Chicken goulash

Chicken goulash with fluffy dumplings - a recipe that combines tradition with authentic taste

It's time to return to our roots, and a chicken goulash with fluffy dumplings is exactly what we need to warm our souls on these chilly days. This dish is a culinary treasure with deep roots in our traditions, a meal that reminds us of childhood, family gatherings, and the aromas that envelop our homes. Let's discover together how to prepare this delicious and comforting chicken goulash.

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

Essential ingredients:
- 6 boneless, skinless chicken thighs
- 1/2 homemade smoked sausage
- 2 white onions
- 1 red onion
- 6 garlic cloves
- 2-3 bay leaves
- 1 teaspoon cumin
- 2 tablespoons paprika (preferably sweet)
- Sunflower oil (for frying)
- 1.5 L chicken broth
- 4 small carrots
- 3 hot peppers (optional, depending on preference)
- Sour cream (for serving)
- Dumplings:
- 2 eggs
- 6 forks of flour (approximately 300 g)

Preparation steps:
1. Prepare the ingredients: Start by washing and cutting the chicken thighs into suitable pieces. Set them aside. Finely chop the white and red onions, and mince the garlic. Cut the carrots in half lengthwise and then slice them. Cut the smoked sausage into small pieces, and finely chop the hot pepper if you prefer a spicier taste.

2. Sauté the vegetables: In a large pot, heat a few tablespoons of sunflower oil. Add the chopped onions and garlic, letting them brown slightly until golden and fragrant. This is the perfect moment to add the paprika, mixing well to release its flavors.

3. Adding the ingredients: Add the carrots, sausage, hot pepper, cumin, and bay leaves, stirring everything for a minute. Then, add the chicken pieces and let them brown slightly until evenly colored.

4. Boiling the goulash: Once the meat is browned, pour the chicken broth into the pot, enough to cover the meat. Let it simmer on low heat, gradually adding more broth as it reduces. It is important for the chicken to always be partially covered by liquid to achieve a tender and juicy texture.

5. Preparing the dumplings: In a separate pot, bring salted water to a boil. In a deep bowl, beat the two eggs, then gradually add the flour (about 6 forks), mixing continuously to avoid lumps. The dough should be soft but not too liquid. The softer the dough, the fluffier the dumplings will be.

6. Boiling the dumplings: Using a spoon or fork, shape the dumplings and drop them into the boiling water. Let them cook for 7-8 minutes, checking them from time to time.

7. Assembling the dish: Once the dumplings are cooked, remove them and place them over the chicken goulash. Add a little water from the water in which the dumplings boiled, then let everything come to a boil again for the flavors to blend.

8. Serving: Serve the goulash hot, with a spoonful of sour cream on top and a little finely chopped parsley. This detail will add a touch of freshness and a pleasant appearance to the dish.

Useful tips:
- Meat: You can also use other parts of the chicken, such as the breast, but thighs provide greater juiciness.
- Sausages: Choose homemade sausages for an authentic taste. You can experiment with different types of sausages, but make sure they are smoked to add a deep flavor.
- Variations: If you prefer a vegetarian version, you can replace the chicken with mushrooms and use vegetable broth. The dumplings remain just as delicious, regardless of the filling.
- The perfect goulash: Let it simmer longer to intensify the flavors. The goulash becomes even better the next day when the flavors have melded.

Nutritional benefits:
Chicken goulash is an excellent source of protein, and carrots add essential fiber and vitamins. Sour cream, while delicious, can be used in moderation to avoid excessive calorie intake. In total, a serving of chicken goulash with dumplings contains approximately 450-500 calories, depending on the ingredients used.

Frequently asked questions:
1. Can I make the goulash with beef?
- Yes, you can use beef for a heartier version. The cooking time will be longer, so make sure the meat is tender.

2. How can I store the goulash?
- The goulash keeps well in the refrigerator for 2-3 days. Reheat it on the stove or in the microwave before serving.

3. What can I serve with the goulash?
- This dish pairs perfectly with a fresh salad or crispy bread, ideal for soaking up the delicious sauce.

4. Can I add other vegetables?
- Absolutely! Potatoes, peas, or even zucchini can be added to diversify the recipe.

This chicken goulash with fluffy dumplings is not just a delicious dish but also a vivid reminder of culinary traditions. I invite you to try it and enjoy every bite, letting yourself be carried away by its warm and comforting aromas. Enjoy your meal!

 Ingredients: I used: 6 boneless, skinless chicken thighs, 1/2 homemade smoked sausage, 2 white onions, 1 red onion, 6 cloves of garlic, 2-3 bay leaves, 1 teaspoon cumin, 2 tablespoons paprika, sunflower oil, 1.5 L chicken broth, 4 smaller carrots, 3 hot peppers, sour cream, flour dumplings (2 eggs, 6 forks of flour)

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