Chicken paprikash with dumplings

Chicken Paprikash with Dumplings - A Recipe from the Heart of Childhood

Preparation time: 15 minutes
Cooking time: 45 minutes
Total time: 1 hour
Number of servings: 4

Chicken paprikash with dumplings is one of those dishes that evokes cherished childhood memories, filled with the warm and comforting aromas of home. With a long-standing tradition, this dish combines the rich flavor of chicken with a creamy and spiced sauce, perfect for savoring alongside fluffy dumplings. Whether it’s a family meal or a dinner with friends, this paprikash will surely bring smiles to the faces of your loved ones. Let’s get started!

Ingredients for Chicken Paprikash:
- 600 g chicken (drumsticks)
- 2 medium onions
- 2 teaspoons sweet paprika
- 2 tablespoons tomato paste
- 1 tablespoon flour
- 3 tablespoons oil
- Salt, to taste
- Pepper, to taste

Ingredients for Dumplings:
- 3 large eggs
- 10 heaping tablespoons flour
- Salt, to taste

Ingredient Details:
- Chicken: Drumsticks are ideal for this recipe due to their fat content and juiciness. You can also use chicken breast, but I advise choosing bone-in meat for a more intense flavor.
- Onion: A finely chopped onion will add sweetness and flavor to your dish. Choose white or yellow onions for a more balanced taste.
- Paprika: Make sure to use quality paprika, as it will give color and a distinctive flavor to the dish.
- Tomato paste: This adds acidity and depth to the sauce. You can experiment with smoked tomato paste for a more complex flavor.
- Dumplings: These are the binding element of the dish. The eggs and flour need to be well mixed to achieve a fluffy texture.

Preparation Instructions:

1. Preparing the meat: Wash the drumsticks well under cold water and remove any skin. This step is essential for achieving a clean and tasty paprikash.

2. Preparing the onion: Peel the onion and chop it finely. This will form the aromatic base of your sauce.

3. Sautéing: In a large pot, heat the 3 tablespoons of oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and sauté for 2-3 minutes until it becomes translucent. Then, add the chicken drumsticks and sweet paprika. Mix well and let it sauté for 5-6 minutes until the meat is lightly browned.

4. Boiling: Add enough water to cover the meat (about 1 liter) and let it simmer on low heat for 20-25 minutes. It’s important for the dish to simmer slowly to allow the flavors to develop.

5. Preparing the sauce: In a small bowl, mix the tomato paste with the flour and a little water until you achieve a smooth mixture. Add this mixture to the pot, stirring constantly to prevent lumps from forming. Season with salt and pepper to taste, then let it simmer on low heat for 10-15 minutes so the sauce thickens.

6. Preparing the dumplings: In another bowl, beat the eggs with a little salt. Gradually add the flour, mixing continuously until you achieve a thicker consistency than sour cream. This is the secret to fluffy dumplings!

7. Dumplings in sauce: Using a spoon, take some of the dumpling mixture and drop it into the boiling sauce. Cover the pot with a lid and let it simmer on low heat for 10-15 minutes. The dumplings are ready when they become fluffy and rise to the surface.

8. Serving: Serve the chicken paprikash with dumplings hot, alongside a fresh salad. A cabbage salad or a tomato and cucumber salad are excellent options to complement this dish.

Practical Tips:
- For a more intense flavor, you can add a crushed garlic clove while sautéing the onion.
- If you want a spicy note, add a little finely chopped hot pepper to the sauce.
- Substitute the chicken drumsticks with pieces of beef or turkey to diversify the recipe.
- Add a few chopped fresh parsley leaves at the end for an extra touch of freshness.

Frequently Asked Questions:
- How can I store chicken paprikash? It can be stored in the refrigerator for 2-3 days. Reheat it on the stove or in the microwave before serving.
- Can I freeze paprikash? Yes, but it is recommended not to freeze the dumplings, as they will lose their texture. You can freeze only the sauce and meat.

Nutritional Benefits:
Chicken paprikash is an excellent source of protein due to the chicken, and the dumplings provide necessary carbohydrates for energy. Additionally, onions contain antioxidants and have anti-inflammatory properties.

In conclusion, chicken paprikash with dumplings is more than just a meal; it’s a journey into the pleasant memories of childhood. I encourage you to try it with your family and customize it as you like. Enjoy your meal!