Boiled Hen And Spicy Dumplings

AmericanChickenIntermediate150 minBy Northstar

Ingredients

Servings
4
  • 6 lb large whole hen
  • 1 tsp salt
  • 1 tsp freshly ground black pepper
  • 3 cup chopped onions
  • 1 0.5 cup chopped carrots
  • 1 0.5 cup chopped celery
  • 2 each jalapeño peppers, chopped
  • 6 each garlic cloves, peeled
  • 3 each bay leaves
  • 4 sprig fresh thyme
  • 2 cup all-purpose flour
  • 1 tbsp baking powder
  • 1 tsp salt (for dumplings)
  • 4 tbsp solid vegetable shortening
  • 0.5 cup milk
  • 0.5 cup heavy cream
  • 0.5 cup chopped green onions
  • 2 tbsp finely chopped parsley

Instructions

  1. 1

    Rinse the hen under cool water and pat dry. Season with salt and pepper.

  2. 2

    Place the hen in a large stock pot. Add the onions, carrots, celery, jalapeños, garlic, bay leaves, and thyme. Add enough water (about 1 gallon) to cover. Season with salt and black pepper.

  3. 3

    Bring to a boil, reduce to a simmer, and cook for about 2 hours or until the meat falls off the bones. Skim off any scum every 30 minutes.

  4. 4

    Remove from heat and cool for 20 minutes. Strain the stock through a fine mesh strainer, reserving the stock, the hen meat, and 1 cup of cooked vegetables.

  5. 5

    Return the stock to the pot and bring to a simmer. Remove the meat from the hen, discard skin and bones, and tear meat into pieces.

  6. 6

    In a mixing bowl, combine the flour, baking powder, and salt. Mash the reserved vegetables with a fork. Stir the mashed vegetables and milk into the flour mixture until incorporated.

  7. 7

    Turn the dough onto a lightly floured surface and press out to about 1/8-inch thick. Cut into strips 2 inches long and 1 inch wide.

  8. 8

    Add the cream to the simmering stock. Add the dumplings and cook, stirring occasionally, for about 30 minutes. Stir in the green onions, parsley, and hen meat. Serve warm.