Pat'S Czech Dumplings
Czech dumplings with tender chicken and flavorful garlic, perfect as a comforting main dish or hearty accompaniment, blending savory flavors with soft, homemade dough.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Boil chicken pieces in a large pan of water.
- Add salt to taste and pressed garlic for seasoning.
- Cook until chicken is done, then remove and debone.
- Set aside the cooked chicken.
- Prepare the dumpling dough by mixing flour, salt, and shortening.
- Knead until smooth, then shape into dumplings.
- Drop dumplings into boiling water and cook until they float, about 15 minutes.
- Serve the cooked chicken with the dumplings.
Tips & Substitutions
For a lighter texture, consider using half all-purpose flour and half cake flour. If you're out of shortening, unsalted butter can be a great substitute. Make sure to knead the dumpling dough just until combined to avoid toughness. To enhance flavor, you can add fresh herbs like parsley or dill to the dough.
Serving Suggestions
Serve these dumplings alongside the chicken for a comforting meal. A light salad or steamed vegetables such as green beans or broccoli make excellent sides. For a flavorful twist, drizzle the chicken with a Sweet And Sour Sauce For Meatballs for added depth. Pair with a refreshing drink like lemonade to complement the flavors.
Storage & Reheating
Leftover dumplings can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. To reheat, gently steam them or warm in a microwave with a splash of water to prevent drying out. For best results, reheat them in a skillet over low heat, adding a bit of butter for extra flavor.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Pat'S Czech Dumplings contains roughly 452 calories, with 10g protein, 51g carbohydrates, and 26g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (52% of the Daily Value), calcium (21% of the Daily Value), and protein (20% of the Daily Value), and a good source of iron and potassium. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 774mg per serving (34% of the Daily Value).
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make the dumplings ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the dumpling dough in advance. Shape the dumplings and refrigerate them for a few hours before cooking. Alternatively, frozen dumplings can be cooked directly from the freezer; just add a couple of extra minutes to the cooking time.
What can I do if my dumplings are too sticky?
If your dumplings are too sticky while shaping, lightly flour your hands and work surface. You can also add a little more flour to the dough, but be cautious not to overdo it, as this can make the dumplings dense.
How can I tell when the dumplings are done cooking?
Dumplings are done when they float to the surface of the boiling water, typically around 15 minutes. You can also cut one open to check for doneness; it should be soft and cooked through without any raw dough inside.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).