Chicken Paprikash with Dumplings – A Family Recipe Full of Warmth and Flavor
When we talk about dishes that bring the family together, chicken paprikash with dumplings is definitely on the list of most beloved recipes. This traditional dish, rich in flavors and with a creamy texture, brings a touch of nostalgia and comfort to every home. Preparing it is not just a culinary act, but a true celebration of taste, inviting us to share unforgettable moments with our loved ones.
Preparation time: 15 minutes
Cooking time: 1 hour
Total time: 1 hour and 15 minutes
Servings: 4-6
Ingredients
For the paprikash:
- 1 kg chicken thighs (preferably from free-range chickens for an authentic taste)
- 2 large onions, finely chopped
- 3 tablespoons olive oil (or sunflower oil, depending on preference)
- 1/2 head of garlic, crushed
- 1 cup tomato juice (freshly squeezed or from a quality bottle)
- 1 tablespoon sweet paprika (to give a vibrant color and delicate flavor)
- Peppercorns, to taste
- Dried thyme, to taste (about a teaspoon)
- Dried parsley, for garnish (optional)
- Salt, to taste
For the dumplings:
- 150 g flour (choose quality flour, type 000 or 001)
- 200 ml water
- 50 ml oil (to make the dumplings fluffy)
- 2 fresh eggs
Preparation of the paprikash
1. Browning the meat: In a deep skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the cleaned and well-washed chicken thighs and lightly brown them on all sides. This step will not only add a wonderful aroma but also help retain the juiciness of the meat. Once browned, remove the thighs from the skillet and keep them in a covered dish to stay warm.
2. Preparing the sauce: In the remaining oil, add the finely chopped onion. Sauté the onion until it becomes golden and translucent, then add the tomato juice, paprika, thyme, and a cup of water. Bring the sauce to a boil, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking.
3. Adding the meat: Pour the chicken thighs into the flavorful sauce and add the peppercorns and salt to taste. Cover the skillet and let it simmer on low heat for about 30-40 minutes, until the meat becomes tender and easily comes off the bone.
4. Adding the garlic: With 5 minutes left before turning off the heat, add the crushed garlic to the sauce and mix well. This will bring a note of freshness and intense flavor to the dish.
Preparation of the dumplings
1. Boiling the water: In a pot, bring salted water to a boil. It is essential that the water is well salted for the dumplings to have a pleasant taste.
2. Preparing the mixture: In a large bowl, bring 200 ml of water with 50 ml of oil to a boil. When the water starts boiling, add all the flour at once, stirring vigorously with a spatula or wooden spoon. This is the technique that will make the dumplings fluffy and not fall apart.
3. Adding the eggs: Turn off the heat and let the mixture cool slightly. Add the eggs, one at a time, continuously mixing until you get a smooth paste.
4. Forming the dumplings: Using a teaspoon, form small dumplings the size of a nut (or larger, if you prefer) and let them drop into the boiling water. Boil them for 5-7 minutes, until they float to the surface. Drain them and add them to the paprikash, allowing them to absorb the sauce for about 10 minutes.
Serving
Chicken paprikash with dumplings is served hot, sprinkled with dried or freshly chopped parsley for an extra touch of freshness and an attractive appearance. It pairs wonderfully with a crunchy green salad or pickles, which add a pleasant contrast of acidity.
Variations and suggestions
If you like, you can replace the dumplings with boiled potatoes, mashed potatoes, or polenta. Also, for a vegetarian variant, you can use mushrooms or eggplants instead of meat. Experiment with various herbs like oregano or basil to add a personal touch.
Nutritional benefits
This chicken paprikash recipe is rich in protein due to the chicken meat and contains fiber from the vegetables. Olive oil adds healthy fats, and garlic is known for its antioxidant properties. The dumplings, although higher in carbohydrates, provide energy and satisfaction, making them an excellent choice for a family lunch.
Frequently asked questions
1. Can I use other types of meat?
Of course! You can use chicken breast, turkey, or even pork, adjusting the cooking time based on the type of meat chosen.
2. What other side dishes go well with chicken paprikash?
Paprikash pairs well with cabbage salad, polenta, or mashed potatoes. A serving of pickles will add a note of freshness.
3. How long can I keep chicken paprikash?
Chicken paprikash keeps well in the refrigerator for 2-3 days. It can be easily reheated on the stovetop or in the microwave.
4. Can I freeze paprikash?
Yes, but it is recommended to freeze only the meat with the sauce, not the dumplings, as they may become mushy. Heat it well before serving.
Personal note
To add a touch of originality, I suggest adding a splash of fresh cream to the paprikash sauce at the end for exceptional creaminess. This recipe is not just about cooking; it is a ritual that brings the family together around the table, encouraging the stories and laughter that bind us.
