For the soup base you will need:
1 lb chicken breasts or 1 whole chicken
4 carrots
4 stalks of celery with greens
1 head of cabbage halved
3 to 4 potatoes peeled
(Any other vegetables you would like to add.)
Seasoning’s are to taste. Salt, Pepper, Garlic, Onion, Paprika, etc. (I used a dash of chili powder as well)
For the dumplings you will need:
1 ½ c flour
3 tbsp butter
¾ c. milk
2 tsp baking powder
1 tsp salt
(Here I use garlic and herb seasonings to add to the flavor of the
dumplings my new favorite is a “Grill Mates” brand and I use between 1
and 2 tbsp. However I would like to add that when I have it I prefer to
use fresh herbs and garlic because it just adds texture and flavor that
can’t be beat.)
Put the chicken in a pot and fill with cold
water until the water just covers the top of the chicken. Heat and
simmer until the meat is tender and falling apart, (or off the bone).
Add your vegetables, chopping to desired size. Add seasonings. Continue to simmer until vegetables are done.
When you have added your vegetables mix your dumplings by adding all your dry ingredients to a bowl… stir until well blended.
Cut in the butter then add milk. Cover and let sit until your
vegetables are just about done cooking then add the dumplings slowly
dropping from a spoon (size is completely dependent on you) into soup
spreading them out so you are not dropping the dumplings on top of each
other.
Most dumpling recipes say to cook until the dumplings float. I
like slightly less solid dumplings, so I add a little more milk to make
the mixture more like a drop biscuit than a rolled biscuit, which means
that they float almost immediately. I just recommend gently swirling
the pot until your dumplings are completely covered and then letting the
pot simmer about 5 minutes.
If you stir the pot before your
dumplings are done your soup will thicken and you’ll lose some of your
dumplings. If that’s your desired effect (it’s how I make it). Then
before adding your dumplings remove about 1 cup of your broth and set to
the side. Add your dumplings and when you have approximately 4 spoons
left in your dumpling mixture add the broth you set aside and stir until
mixed, then add back to the pot. No need to stir as your soup is still
simmering, but if you feel a need, just gently swirl the pot.
4 hours ago · Like
Also I should add that if you feel like you're adding too many
vegetables then you can cut them back. I had to revise this for the
"normal" person... meaning I cooked my soup in a 12 qt stockpot and I
don't think most people are going to be cooking enough to feed an army.
