Heartwarming Chicken Dumpling Soup from East Texas

Ingredients:

For the Soup:

• 4 chicken thighs
• 2 celery stalks, chopped
• 1 medium onion, chopped
• 2 medium carrots, sliced
• 1/2 cup English peas
• 1 teaspoon dried sage
• 1 teaspoon dried rosemary
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• Salt and pepper to taste

For the Dumplings:

• 1 cup all-purpose flour
• 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 cup milk

Instructions:

1. Prepare the Soup:
   • In a large pot, place the chicken thighs.
   • Add chopped celery, onion, sliced carrots, English peas, dried sage, and dried rosemary.
   • Sprinkle in the minced garlic, and season with salt and pepper to taste.
2. Simmer the Soup:
   • Fill the pot with enough water to cover the ingredients by about an inch.
   • Place the pot over medium-high heat and bring the liquid to a boil.
   • Once boiling, reduce the heat to low, cover the pot, and let the soup simmer for about 1 to 1.5 hours, until the chicken is tender and the flavors are well combined.
3. Prepare the Dumpling Dough:
   • While the soup simmers, start preparing the dumplings. In a mixing bowl, combine the all-purpose flour, baking powder, and salt.
   • Gradually add the milk, stirring until a soft dough forms. Don't overmix; the dough should be slightly sticky.
4. Form the Dumplings:
   • Once the soup base is ready, carefully remove the cooked chicken thighs from the pot.
   • Shred the chicken meat using two forks and set it aside.
5. Add the Dumplings:
   • Bring the soup to a gentle simmer again. Using a spoon, drop spoonfuls of the dumpling dough onto the simmering soup.
   • Cover the pot with a lid and let the dumplings cook for about 10-15 minutes, until they are fluffy and cooked through.
6. Combine and Serve:
   • Once the dumplings are cooked, return the shredded chicken to the pot.
   • Give the soup a gentle stir to combine all the flavors and ingredients.
7. Taste and Adjust:
   • Taste the soup and adjust the seasoning with additional salt and pepper if needed.
8. Enjoy!
   • Ladle the heartwarming chicken dumpling soup into bowls and serve it piping hot.

Warm your soul with this delightful chicken dumpling soup, brimming with flavors and memories of Southern kitchens. Remember, kindness is the key ingredient in every dish we share. Happy cooking!