Chicken paprikash with dumplings

Chicken Paprikash with Dumplings: A Comforting Delight in Every Spoonful

When we think of dishes that remind us of childhood and family meals, chicken paprikash certainly holds a special place. This recipe, with deep roots in culinary traditions, combines the rich flavors of chicken with a velvety, flavorful sauce and fluffy dumplings that soak up every drop of the aromatic sauce. Whether you're cooking it for a special occasion or simply to indulge on a chilly evening, this chicken paprikash with dumplings is a perfect choice.

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

Ingredients

For the paprikash:
- 4 chicken drumsticks (approximately 800 g)
- 1 medium onion
- 1 teaspoon sweet paprika
- 1 cup tomato juice (approximately 250 ml)
- 1 tablespoon flour
- 3 tablespoons oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Water, enough to cover the drumsticks
- Dried or fresh parsley for garnish

For the dumplings:
- 2 eggs
- 2-3 tablespoons water
- 4 and a half tablespoons flour
- Salt and pepper to taste

Preparation

Step 1: Making the paprikash

1. Cleaning and chopping the onion: Start by peeling and finely chopping the onion. This will add sweetness and flavor to the dish.

2. Sautéing the onion: In a large pot, add the 3 tablespoons of oil and heat over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and sauté for 3-4 minutes until it becomes translucent.

3. Preparing the meat: Rinse the chicken drumsticks under cold water and pat them dry with paper towels. Season with salt and pepper, then add them to the pot with the onion. Let them brown for 5-7 minutes, turning occasionally, until they develop a nice color.

4. Adding the spices: Once the drumsticks are browned, remove the pot from the heat. Add the sweet paprika and stir well to combine it with the oil and onion.

5. Incorporating the tomato juice: Pour in the tomato juice and mix well. Then, add a tablespoon of flour to thicken the sauce. Stir quickly to avoid lumps.

6. Simmering: Add enough water to fully cover the drumsticks. Place the pot over low heat and let it simmer for 30 minutes, covering it with a lid. Check occasionally and add water if necessary.

Step 2: Making the dumplings

1. Boiling the water: In a separate pot, bring salted water to a boil, preparing it for the dumplings.

2. Preparing the batter: In a bowl, beat the eggs with a pinch of salt and pepper. Gradually add the flour and a few tablespoons of water, mixing with a whisk or fork until you achieve a smooth batter that is slightly thicker than pancake batter.

3. Forming the dumplings: When the water starts to boil, use a teaspoon to scoop out portions of the dumpling batter, forming small balls. You can dip the teaspoon in the boiling water to prevent sticking.

4. Cooking the dumplings: Let the dumplings cook for about 10 minutes. Check with a fork to ensure they are cooked through, and when ready, remove them with a slotted spoon.

Step 3: Assembling and serving

1. Combining the ingredients: Once the dumplings are cooked, add them to the pot with the paprikash and gently stir to combine without breaking them.

2. Serving: Sprinkle dried or fresh parsley on top before serving. You can accompany this dish with a fresh green salad or homemade bread to complete the meal.

Helpful tips and variations

- Choosing the meat: If you prefer a juicier paprikash, you can use chicken thighs instead of drumsticks. They have more meat and are more tender.
- Cooking time: Make sure the chicken is well-cooked. The meat should be tender and easily pull away from the bone.
- Fluffier dumplings: If you want fluffier dumplings, you can add a teaspoon of baking powder to the batter.
- Storing: Paprikash keeps well in the refrigerator for 2-3 days, and the flavor intensifies the next day, making it perfect for quick lunches.

Nutritional values

Chicken paprikash with dumplings is a balanced meal, rich in protein and carbohydrates. A 300 g serving contains approximately:
- Calories: 450
- Protein: 30 g
- Fat: 20 g
- Carbohydrates: 35 g

Frequently asked questions

1. Can I use a different type of meat?
Yes, you can replace chicken with pork or turkey. Cooking time may vary slightly.

2. Can I make the paprikash in advance?
Absolutely! Chicken paprikash can be prepared a day ahead, and the flavor will be even better the next day.

3. What drinks pair well with this dish?
A dry white wine or a light beer are excellent choices to accompany this meal.

Whether it's an ordinary evening or a special occasion, chicken paprikash with dumplings will bring joy to the table. So embrace this delicious dish and enjoy the moments spent with loved ones, savoring every bite! Enjoy your meal!

 Ingredients: Dumplings: 2 eggs, 2-3 tablespoons of water, 4 and a half tablespoons of flour, salt, pepper. Paprika: 4 chicken drumsticks, 1 medium onion, 1 teaspoon of sweet paprika, 1 cup of tomato juice, 1 tablespoon of flour, 3 tablespoons of oil, dried or fresh parsley, salt, pepper, water.

 Tags:  chicken paprikash