Chicken and dumplings for the purist. This recipe begins with a creamy chicken soup made with carrots, celery and onion. Dumplings made with heavy cream are braised atop the soup just prior to serving.
INGREDIENTS (for 7 servings):
- 4 pounds whole chicken cut up
- 1 whole dried red chili pepper, seeded and diced
- 2 carrots, chopped
- 2 stalks celery, chopped
- 2 onions, chopped
- 1 bay leaves
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 4 (14.5 ounce) cans chicken broth
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1/4 cup cornstarch
- 1/2 cup water
- 2 cups self-rising flour
- 1 cup heavy cream
PREPARATION:
For the stock: In a large pot over high heat, place the chicken parts, chile pepper, carrots, celery, onions, bay leaf, garlic and chicken broth. Mix well and bring to a boil. Reduce heat to low, cover and simmer for 1 to 2 hours, or until chicken comes off bone easily. Cover and refrigerate overnight.
The next day, skim the fat off the top of the soup and remove the chicken parts. De-bone the chicken and chop the meat into bite size pieces. Discard bones and set meat aside. Using a slotted spoon, remove and discard the vegetables. Return the pot to the stove over high heat and bring to a boil. Reduce heat to low for 10 to 15 minutes, add the heavy cream and stir well.
In a separate small bowl, dissolve the cornstarch in the water and add to the pot. Stir until thickened, and make the dumplings while the stock reduces.
For the dumplings: In a large bowl, combine the flour and the heavy cream, mixing well. Roll into balls about 1 1/2 inches in diameter. Drop balls carefully into the simmering soup and cook for 7 minutes. Then cover soup and cook for 7 more minutes. Add the chicken, stir well and allow to heat through.