Enjoy every bite and turn this recipe into a family tradition!
When we talk about dishes that bring the family together, chicken paprikash with dumplings is definitely on the list of most beloved recipes. This traditional dish, rich in flavors and with a creamy texture, brings a touch of nostalgia and comfort to every home. Preparing it is not just a culinary act, but a true celebration of taste, inviting us to share unforgettable moments with our loved ones.
Preparation time: 15 minutes
Cooking time: 1 hour
Total time: 1 hour and 15 minutes
Servings: 4-6
Ingredients
For the paprikash:
- 1 kg chicken thighs (preferably from free-range chickens for an authentic taste)
- 2 large onions, finely chopped
- 3 tablespoons olive oil (or sunflower oil, depending on preference)
- 1/2 head of garlic, crushed
- 1 cup tomato juice (freshly squeezed or from a quality bottle)
- 1 tablespoon sweet paprika (to give a vibrant color and delicate flavor)
- Peppercorns, to taste
- Dried thyme, to taste (about a teaspoon)
- Dried parsley, for garnish (optional)
- Salt, to taste
For the dumplings:
- 150 g flour (choose quality flour, type 000 or 001)
- 200 ml water
- 50 ml oil (to make the dumplings fluffy)
- 2 fresh eggs
Preparation of the paprikash
1. Browning the meat: In a deep skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the cleaned and well-washed chicken thighs and lightly brown them on all sides. This step will not only add a wonderful aroma but also help retain the juiciness of the meat. Once browned, remove the thighs from the skillet and keep them in a covered dish to stay warm.
2. Preparing the sauce: In the remaining oil, add the finely chopped onion. Sauté the onion until it becomes golden and translucent, then add the tomato juice, paprika, thyme, and a cup of water. Bring the sauce to a boil, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking.
3. Adding the meat: Pour the chicken thighs into the flavorful sauce and add the peppercorns and salt to taste. Cover the skillet and let it simmer on low heat for about 30-40 minutes, until the meat becomes tender and easily comes off the bone.
4. Adding the garlic: With 5 minutes left before turning off the heat, add the crushed garlic to the sauce and mix well. This will bring a note of freshness and intense flavor to the dish.
Preparation of the dumplings
1. Boiling the water: In a pot, bring salted water to a boil. It is essential that the water is well salted for the dumplings to have a pleasant taste.
2. Preparing the mixture: In a large bowl, bring 200 ml of water with 50 ml of oil to a boil. When the water starts boiling, add all the flour at once, stirring vigorously with a spatula or wooden spoon. This is the technique that will make the dumplings fluffy and not fall apart.
3. Adding the eggs: Turn off the heat and let the mixture cool slightly. Add the eggs, one at a time, continuously mixing until you get a smooth paste.
4. Forming the dumplings: Using a teaspoon, form small dumplings the size of a nut (or larger, if you prefer) and let them drop into the boiling water. Boil them for 5-7 minutes, until they float to the surface. Drain them and add them to the paprikash, allowing them to absorb the sauce for about 10 minutes.
Serving
Chicken paprikash with dumplings is served hot, sprinkled with dried or freshly chopped parsley for an extra touch of freshness and an attractive appearance. It pairs wonderfully with a crunchy green salad or pickles, which add a pleasant contrast of acidity.
Variations and suggestions
If you like, you can replace the dumplings with boiled potatoes, mashed potatoes, or polenta. Also, for a vegetarian variant, you can use mushrooms or eggplants instead of meat. Experiment with various herbs like oregano or basil to add a personal touch.
Nutritional benefits
This chicken paprikash recipe is rich in protein due to the chicken meat and contains fiber from the vegetables. Olive oil adds healthy fats, and garlic is known for its antioxidant properties. The dumplings, although higher in carbohydrates, provide energy and satisfaction, making them an excellent choice for a family lunch.
Frequently asked questions
1. Can I use other types of meat?
Of course! You can use chicken breast, turkey, or even pork, adjusting the cooking time based on the type of meat chosen.
2. What other side dishes go well with chicken paprikash?
Paprikash pairs well with cabbage salad, polenta, or mashed potatoes. A serving of pickles will add a note of freshness.
3. How long can I keep chicken paprikash?
Chicken paprikash keeps well in the refrigerator for 2-3 days. It can be easily reheated on the stovetop or in the microwave.
4. Can I freeze paprikash?
Yes, but it is recommended to freeze only the meat with the sauce, not the dumplings, as they may become mushy. Heat it well before serving.
Personal note
To add a touch of originality, I suggest adding a splash of fresh cream to the paprikash sauce at the end for exceptional creaminess. This recipe is not just about cooking; it is a ritual that brings the family together around the table, encouraging the stories and laughter that bind us.
Enjoy every bite and turn this recipe into a family tradition!