Chicken Paprikash

Chicken Paprikash with Fluffy Dumplings

Chicken paprikash is a traditional recipe that evokes images of family meals filled with aromas and joy. It is a dish that has been passed down through generations, with each family having its personalized version. In this recipe, I will share my way of preparing this delicacy, emphasizing quality ingredients and the correct technique to achieve a tasty paprikash with a rich sauce and light, fluffy dumplings.

Preparation time: 20 minutes
Cooking time: 40 minutes
Total time: 1 hour
Servings: 4-6

Ingredients:

For the paprikash:
- 1 kg chicken meat (boneless breast and thighs)
- 4 medium onions, sliced
- 125 ml oil (preferably sunflower oil)
- 1 tablespoon sweet paprika
- 1 teaspoon hot paprika (optional)
- 200 g tomato paste with peppers
- 200 ml sour cream (ideally full-fat sour cream)
- 250 ml water (or more, as needed)
- 1 tablespoon flour
- salt and pepper, to taste
- 2 bay leaves
- 1 bunch of fresh parsley, chopped

For the dumplings:
- 2 eggs
- 5 tablespoons flour
- 1 tablespoon sparkling water (for fluffiness)
- salt and pepper, to taste

Preparation:

1. Preparing the meat:
Start by cutting the chicken into smaller pieces. Season with salt and pepper. In a large skillet, heat the oil until hot, then add the chicken. Brown it on all sides until golden, then transfer to another dish.

2. Preparing the sauce:
In the same skillet, add the sliced onions. You can add a few drops of water to prevent the onions from burning. Sauté the onions over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until they become translucent. This will add sweetness and flavor to the paprikash.

3. Adding the spices:
Once the onions are ready, add the sweet paprika and stir quickly to prevent burning. Then add the tomato paste with peppers and mix well. Wait for the sauce to boil, and when it starts to bubble, add the bay leaves.

4. Preparing the dumplings:
In a bowl, beat the eggs with a pinch of salt and pepper. Add the sparkling water, then gradually incorporate the flour, mixing until you get a thicker consistency than pancake batter. It is important for this mixture to be dense to achieve fluffy dumplings.

5. Boiling the dumplings:
Place a pot of water on the heat, adding a pinch of salt. When the water starts to boil, use a spoon dipped in cold water to scoop the dumpling mixture and drop them into the water. Continue adding dumplings this way until the mixture is finished. Let them boil for about 7-10 minutes until they become fluffy.

6. Finalizing the paprikash:
Meanwhile, return to the sauce on the heat. Add the browned chicken back into the skillet and add water from the pot where the dumplings boiled until the chicken is covered. When the sauce starts to boil, add the dumplings. If necessary, add more water, but be careful not to make the sauce too thin.

7. Thickening the sauce:
In a small bowl, mix one tablespoon of flour with the sour cream, adding a few tablespoons of sauce from the skillet to prevent lumps. Mix well, then quickly incorporate the sour cream mixture into the skillet. Gently stir to avoid crushing the dumplings. Let it simmer on low heat for 6-8 minutes.

8. Serving:
Once the paprikash is ready, taste and adjust with salt, pepper, or if desired, a few slices of hot pepper. Finally, sprinkle the chopped parsley on top for a touch of freshness. Serve the paprikash warm, alongside polenta or fresh bread, to soak up the delicious sauce.

Useful tips:
- Choosing the meat: You can also use other types of meat, such as turkey or even pork for a different variation.
- Vegetable variations: Add bell peppers or carrots for an extra touch of sweetness and texture.
- Alternative dumplings: You can replace the sparkling water with milk or yogurt for a richer taste.
- Spicier sauce: If you are a fan of spicy dishes, add a splash of chili sauce or chopped hot pepper to the sauce.

Nutritional benefits:
Chicken paprikash is a good source of protein due to the chicken meat and contains essential vitamins and minerals from onions and tomatoes. The sour cream adds a dose of calcium, and the spices not only provide flavor but also have antioxidant benefits.

Frequently asked questions:
- Can I replace sour cream with something else? Yes, you can use Greek yogurt or light sour cream for a lighter version.
- Can I make paprikash without dumplings? Sure! You can serve the paprikash plain, with polenta or rice if you prefer.
- Is this recipe suitable for a diet? Chicken paprikash is a good choice, but make sure to adjust the amounts of oil and sour cream if you are following a stricter regimen.

So, gather your ingredients and enjoy this chicken paprikash with fluffy dumplings, which will warm your heart and bring a smile to your face! Enjoy your meal!

 Ingredients: 1 kg chicken meat (boneless breast and thighs) 4 medium-sized onions 125 ml oil 1 tablespoon sweet paprika 1 teaspoon hot paprika 200 g tomato paste with peppers 200 ml sour cream 250 ml water 1 tablespoon flour salt 2 bay leaves pepper 1 bunch of fresh parsley For dumplings: 2 eggs 5 tablespoons flour 1 tablespoon mineral water salt pepper

 Tags:  chicken paprikash paprika chicken chicken stew food hungarian