
Cacciatore means 'hunter' in Italian and is a nod to the style of recipe calling for onions, white wine, herbs, capsicum and tomato. Source: Chris Middleton
Emperor-approved and sure to please the family just as much. Source: Benito Martin
Tomatoes and lemon keep the soup tasting bright and summery, while remaining very warming and hearty. Source: Poh & Co. 2
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Harira soup with chicken
The rich flavour of afritada, a Spanish-inspired, tomato based chicken stew, belies its wonderful simplicity. Source: Alan Benson
Whoever first decided to deep fry a filled burrito until golden should be revered to this day. Source: Benito Martin
Note to self: tinned plum tomatoes are used in this recipe because Donal reckons they have a much better flavour than chopped tomatoes. Source: Donal's Kitchen Hero
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Roasted chicken and chorizo
A good tomato chutney balances a chicken curry perfectly. Source: Anjum’s Australian Spice Stories
There's a butter chicken recipe to suit any occasion. Source: Monica Ramirez
If you buy your lorighittas in, this dish is quick to prepare and then the stove does all the work. Source: Pasta Grannies by Hardie Grant
This healthier bolognese is also made with gluten-free konjac pasta. Source: Rob Palmer
Truss tomatoes are a tasty and decorative addition to this big-hearted bake. Source: Brett Stevens
