Hungarian Chicken Paprikash with Dumplings - A Hearty Delight

Step into the heart of Hungary with the traditional and soul-warming dish of Chicken Paprikash with Dumplings. This flavourful and comforting meal captures the essence of Hungarian cuisine, featuring succulent chicken thighs bathed in a luscious paprika-infused sauce and served with delectable dumplings. Whether you're looking to impress guests or simply craving a satisfying homemade meal, this recipe is sure to leave you with happy hearts and contented taste buds. Let's dive into the flavourful

world of Hungarian gastronomy!

Ingredients:

For Chicken Paprikash:

• Lard or oil for browning the onions

• 4-6 chicken thighs (or any chicken parts of your choice)

• Hot, smoked, and sweet paprika powder

• 2 large onions, diced

• Water or chicken stock (if available)

• 2 Hungarian yellow wax peppers (or yellow/green bell peppers)

• 4-6 tomatoes, chopped

• Garlic, pepper, cumin, or additional spices to taste

• Sour cream (for thickening)

For the Dumplings:

• 1 ½ cups flour

• 2-3 large eggs

• Water

• Salt

Method:

1. Optional: To enhance the flavour, braise the chicken in a pot or pan until the skin becomes crispy and golden brown.

2. In a large pot, heat lard or oil over medium heat. Add the diced onions and sauté them until they turn golden and fragrant, approximately 5-10 minutes.

3. Stir in the chopped tomatoes, yellow wax peppers, and the trio of paprika powders (hot, smoked, and sweet). Season to your preference, but a teaspoon of each type of paprika is a great starting point for authentic flavour.

4. Continue stirring the vegetables for 5-8 minutes, then reintroduce the browned chicken thighs back into the pot.

5. Pour in enough water or chicken stock to barely cover the chicken. Allow the mixture to simmer gently for 30-45 minutes until the chicken becomes tender and thoroughly cooked.

6. At this point, you can add garlic, pepper, cumin, or any other preferred spices to elevate the flavours further.

7. While the stew simmers, begin preparing the dumplings. In a bowl, combine the flour and eggs. Gradually add water and mix until a light and smooth mass forms.

8. In a separate pot, bring salted water to a boil. Using a small spoon, drop bite-sized pieces of the dumpling dough into the boiling water.

9. Cook the dumplings for 5-8 minutes until they float to the surface, indicating they are cooked through.

10. Once the chicken stew is ready, remove the chicken thighs and set them aside momentarily. In a bowl, mix sour cream with flour and temper it with a portion of the stew liquid. Gradually incorporate the mixture back into the stew, stirring constantly to thicken the sauce.

11. Bring the stew to a gentle boil to ensure the flour is fully cooked and the sauce reaches the desired consistency.

12. Optional: For a smoother texture, you can use a blender or immersion blender to blitz the stew.

13. Serve the Chicken Paprikash hot, accompanied by the fluffy and delicious dumplings.

Conclusion:

Indulge in the flavours of Hungary with the delightful Chicken Paprikash and Dumplings recipe. This classic dish captures the essence of Hungarian cuisine, boasting succulent chicken bathed in a rich and aromatic paprika-infused sauce, served alongside light and airy dumplings. Perfect for a comforting family dinner or for entertaining guests, this dish is sure to leave everyone's taste buds satisfied and hearts warmed. Embrace the culinary traditions of Hungary and relish the exquisite blend of flavours in this hearty delight. Enjoy!