Trinidad Chicken Stew with Dumplings
A comforting and flavorful one-pot meal featuring tender chicken pieces stewed in a rich, savory gravy, complemented by soft, fluffy dumplings.
๐ง Ingredients
- 1.5 kg Chicken pieces (thighs and drumsticks)
- 2 tbsp Vegetable oil
- 1 large Onion(chopped)
- 4 cloves Garlic(minced)
- 1 small Scotch bonnet pepper(finely chopped (optional, seeds removed for less heat))
- 2 tbsp Tomato paste
- 500 ml Chicken broth or water
- 1 cup All-purpose flour(for dumplings)
- 1 tsp Baking powder(for dumplings)
- 0.5 tsp Salt(for dumplings, plus more to taste)
- approx. 0.25 cup Water(for dumplings)
- 2 sprigs Fresh thyme
- to taste Salt and black pepper
๐จโ๐ณ Instructions
- 1
Season the chicken pieces generously with salt and black pepper. In a large pot or Dutch oven, heat the vegetable oil over medium-high heat. Brown the chicken pieces on all sides until golden. Remove chicken and set aside.
- 2
Add the chopped onion to the pot and sautรฉ until softened, about 5 minutes. Add the minced garlic and chopped scotch bonnet pepper (if using) and cook for another minute until fragrant.
- 3
Stir in the tomato paste and cook for 1-2 minutes, stirring constantly, until it darkens slightly.
- 4
Return the browned chicken to the pot. Pour in the chicken broth or water and add the fresh thyme sprigs. Bring to a simmer, then reduce heat to low, cover, and cook for 30 minutes, or until the chicken is tender.
- 5
While the chicken is stewing, prepare the dumplings. In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt. Gradually add water, mixing until a soft dough forms. Do not overmix.
๐ก Tip: The dough should be soft but not sticky. - 6
Shape the dough into small, roughly 1-inch balls. Drop the dumplings into the simmering stew, ensuring they are submerged in the liquid. Cover and cook for another 15-20 minutes, or until the dumplings are cooked through and fluffy.
- 7
Remove the thyme sprigs. Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper as needed. Serve the chicken stew hot with the dumplings, spooning the rich gravy over everything.
๐ก Pro Tips
- โFor a deeper flavor, you can marinate the chicken in a mixture of salt, pepper, garlic, and thyme for at least 30 minutes before browning.
- โAdjust the amount of scotch bonnet pepper to your spice preference. Removing the seeds and membranes significantly reduces the heat.
- โEnsure the stew is simmering gently when you add the dumplings to prevent them from breaking apart.
- โThe dumplings will absorb liquid, so ensure there's enough gravy in the pot.
โจ Twist Ideas
Inspiration for your own version of this recipe
- Add chopped carrots and potatoes to the stew along with the chicken for a heartier meal.
- Stir in a tablespoon of Worcestershire sauce for an extra layer of umami.
- For a spicier kick, add a pinch of cayenne pepper to the stew.