Chicken with tomato sauce and potato dumplings

Chicken thighs with tomato sauce and potato dumplings

Preparation time: 20 minutes
Baking time: 45 minutes
Total time: 1 hour and 5 minutes
Servings: 4

I invite you to discover a delicious recipe that combines the intense flavors of chicken thighs with a rich and aromatic tomato sauce, alongside fluffy and savory potato dumplings. This dish is perfect for a family dinner or to impress friends at a festive meal. Besides the wonderful taste, the recipe is also very easy to prepare, so get ready to delight your taste buds!

The history of this recipe dates back in time, but it is known that the combination of chicken meat and tomato sauce has been appreciated by generations. Dumplings have also been a staple in traditional cuisine, ingeniously using available ingredients to create a hearty and flavorful dish.

Ingredients

For the chicken thighs:
- 3 whole chicken thighs
- 2 cups of tomato juice
- ½ head of garlic (about 5-6 cloves)
- 1 medium onion
- Salt (to taste)
- Thyme (to taste)
- Olive oil (for greasing the dish)

For the dumplings:
- 3 medium potatoes
- 1 egg
- 50 g butter (at room temperature)
- About 200 g flour (to achieve the desired consistency)
- 1 tablespoon of starch
- Salt and pepper (to taste)
- Nutmeg (optional, to taste)
- 2 slices of bread (preferably homemade, for better taste)

Preparation

1. Seasoning the chicken thighs: Start by washing the chicken thighs well under cold running water. Dry them with a paper towel and generously season with salt and thyme. If you like a more intense flavor, you can let the thighs marinate for about 30 minutes.

2. Preparing the sauce: Finely chop the onion and garlic. In a heat-resistant dish, place the chicken thighs and add the chopped onion and garlic. Pour the tomato juice over them and, if necessary, add a little water to achieve the desired sauce consistency. Mix well to combine the flavors.

3. Baking the thighs: Preheat the oven to 180°C (medium heat). Once the oven is heated, place the dish with the thighs in the oven and let them bake for about 45 minutes. The sauce should reduce, and the thighs should become golden and browned. Check the sauce occasionally; if it evaporates too much, add a little water.

4. Preparing the dumplings: Meanwhile, peel the potatoes and boil them in salted water, with the skin on, until tender (about 20-25 minutes). Once boiled, drain them and rinse under cold running water. After they have cooled, peel them and mash them in a large bowl.

5. Forming the dough: Add the egg, salt, pepper, nutmeg, and soft butter to the potato puree. Mix well until you achieve a homogeneous composition. Gradually add the flour and starch, kneading gently until you obtain a fluffy but slightly sticky dough. If the dough is too soft, add a little more flour.

6. Shaping the dumplings: Wet your hands with a little water and take a portion of the dough, forming balls. In the center of each ball, add a small cube of toasted bread, then seal it well.

7. Boiling the dumplings: Boil salted water in a large pot. When the water is boiling, carefully add the dumplings and let them boil for about 15 minutes. The dumplings are ready when they rise to the surface.

8. Serving: Remove the dumplings with a slotted spoon and place them on a platter. Serve them hot alongside the chicken thighs and tomato sauce. You can also add a few fresh basil leaves for a touch of freshness.

Practical tips

- If you want to add extra flavor to the sauce, you can also add some fresh herbs, such as basil or oregano.
- Dumplings can also be made with sweet potatoes for a healthier and colorful version.
- If you like spicier dishes, add a little chopped chili pepper to the tomato sauce.
- Treat your guests to a glass of white or red wine, which will perfectly complement the flavors on the plate.

Nutritional information

This recipe offers, per serving, approximately:
- Calories: 550 kcal
- Protein: 32 g
- Fat: 20 g
- Carbohydrates: 60 g
- Fiber: 5 g

Chicken thighs are an excellent source of protein, while the tomato sauce brings antioxidants and vitamins. Potato dumplings are rich in carbohydrates, providing you with the energy needed for a full day.

Frequently asked questions

1. Can I use other types of meat instead of chicken?
Of course! You can try using pork or turkey, but the cooking time may vary.

2. Can I prepare the dumplings in advance?
Yes, you can make the dumplings and freeze them. Boil them directly from the freezer, adding a few minutes to the cooking time.

3. How can I enhance the flavor of the tomato sauce?
Add a little sugar to reduce the acidity of the tomatoes or a splash of balsamic vinegar for a more complex taste.

I hope you enjoy this recipe for chicken thighs with tomato sauce and potato dumplings! It is an excellent choice for a warm and comforting meal, full of memories and flavor. Bon appétit!