Chicken paprikash with dumplings

Chicken Paprikash with Dumplings

A rustic dish, full of flavor and tradition, chicken paprikash with dumplings is a meal that combines the delicate taste of chicken with the sweetness of vegetables and the fluffy texture of the dumplings. This recipe is perfect for a family dinner or to impress guests. Let’s discover together how to prepare this delight!

Preparation time: 15 minutes
Cooking time: 45 minutes
Total time: 1 hour
Number of servings: 4

Ingredients:

*For the paprikash:*
- 500 g chicken (preferably boneless breast)
- 3 large onions
- 3-4 bell peppers (preferably red)
- 1 bunch of fresh parsley
- 200 ml sour cream
- 3 tablespoons sunflower or olive oil
- 2 tablespoons flour
- 3-4 cloves of garlic
- 1 tablespoon sweet paprika
- 2 bay leaves
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme (or to taste)
- Salt and ground black pepper, to taste

*For the dumplings:*
- 2 eggs
- Salt, to taste
- 3-4 tablespoons flour

Preparation steps:

1. Preparing the meat:
Start by cleaning and washing the chicken well. You can use boneless breast, but thighs are also excellent. Cut the meat into evenly sized pieces for even cooking. After cutting, pat the meat dry with a paper towel to remove excess moisture.

2. Chopping the vegetables:
Clean the onions, bell peppers, and garlic. Cut the onion into not too small cubes, the pepper into julienne strips, and finely chop the garlic. The parsley will be added at the end, so you can chop it later.

3. Searing the meat:
In a large skillet, add the oil and let it heat well. Add the chicken pieces and sear them on both sides until they are lightly browned, about 5-7 minutes. Remove the meat from the skillet and set it aside.

4. Sautéing the vegetables:
In the same skillet, add the chopped onion and sauté for a few minutes until it becomes translucent. Then, add the pepper and let it soften for 2-3 minutes. This step will add sweetness and flavor to the dish.

5. Adding spices:
Sprinkle the sweet paprika over the vegetables and mix quickly. Be careful not to burn the paprika, so stir for about a minute. Add the chopped garlic and pour in a glass of hot water, letting it simmer for a few minutes.

6. Cooking the meat:
Pour the sauce from the skillet over the chicken and add the bay leaves, thyme, salt, and pepper to taste. Pour enough warm water to cover the meat and let it simmer covered for 25-30 minutes. Check occasionally, adding hot water if necessary.

7. Preparing the dumplings:
In a bowl, beat the eggs well with a pinch of salt, then gradually add the flour, mixing well to avoid lumps. The consistency should be similar to thick sour cream.

8. Forming the dumplings and finishing the sauce:
Once the meat is cooked, take a spoonful of the sauce from the pot and use it to moisten the spoon you will use to form the dumplings. Use the spoon to drop portions of the dough into the boiling sauce. The dumplings will be ready when they rise to the surface, which takes about 2-3 minutes.

9. Thickening the sauce:
To achieve a thicker sauce, mix the sour cream with the remaining flour and add 2-3 tablespoons of the hot sauce. Mix well and pour the mixture over the dish. Let it simmer for a few minutes to thicken the sauce.

10. Finishing the dish:
Adjust the salt and pepper, add the chopped parsley, and let the dish rest covered for 10 minutes before serving.

Serving suggestion:
Serve chicken paprikash with dumplings alongside fresh green onions and pickles. This dish pairs perfectly with a cabbage salad or a side of grilled vegetables.

Tips and variations:
If you want to add a spicy note, you can use hot paprika or fresh chopped chili. You can also replace the chicken with pork or beef, adjusting the cooking time according to the type of meat used.

Nutritional benefits:
Chicken is an excellent source of lean protein, while vegetables add essential vitamins and minerals. Sour cream, although high in calories, provides calcium and healthy fats, contributing to a balanced meal.

Frequently asked questions:
1. Can I use turkey instead of chicken?
Yes, turkey is a healthy and delicious alternative.

2. How can I make the sauce spicier?
By adding fresh chili or chili flakes to the sauce, you will achieve a more intense flavor.

3. What type of sour cream is recommended?
A sour cream with a medium fat content (20-25%) is ideal, so it does not affect the sauce's consistency.

4. Can I make dumplings without eggs?
Yes, you can use a mixture of flour with sparkling water or milk to achieve a similar texture.

Estimated calories:
A serving of chicken paprikash with dumplings contains approximately 400-500 calories, depending on the amount of sour cream used and the type of meat.

So, invite family and friends to enjoy this delicious recipe, full of flavors and stories. Enjoy your meal!

 Ingredients: (4 servings) - 500 g chicken (I used a large chicken breast) - 3 large onions - 3-4 bell peppers/red capia (I used 1 pepper and the rest were roasted peppers from the freezer) - 1 bunch of fresh parsley - 200 ml sour cream - 3 tablespoons oil - 2 tablespoons flour - 3-4 cloves of garlic - 1 heaping tablespoon sweet paprika - 2 bay leaves - 1 teaspoon dried thyme (or optional, to taste) - salt, ground pepper (to taste) For the flour dumplings - 2 eggs - salt - 3-4 tablespoons flour