Sumptuous Chicken & Basil Dumpling Soup
Experience the heartwarming essence of Eastern European cuisine with this delightful Chicken & Basil Dumpling Soup. This dish showcases tender chicken simmered to perfection in a flavorful broth enriched with fresh vegetables. The dumplings, known as klotski, are a comforting blend of fluffy mashed potatoes and aromatic herbs, offering a delectable texture that beautifully complements the rich, savory broth. Perfect for chilly autumn evenings, this soup captures the inviting aroma of basil and the robust flavors of seasonings, creating a dish that is as nourishing for the soul as it is for the body. Serve it up with fresh chopped parsley for a touch of color and freshness, making it a wholesome and fulfilling meal for your family and friends.
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
14
Ingredients
Ingredients
Chicken pieces
3-4 lbs (such as wings or legs)
Celery
1 small head (washed, trimmed, and cut into 1-inch chunks)
Yellow onion
1 large (coarsely chopped)
Bouquet garni
1 (containing bay leaf, parsley, thyme)
Carrot
1 large (thickly sliced)
Peppercorn
1/2 teaspoon (whole)
Salt
to taste (for seasoning)
Fresh parsley
to serve (chopped)
Potatoes
3 medium (peeled and cut into 1-inch chunks)
Butter
2 tablespoons (for mashing potatoes)
Eggs
2 (beaten)
Whole wheat flour
1 cup (for the dumpling dough)
Fresh basil
2 tablespoons (chopped)
Black pepper
freshly ground (for seasoning)
Instructions
1
To prepare the soup, place the chicken pieces, chopped celery, onion, carrot, and bouquet garni in a large pot. Cover the ingredients with cold water and bring to a boil over high heat. Once boiling, reduce the heat to a gentle simmer. Skim any scum that rises to the surface and add the peppercorns. Cover the pot partially and let it simmer for about 2 hours, allowing the flavors to meld beautifully.
2
After simmering, use a double layer of damp cheesecloth placed in a strainer set over a large bowl. Pour the broth through the strainer to separate it from the solids. Discard the solids, and season the strained broth with salt to taste. Keep the broth warm over low heat.
3
Meanwhile, prepare the klotski dumplings: Boil the potatoes in a pot of salted water for 10-15 minutes, or until fork-tender. Drain and mash the potatoes with the butter until smooth. Allow the mixture to cool slightly before adding in the eggs, chopped basil, salt, and pepper. Gradually mix in the whole wheat flour, a little at a time, until a smooth and firm dough forms.
4
Shape the dough into small dumplings, about the size of a golf ball. Carefully drop the dumplings into the simmering chicken broth. Cook them for about 5 minutes, or until they float to the surface, indicating they are done.
5
Taste the broth once more and adjust the seasoning if necessary. Ladle the warm soup into bowls, ensuring each serving contains several dumplings, and top with a sprinkle of fresh parsley for finishing. Serve immediately and enjoy!
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Sumptuous Chicken & Basil Dumpling Soup?
It is a heartwarming Eastern European soup featuring tender chicken, a savory vegetable broth, and potato-based dumplings called klotski flavored with fresh basil.
What type of cuisine is this soup associated with?
This dish is a classic example of Eastern European cuisine.
What are the dumplings called in this recipe?
The dumplings are known as klotski, which are a comforting blend of mashed potatoes and aromatic herbs.
What cuts of chicken are best for this recipe?
The recipe recommends using 3-4 lbs of chicken pieces such as wings or legs for a flavorful broth.
How long should the chicken broth simmer?
The broth should simmer gently for about 2 hours to allow the flavors to meld beautifully.
What vegetables are used to flavor the soup broth?
The broth is flavored with celery, yellow onion, and carrot.
What is in the bouquet garni for this soup?
The bouquet garni typically contains bay leaf, parsley, and thyme.
How should the broth be strained?
Pour the broth through a double layer of damp cheesecloth placed in a strainer over a large bowl to separate solids from the liquid.
How do you make klotski dumplings?
Boil and mash potatoes with butter, then mix with eggs, chopped basil, salt, pepper, and whole wheat flour to form a dough.
What type of flour is used for the dumplings?
The recipe calls for one cup of whole wheat flour.
How long do the dumplings need to cook in the broth?
The dumplings cook for about 5 minutes, or until they float to the surface.
How do I know when the klotski are finished cooking?
They are done when they float to the surface of the simmering chicken broth.
What size should the dumplings be shaped into?
The dough should be shaped into small dumplings roughly the size of a golf ball.
Can I use fresh herbs in this recipe?
Yes, the recipe uses fresh basil in the dumplings and fresh parsley as a garnish.
Is the chicken skin or scum removed during cooking?
Yes, you should skim any scum that rises to the surface once the water begins to boil.
How many ingredients are required for this recipe?
There are 14 ingredients in total.
What kind of potatoes are best for the dumplings?
The recipe specifies 3 medium potatoes, peeled and cut into 1-inch chunks.
Should the broth be seasoned with salt at the beginning?
The recipe suggests seasoning the strained broth with salt to taste after the initial 2-hour simmer.
What is the final garnish for the soup?
The soup is topped with a sprinkle of fresh chopped parsley before serving.
Is whole wheat flour better than white flour for these dumplings?
The recipe uses whole wheat flour to create a firm dough that complements the mashed potatoes.
Should the dumpling dough be smooth?
Yes, you should gradually mix in the flour until a smooth and firm dough forms.
Can I use ground pepper or whole peppercorns?
The recipe uses whole peppercorns for the broth and freshly ground black pepper for the dumplings.
What temperature should the water be when starting the broth?
You should cover the ingredients with cold water and then bring it to a boil.
How many eggs are needed for the klotski?
The recipe requires 2 beaten eggs.
Is the onion chopped finely or coarsely?
The recipe calls for one large yellow onion, coarsely chopped.
How much butter is used in the dumplings?
Two tablespoons of butter are mashed into the potatoes.
Can I store this soup for later?
Yes, although it is best served immediately, the broth and dumplings can be kept for leftovers.
Is this a good meal for autumn?
Yes, it is described as perfect for chilly autumn evenings.
What is the texture of the klotski dumplings?
They have a fluffy mashed potato texture that is both delectable and comforting.
Does the broth need to be kept warm while making dumplings?
Yes, you should keep the strained broth warm over low heat while you prepare the klotski.