Mom’s Chicken and Dumplings (Bott Boi)
🕒 Prep Time: 30 minutes
🕒 Cook Time: 1 hour 30 minutes
🕒 Total Time: 2 hours
🍽 Servings: 6
Description:
Transport yourself back to childhood with this nostalgic recipe for “Mom’s Chicken and Dumplings” (Bott Boi). Recreating the flavors of Pennsylvania Dutch cooking, this dish is a labor of love, reminiscent of home-cooked comfort food that tastes like paradise in a bowl. 🏡🍲
Ingredients:
- 3 1/2 – 4 whole chickens
- 1 celery stalk, chopped
- 3 tablespoons chicken bouillon powder
- 1 can (about 14 ounces) crushed tomatoes
- 1 pinch of saffron threads
- 5 large eggs
- 1/2 cup water
- 4 cups all-purpose flour
Instructions:
-
Simmer Chicken and Celery:
- In a large 6-quart pot, combine the whole chickens and half of the chopped celery.
- Cover with 2 quarts of water and simmer over medium heat for about 1 hour or until the chicken is tender and cooked through.
-
Prepare Chicken Broth:
- Remove the cooked chicken from the pot, discard the bones, and set aside the meat.
- Add enough water to the pot to make 3 1/2 quarts in total, then bring it to a rolling boil.
-
Add Flavorings:
- Stir in the crushed tomatoes, remaining chopped celery, chicken bouillon powder, and saffron threads.
- Reduce the heat to a gentle simmer and let the flavors meld together.
-
Make Dumplings:
- In a large mixing bowl, beat the eggs together with the water until well combined.
- Gradually add the flour, whisking continuously until the mixture thickens.
- Switch to a spoon and continue mixing until a soft dough forms.
- Turn the dough out onto a floured surface and knead it for 1-2 minutes until smooth.
-
Form Dumplings:
- Divide the dough into three equal parts.
- Roll each part out to about 3/16 of an inch thick.
- Using a floured knife or pizza wheel, cut the dough into strips measuring 1/2 x 1 inch.
-
Cook Dumplings:
- Drop the dumplings into the simmering chicken broth, working in batches of 2 or 3 at a time.
- Gently stir the broth as you add the dumplings to prevent sticking.
- Cook the dumplings until tender, which should take approximately 15 minutes.
-
Finish the Dish:
- Once the dumplings are tender, add the reserved chicken meat back into the pot.
- Continue to cook until the chicken is heated through.
- Season with salt and pepper to taste, adjusting the seasoning as needed for your preference.
-
Serve and Enjoy:
- Ladle the chicken and dumplings into bowls, ensuring each serving has a generous portion of both chicken and dumplings.
- Serve hot and savor the comforting flavors of this timeless dish that’s sure to evoke fond memories of home-cooked goodness. 🥣✨
This recipe for Mom’s Chicken and Dumplings (Bott Boi) is a testament to the enduring power of family recipes passed down through generations, offering a taste of tradition and love in every bite.
