Bosnian Chicken and Dumpling Pie (Kvrguša)
Kvrguša is a unique and comforting Bosnian dish that features tender pieces of chicken baked on top of a pancake-like batter. It's a rustic yet flavorful meal, often enriched with heavy cream, resulting in a delightful contrast of textures: crispy chicken skin, moist chicken meat, and a soft, golden, creamy base. This dish is a testament to Bosnian home cooking, where simple ingredients are transformed into a satisfying and hearty meal.
🧂 Ingredients
- 1 kg Chicken pieces (thighs and drumsticks recommended)
- 200 g All-purpose flour
- 4 large Eggs
- 300 ml Milk
- 100 ml Water
- 1.5 tsp Salt
- 0.5 tsp Black pepper
- 50 ml Vegetable oil or melted butter(for greasing and for the batter)
- 200 ml Heavy cream(for topping)
- Optional: Sour cream, yogurt, garlic(for serving)
👨🍳 Instructions
- 1
Preheat your oven to 200°C (400°F). Grease a large baking dish with vegetable oil or melted butter.
- 2
Pat the chicken pieces dry with paper towels. Season them generously with salt and black pepper.
- 3
In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, eggs, milk, water, and 1 tsp of salt until you have a smooth, pancake-like batter. Stir in 2 tbsp of vegetable oil or melted butter.
- 4
Arrange the seasoned chicken pieces in the prepared baking dish. Pour the batter evenly over the chicken, ensuring it covers most of the pieces.
- 5
Bake for 50-60 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and golden brown, and the batter is set and golden. The chicken should be tender and easily pierced with a fork.
- 6
During the last 10 minutes of baking, carefully pour the heavy cream over the top of the kvrguša. Return to the oven to allow the cream to heat through and slightly brown.
- 7
Let the kvrguša rest for 5-10 minutes before serving. Serve hot, with optional sour cream, yogurt, or a garlic sauce on the side.
💡 Pro Tips
- ✓Using chicken thighs and drumsticks ensures the chicken stays moist and flavorful.
- ✓Don't overmix the batter; a few small lumps are acceptable.
- ✓The heavy cream adds richness and helps create a beautiful golden crust on top.
🔄 Variations
- For a spicier kick, add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the batter.
- Some recipes include finely chopped onions or garlic in the batter for added flavor.