πποΈ Introducing the Appalachian Mountain Chicken! ποΈπ
What is it?
The Appalachian Mountain Chicken is not an actual chicken but rather a playful term for a classic Appalachian dish known as “Chicken and Dumplings.” It’s a hearty and comforting meal, perfect for chilly mountain evenings.
History:
Chicken and Dumplings have deep roots in Appalachian cuisine, dating back to early settlers who adapted their traditional European recipes to the ingredients available in the region. It has since become a beloved comfort food, cherished for its simplicity and heartiness.
Components:
To prepare Appalachian Mountain Chicken, you’ll need the following components:
- Chicken: Typically a whole chicken or chicken parts like thighs and drumsticks.
- Dumplings: A simple mixture of flour, baking powder, salt, and water.
Steps to Prepare:
Here’s a step-by-step guide to preparing this soul-warming dish:
Ingredients:
- 1 whole chicken or chicken parts (about 3-4 pounds)
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- Water
- Optional: Vegetables like carrots, celery, and onions for added flavor
Instructions:
- Prepare the Chicken: If using a whole chicken, cut it into pieces (legs, thighs, breasts) for even cooking. Season with salt and pepper.
- Boil the Chicken: Place the chicken pieces in a large pot, cover with water, and bring to a boil. Reduce the heat to a simmer and cook until the chicken is tender and fully cooked, typically 30-45 minutes. Skim off any foam that rises to the surface.
- Make the Dumpling Dough: In a mixing bowl, combine the flour, baking powder, and salt. Gradually add water and mix until a soft, sticky dough forms.
- Form Dumplings: Flour your hands and shape small pieces of dough into dumplings, about the size of a golf ball.
- Add Dumplings: Gently drop the dumplings into the simmering chicken broth. Cover and cook for about 15-20 minutes, or until the dumplings are cooked through and no longer doughy in the center.
- Optional Vegetables: If desired, add chopped carrots, celery, and onions to the pot for extra flavor and nutrition. Cook until they are tender.
- Serve: Ladle the chicken, dumplings, and broth into bowls. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
Time Needed:
The total time needed to prepare Appalachian Mountain Chicken varies but generally takes around 1.5 to 2 hours. This includes preparation, cooking the chicken, making dumplings, and adding optional vegetables.
Enjoy this delightful and comforting Appalachian dish with its rich history and warm flavors! π²π¨βπ³π
Certainly, here are the nutrition facts and some health information for the Appalachian Mountain Chicken dish:
Nutrition Facts (per serving):
- Calories: Approximately 350-400 calories per serving (may vary based on serving size and specific ingredients used)
- Protein: 20-25 grams
- Carbohydrates: 30-35 grams
- Dietary Fiber: 2-4 grams
- Total Fat: 15-20 grams
- Saturated Fat: 4-6 grams
- Cholesterol: 60-80 milligrams
- Sodium: 600-800 milligrams
- Potassium: 300-400 milligrams
- Calcium: 30-50 milligrams
- Iron: 2-4 milligrams
- Vitamin C: 2-4 milligrams
- Vitamin A: 100-150 IU
Health Information:
- Protein: Chicken is a good source of lean protein, which is essential for muscle repair and overall body function.
- Carbohydrates: The dumplings provide carbohydrates, offering energy for daily activities.
- Dietary Fiber: While this dish is not particularly high in fiber, adding vegetables like carrots and celery can increase the fiber content and promote digestive health.
- Total Fat: The fat content may vary depending on the chicken used and the preparation method. Removing the chicken skin and choosing leaner cuts can reduce the fat content.
- Saturated Fat: Be mindful of the saturated fat content, which can be moderated by trimming visible fat from the chicken.
- Cholesterol: Chicken can be part of a balanced diet but should be consumed in moderation, especially if you have cholesterol concerns.
- Sodium: The sodium content can be high, mainly from the broth. You can reduce this by using low-sodium broth or seasoning lightly.
- Potassium: The dish provides a modest amount of potassium, important for heart health.
- Vitamins and Minerals: While this dish doesn’t provide a significant amount of vitamins and minerals, it can contribute to your daily intake of essential nutrients.
Keep in mind that these values are approximate and can vary based on the specific ingredients and portion sizes used in your recipe. If you have specific dietary restrictions or health concerns, it’s advisable to consult with a healthcare professional or a registered dietitian for personalized guidance.
