Stew with dumplings

Stew with Dumplings – A comfort food recipe that will fill your heart and stomach

Preparation time: 20 minutes
Cooking time: 1 hour
Total time: 1 hour and 20 minutes
Number of servings: 4-6

How much we love sometimes to return to childhood recipes, to those warm meals prepared with love that remind us of moments spent with family! The stew with dumplings is one of those recipes that combines the rich flavors of meat and vegetables with the fluffy texture of dumplings, turning every meal into a celebration.

A short story about stew
Stew is a classic dish in many cultures, often associated with Sunday meals when the family gathers around the table. This recipe, with deep roots in culinary traditions, has been reinterpreted in numerous ways, but the essence remains the same: a delicious mix of meat, vegetables, and spices, slow-cooked to allow the flavors to fully develop.

Necessary ingredients
- 1 chicken (or turkey meat for a lighter version)
- 1 large onion, peeled and finely chopped
- 2 tomatoes, peeled and diced (or 200g of canned tomatoes)
- 1 bell pepper, peeled and sliced
- 2 tablespoons of roasted pepper paste (for a richer taste)
- 2 eggs (for dumplings)
- 5 tablespoons of flour (plus extra if needed)
- 4 tablespoons of oil (olive or sunflower)
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 2-3 cloves of garlic, finely chopped
- 1 bunch of fresh parsley, finely chopped

Preparing the stew
1. Preparing the meat: Wash the chicken or turkey well and clean it. Cut it into smaller pieces for even cooking. This step is essential for a tasty stew, and smaller pieces will absorb the flavors better.

2. The vegetables: Clean and chop the vegetables – onion, tomatoes, and bell pepper. In a deep pan or pot, heat the 2 tablespoons of oil over medium heat. Add the onion and sauté until golden and soft, about 5 minutes.

3. Adding the meat: Add the pieces of chicken and let them brown slightly, turning them occasionally. This step will help develop a delicious crust that will enhance the flavor of the stew.

4. The spices: Add the roasted pepper paste, tomatoes, and bell pepper. Mix well, then add salt and pepper to taste. Cover the meat with water (about 1 liter) and let it simmer on low heat, covered, for about 40 minutes. At this stage, it is important not to lift the lid too often to allow the stew to cook evenly.

5. The parsley and garlic: After the meat is well-cooked, add half of the fresh parsley and the chopped garlic. These ingredients will give a fresh and aromatic taste to the stew. Let it simmer for another 5 minutes to blend the flavors.

Preparing the dumplings
6. The dumpling dough: In a bowl, beat the two eggs well. Add the 5 tablespoons of flour and mix well, gradually adding water until you obtain a smooth paste with a consistency similar to thick sour cream. Let the dough rest for 10 minutes. This is the secret to fluffy dumplings!

7. Boiling the dumplings: In another pot, bring water to a boil with a little salt. When the water is boiling, form the dumplings using a special tool or a spoon. If using a spoon, dip it in boiling water to prevent the dough from sticking. Let the dumplings boil for about 10 minutes, stirring gently to prevent sticking.

8. Finalizing the dumplings: Once the dumplings are cooked, cover them and let them sit in the water for 10 minutes. Then, drain them under cold running water to stop the cooking process.

Serving
The stew with dumplings is delicious served warm, with a spoonful of sour cream on top for added creaminess. You can also add the remaining chopped parsley for a fresh look. If you want to bring a touch of freshness, you can sprinkle some chili pepper or freshly ground pepper.

Practical tips
- If you want to add extra flavor, you can replace some of the water with chicken broth.
- Dumplings can also be made with cottage cheese or cornmeal for a different texture.
- Make sure the dough is not too thick; otherwise, the dumplings will become dense.

Nutritional information
This recipe offers an excellent balance of protein from the meat, carbohydrates from the flour, and vitamins from the vegetables. A serving of stew with dumplings contains approximately 450-500 calories, depending on the type of meat used and the amount of oil. It is a hearty meal, perfect for a chilly day.

Frequently asked questions
1. Can I use pork or beef instead of chicken?
Yes, this dish is versatile and can be adapted to your preferences.

2. How can I make the dumplings lighter?
Add a bit of sparkling water to the dough to make them fluffier.

3. What other vegetables can I add to the stew?
Carrots, celery, or zucchini are excellent options.

The stew with dumplings is a dish that combines tradition with authentic taste, perfect for moments when you want to indulge in a comforting meal. Enjoy your meal!

 Ingredients: 1 chicken (turkey meat) 1 onion 2 tomatoes 1 bell pepper 2 tablespoons of roasted pepper paste 2 eggs 5 tablespoons of flour 4 tablespoons of oil salt pepper 2-3 cloves of garlic green parsley