NEW SOUTH CHICKEN AND DUMPLINGS

New South Chicken and Dumplings image

Provided by Virginia Willis

Time 50m

Yield 4 to 6 servings

Number Of Ingredients 15

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2 cups unbleached all-purpose flour
1 tablespoon baking powder
1 tablespoon chopped fresh flat-leaf parsley
Coarse kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper
1 cup whole milk
3 tablespoons unsalted butter
1 tablespoon canola oil
3 carrots, cut into 1/2-inch rounds
1 sweet onion, chopped
1 large sweet potato, peeled and cut into 1/2-inch cubes
2 cloves garlic, finely chopped
6 cups chicken stock or low-fat, reduced-sodium chicken broth
2 pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into 3/4-inch cubes
2 sprigs fresh thyme
10 ounces fresh baby spinach

Steps:

To prepare the dumplings, in a bowl, combine the flour, baking powder, parsley and 3/4 teaspoon of salt. In a small saucepan, bring the milk and butter to a simmer over low heat; season with black pepper. Add the milk mixture to the dry ingredients and stir to combine.
In a second large saucepan, heat the oil over medium heat. Add the carrots, onions and sweet potatoes. Cook until the onions are translucent, 3 to 5 minutes. Add the garlic and cook until fragrant, 45 to 60 seconds. Add the stock and bring to a boil over high heat. Reduce the heat to simmer. Add the chicken and thyme.
Using a small ice cream scoop or tablespoon, drop the dough, about 1 tablespoon at a time, into the simmering stock. Cover and simmer until the dumplings and chicken are cooked through and the vegetables are tender, about 20 minutes. (The best way to see if the dumplings are cooked is to remove one from the pot and let it cool slightly. Using a chef's knife, halve the dumpling. If the center looks dry, it is cooked. If the dumpling looks gummy or wet, let them cook a bit longer.)
Stir in the spinach; cover and continue cooking for an additional 30 to 45 seconds. Taste and adjust for seasoning with salt and pepper.
Ladle into warmed bowls and serve immediately.