Chicken Carcass & Dumpling Stew

My Grandma's Chicken Carcass & Dumpling Stew: A Comfort Food Classic

As a busy working mom, finding time to cook a hearty, comforting meal can feel like a Herculean task. But sometimes, the simplest recipes offer the greatest rewards. This chicken carcass and dumpling stew is one of those recipes. It’s a testament to resourcefulness, transforming leftover chicken bones into a deeply flavorful, nourishing meal that’s perfect for a chilly evening or a cozy weekend lunch. It’s a recipe passed down through generations in my family, a true taste of home. This is my take on my Grandma's recipe, and honestly, it is even better than hers (don’t tell her!).

The beauty of this stew lies in its simplicity and flexibility. It's a blank canvas, inviting you to experiment with your favorite vegetables and herbs. Feel free to add other veggies such as potatoes, parsnips, or green beans. If you prefer a spicier kick, a dash of red pepper flakes will certainly add some zing. You might even decide to swap out the rice for noodles or even dumplings, making it your own personal creation. It’s all about using what you have on hand, embracing imperfection, and creating something delicious in the process.

The foundation of this stew, of course, is the chicken carcass. It’s the secret ingredient that lends the broth its rich, savory depth. Don’t discard those bones after roasting a chicken! Instead, save them for this recipe. The long simmering process extracts all the flavor from the bones, creating a broth that is incredibly flavorful and nourishing. It’s a perfect way to avoid food waste and maximize the use of your ingredients. The dumplings are the perfect topping, fluffy and pillowy, adding another layer of texture and flavor to this already incredible dish.

One of my favorite things about this recipe is how it brings back such fond memories. I remember spending hours in the kitchen with my grandmother as a child, watching her meticulously prepare this stew. The aroma of simmering chicken and herbs would fill the house, creating a warm and welcoming atmosphere. The process wasn't just about cooking; it was about bonding, sharing stories, and creating memories. Those moments were precious and the taste of this stew takes me right back.

This recipe isn’t just a meal; it's an experience, a journey back to simpler times. It’s a chance to connect with family traditions and create new memories in your own kitchen. So, gather your ingredients, put on some cozy music, and embark on this culinary adventure. The result will be a heartwarming, delicious meal that will leave you feeling nourished, satisfied, and wonderfully connected to your heritage, regardless of whether you're a seasoned cook or a kitchen novice.

I especially love that this recipe gives me a chance to be creative. Sometimes I'll add a handful of fresh herbs from my garden, like rosemary or thyme. Other times, I might use whatever vegetables I have on hand, creating a unique and personalized version of this classic stew. I've also found that the recipe is super adaptable to different dietary needs. If you’re vegetarian, you could easily substitute the chicken carcass with vegetable broth and add extra vegetables for added depth of flavor.

Making this stew is a truly mindful experience. The process of simmering the chicken bones, patiently extracting every bit of flavor, is a meditation in itself. The rhythmic stirring of the stew, the gentle kneading of the dumplings – these are actions that are both soothing and rewarding. And the end result, a bowl of steaming, flavorful stew, is a testament to the power of simple ingredients and careful preparation. So, I encourage you to take your time, savor each step, and create a dish that nourishes not only your body but your soul as well.

It's a perfect meal to share with loved ones. The hearty portions and comforting flavors make it an ideal dish for a family gathering or a cozy night in. And let's be honest, leftovers are just as delicious (if not more so!) the next day. The flavors deepen and meld together, creating an even richer and more satisfying experience. This recipe isn’t just a meal, it's an heirloom, something to be cherished and passed down through generations. It is a timeless recipe for a reason. Its simplicity and versatility make it adaptable to any occasion and any cook.

So, I urge you, give this recipe a try. Embrace the imperfections, experiment with flavors, and most importantly, enjoy the process. And when you savor that first spoonful, you'll understand why this chicken carcass and dumpling stew holds a special place in my heart and is a true family treasure. Remember, cooking should be fun, and it should taste amazing! Enjoy your journey into making this delectable dish!

Step-by-step

• Put your chicken carcass in a stock pot and cover with water, about 8 quarts.
• Add celery stalks, whole carrots, rough chopped onion, garlic, and salt.
• Add herbs.
• Bring to a boil, and then simmer for 4-6 hours. (Keep the lid off unless the water gets too low.)
• When your time is up or the chicken is falling apart, strain.
• Put enough of the stock in your pot to be the amount you want for your dinner - freeze the rest in muffin cups or a glass jar for later use.
• Pick all the remaining meat off the chicken and put in with the stew stock.
• Add diced onions, celery, carrot, and any other vegetable you might like.
• Bring to a boil.
• Add cooked rice (or noodles).
• Add salt to taste, and mix up the cornstarch and cold water - whisk till totally blended then add to stew.
• In a large bowl mix the flour, parsley, sea salt, and baking powder.
• Add the crisco and cut it in.
• Add the milk and stir till blended.
• Drop dumplings onto the simmering pot by heaping spoonful and then cover for 15 minutes and DO NOT lift the top.
• Serve, enjoy.