Chicken paprikash with bread dumplings

Chicken Paprikash with Bread Dumplings

In a world where comfort and warmth can be found in every bite, chicken paprikash with bread dumplings is a perfect choice for a family dinner or a special meal. This classic dish, with deep origins and rich traditions, combines the intense flavors of spices and meat, complemented by the fluffy textures of the dumplings. Let’s discover together how to prepare this delight step by step!

Preparation time: 20 minutes
Cooking time: 40 minutes
Total time: 1 hour
Number of servings: 4

Ingredients:

For the paprikash:
- 2 chicken thighs (or chicken breast, as preferred)
- 1 medium onion
- 1 tablespoon sweet paprika
- Garlic to taste (recommended 3-4 cloves)
- 1 tablespoon flour
- 2 tablespoons sour cream
- Oil for frying
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh parsley leaves for garnish

For the dumplings:
- 6 large rolls (preferably 2-3 days old)
- 250 ml hot milk
- 1 small onion
- 1 teaspoon butter or oil for frying
- 1 egg
- 1 small bunch of parsley
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 teaspoon flour (optional, for consistency)

Preparation:

Step 1: Preparing the paprikash
We start by finely chopping the onion and sautéing it in a deep pan with a little oil over medium heat. The goal is for it to become translucent without browning too much. This is the moment when the aromas are released and the atmosphere in the kitchen becomes particularly pleasant.

Step 2: Cooking the chicken
We separate the upper part of the thighs from the lower part. We add the thighs to the pan over the sautéed onion and cover with a lid. We let them cook for a few minutes, turning them occasionally. If you prefer, you can use chicken breast, but thighs provide a richer and juicier flavor.

Step 3: Flavoring
After the meat starts to brown, we add the paprika and deglaze with a large cup of water. This is the secret to a flavorful sauce! Next, we add the pressed or finely chopped garlic, depending on preferences. We let it simmer on low heat, covered, for about 20 minutes. In the meantime, don’t forget to check the meat; it’s done when a fork easily pierces it.

Step 4: Creating the sauce
When the chicken is cooked, in a small bowl, we mix 1 tablespoon of flour with 2 tablespoons of sour cream, gradually adding very cold water until we achieve a smooth mixture, similar to pancake batter. If using liquid sour cream, adjust the amount of water. We pour the mixture over the chicken, season with salt, pepper, and chopped parsley, then let it simmer for 1-2 minutes.

Step 5: Preparing the dumplings
For the dumplings, we cut the rolls into cubes and place them in a bowl. We pour hot milk over them and let them absorb the liquid for 10 minutes. This will make the dumplings fluffy and flavorful. In the meantime, we finely chop the onion and sauté it in butter or oil until soft but not browned, then add it to the roll mixture.

Step 6: Mixing the ingredients
We add the beaten egg, chopped parsley, salt, and pepper, mixing well. If the dough seems too soft, add a teaspoon of flour. We form balls of the desired size; I prefer to make them a bit larger to reduce cooking time.

Step 7: Boiling the dumplings
We boil salted water in a large pot. When the water starts to gently boil, we add the dumplings. They are ready when they rise to the surface, a sign that they are fluffy and perfectly cooked.

Serving:
We place the paprikash on plates, covered with a rich sauce, and alongside, the fluffy dumplings. A personal suggestion would be to add a little fresh parsley on top for an extra touch of freshness and color. This dish pairs wonderfully with a green salad or pickles to balance the rich flavors.

Useful tips:
- If you want to experiment, you can add diced bell pepper to the paprikash for a hint of sweetness.
- Use fatty sour cream for a creamier sauce.
- You can replace the chicken with turkey or even a vegetarian option using mushrooms.

Frequently asked questions:
1. Can I use turkey meat for this paprikash? Yes, turkey is an excellent alternative.
2. How can I make the dumplings fluffier? Make sure not to boil them too long and let them absorb the milk for enough time.
3. Can I prepare this paprikash in advance? Yes, the flavor improves as it sits, so you can make it a day ahead.

Nutritional benefits:
Chicken paprikash is rich in protein, and the bread dumplings provide essential carbohydrates, making it a nourishing meal. Parsley adds vitamins and minerals, giving a touch of health to the dish.

Calories:
A serving of chicken paprikash with dumplings contains approximately 450-500 calories, depending on the ingredients used.

Now that you know how to prepare this chicken paprikash with bread dumplings, all that’s left is to get cooking and delight your family with a delicious and comforting dish! Enjoy every bite!