Chicken and Dumblins
Instructions:
Step 1: Searing the chicken
1. In a large, heavy-bottomed pot or Dutch oven, heat the vegetable oil over medium-high heat. Once hot, add the chicken pieces and sear them until golden brown on all sides. This step locks in the juices and adds depth to the overall flavor.
Step 2: Creating the Flavor Base
2. Reduce the heat to medium, and in the same pot, add the chopped onion and minced garlic. Sauté until fragrant and translucent, creating a flavorful base for the stew.
Step 3: Building Layers of Flavor
3. Add the sliced carrots and celery to the pot, infusing the stew with a medley of earthy aromas. Sprinkle in the dried thyme and toss in the bay leaf for a touch of herbaceous goodness.
Step 4: Simmering the Stew
4. Pour in the chicken broth, ensuring the liquid covers the chicken and vegetables. Season with salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer, and let it cook for about 45 minutes to an hour, or until the chicken is tender and cooked through.
Step 5: Preparing the Dumplings
5. While the stew simmers, prepare the dumplings. In a mixing bowl, combine the all-purpose flour, baking powder, and salt. Stir in the milk and melted butter, creating a soft, sticky dough.
Step 6: Adding the dumplings
6. Once the chicken is cooked to perfection, it’s time to add the dumplings. Using a spoon, drop spoonfuls of the dumpling dough onto the surface of the simmering stew. Cover the pot and let the dumplings cook for 15-20 minutes, or until they are fluffy and cooked through.
Step 7: Savoring the Delight
7. Remove the bay leaf from the stew and ladle the chicken and dumblins into warm bowls. The tender chicken, aromatic broth, and fluffy dumplings create a symphony of flavors that will delight your taste buds.
Congratulations! You have successfully embarked on a culinary journey to create heartwarming chicken and dumblins. This classic dish, with its tender chicken and cloud-like dumplings, is sure to win the hearts of all who taste it. Gather your loved ones, savor the nostalgic flavors, and let the simple joy of this comforting meal bring you together. Enjoy the warmth and happiness that this dish brings, and cherish the memories created around your table. Happy cooking!
