Oil for frying use only 1 TB oil if using the Quick & Easy method below
1tsp.sugar Omit sugar if preparing the traditional way
1C.water
½C.tomato ketchup
Instructions
Wash chicken thoroughly with vinegar and cold water. Drain water. In a large glass or plastic bowl mix chicken with all ingredients except sugar, oil, water and ketchup. Cover chicken and let it marinate in the refrigerator for 2 to 24 hours.
THE TRADITIONAL WAY
Heat oil in a pan for 2 to 3 minutes, over med- high heat. *a cast iron or similar pot is ideal for this task* When oil is hot, reduce heat to medium. Using a fork, scrape chunks of onion, carrots and other seasonings from the chicken. Slowly add each piece of chicken to the hot oil. Reserve seasonings. Fry chicken until browned on all sides. As chicken browns remove each piece from the oil and place in bowl with seasonings. When chicken is all fried, add all ingredients including ketchup to a clean pot (you can also drain the oil from the frying pan and use the same pan to finish cooking) cover pot and simmer over med- low heat for 5-7 minutes. Remove cover and stir well. Return cover to pot and let chicken cook for 25 minutes until gravy thickens. If sauce dries out before time elapses if you like lots of gravy add ½ cup more water to pot
THE QUICK EASY WAY
Heat oil in a deep pan over medium heat for 3 minutes When oil is hot. Sprinkle sugar into the oil and let sugar brown. When the sugar browns and begins to bubble, stir in the chicken. Continue stirring until chicken begins to brown. Cover pot tightly and reduce heat to med-low. Let chicken simmer for about 15 minutes. After 15 minutes, Remove lid stir in ketchup and water. Cover pot and let chicken simmer for an additional 30 minutes.