SummerSimo Travel Troubles Notes and The Purring Page

THE ROLLER COASTER OF FLAVORS THAT’S THE SOUTHERN CUSINE IS READY…

Ready Steady GOOO!

Step 1:

Gather all the ingredients you’ll need:

• 2 pounds of bone-in chicken pieces (such as thighs and drumsticks)
• 3 tablespoons of vegetable oil
• 1 medium onion, finely chopped
• 3 celery stalks, finely chopped
• 3 carrots, peeled and diced
• 3 cloves of garlic, minced
• 4 cups of chicken broth
• 2 cups of all-purpose flour
• 1 tablespoon of baking powder
• 1 teaspoon of salt
• 1/2 teaspoon of black pepper
• 1 cup of milk
• Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

Step 2:

In a large pot or Dutch oven, heat the vegetable oil over medium heat. Add the chicken pieces and brown them on all sides. This will help develop a rich flavor in the dish. Once the chicken is browned, remove it from the pot and set it aside.

Step 3:

In the same pot, add the chopped onion, celery, carrots, and minced garlic. Sauté them until they become tender and fragrant. This will add depth of flavor to the dish.

Step 4:

Return the browned chicken to the pot and pour in the chicken broth. Bring the liquid to a boil, then reduce the heat to low. Cover the pot and let the chicken simmer for about 40 minutes, or until it becomes tender and cooked through. This slow simmering process will infuse the chicken with delicious flavors.

Step 5:

While the chicken is simmering, prepare the dumplings. In a mixing bowl, combine the flour, baking powder, salt, and black pepper. Gradually add the milk, stirring until a thick dough forms. Mix until just combined, being careful not to overmix.

Step 6:

Once the chicken is cooked, carefully remove it from the pot and set it aside to cool slightly. Shred the chicken meat using two forks, discarding the bones and skin. Return the shredded chicken to the pot.

Step 7:

Increase the heat to medium-high. Take spoonfuls of the dumpling dough and drop them into the simmering broth. Cover the pot and let the dumplings cook for about 15-20 minutes, or until they are fluffy and cooked through. Avoid lifting the lid while the dumplings are cooking to ensure they steam properly.

Step 8:

Once the dumplings are cooked, give the pot a gentle stir to combine them with the chicken and broth. Taste the mixture and adjust the seasoning with salt and pepper if needed.

Step 9:

Serve the delicious Southern chicken and dumplings hot, garnished with freshly chopped parsley for some added freshness and color.

Remember, the key to making this dish perfect is to take your time and let the flavors develop. Enjoy the comforting and soulful flavors of this Southern classic!