Chicken Stew with Cornmeal Dumplings
Cook Time: 45 minutes
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour
Servings: 4
Description: This hearty Chicken Stew with Cornmeal Dumplings recipe isn’t about extravagance; it’s about wholesome simplicity, perfect for warming up chilly evenings with its comforting aroma and delightful flavors. Quick to prepare, it has become a cherished favorite for my family, surpassing even the most traditional chicken and dumpling recipes.
Recipe Category: Stew
Keywords: Chicken, Poultry, Meat, Less than 60 Minutes, Easy
Ingredients:
- 3 1/2 – 4 pounds chicken, cut into pieces
- 4 cups chicken stock
- 1 bay leaf
- 2 stalks celery, chopped
- 4 carrots, peeled and sliced
- 1 onion, diced
- 4 sprigs fresh thyme
- 6 leaves kale, chopped
- 4 tablespoons unbleached flour
- 1 cup cornmeal
- 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
- 2 teaspoons salt, plus more to taste
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter
- 2 cups milk
Nutritional Information (per serving):
- Calories: 949.9
- Fat Content: 48g
- Saturated Fat Content: 16g
- Cholesterol Content: 209.3mg
- Sodium Content: 1094.1mg
- Carbohydrate Content: 68.6g
- Fiber Content: 6.5g
- Sugar Content: 11.6g
- Protein Content: 60.2g
Aggregated Rating: 5 stars
Review Count: 2
Recipe Instructions:
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In a wide, deep pot, combine the chicken, chicken stock, and bay leaf. Bring to a boil over medium-high heat, then reduce the heat to medium, cover the pot, and simmer for 15 minutes until the chicken is tender and cooked through.
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While the chicken is simmering, skim any excess fat from the surface of the broth using a spoon or ladle.
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Stir in the chopped celery, sliced carrots, diced onion, and fresh thyme sprigs. Continue to simmer the stew over medium heat, partially covered, for an additional 15 minutes, or until the vegetables are tender and infused with flavor.
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Add the chopped kale to the stew, stirring gently to incorporate. Season the stew to taste with salt and pepper, ensuring a perfect balance of flavors.
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Meanwhile, prepare the cornmeal dumplings. In a mixing bowl, combine the unbleached flour, cornmeal, baking powder, and salt. Cut the unsalted butter into the dry ingredients until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. For a quick and efficient method, consider using a food processor.
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Pour in the milk and stir until just combined, being careful not to overmix. The batter should be thick and slightly sticky.
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Drop tablespoon-sized portions of the dumpling batter onto the surface of the simmering stew, spacing them evenly. Cover the pot and allow the dumplings to steam for 10-15 minutes, or until they are cooked through and fluffy.
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Once the dumplings are cooked, discard the bay leaf and thyme sprigs from the stew. Ladle generous portions of the chicken stew with cornmeal dumplings into serving bowls, ensuring each serving has a hearty mix of chicken, vegetables, and dumplings.
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Serve hot and enjoy the comforting flavors of this wholesome meal, perfect for cozy evenings with loved ones.
Additional Tips:
- For added flavor, consider incorporating additional herbs such as rosemary or parsley into the stew.
- If you prefer a thicker stew, you can whisk together a slurry of cornstarch and water and stir it into the simmering stew until thickened to your liking.
- Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days or frozen for longer storage. Reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave until heated through.
- Feel free to customize the vegetables in the stew based on your preferences or what you have on hand. Turnips, potatoes, or parsnips would all be delicious additions.
