Chicken dumplings with spinach and sultanas

Chicken and Spinach Dumplings Recipe with Sultanas and Almonds

Preparation time: 30 minutes | Cooking time: 20 minutes | Servings: 4

Introduction

Chicken dumplings with spinach and sultanas is a delicious and nutritious dish that combines tender chicken dumplings with a flavorful spinach and sultana mixture. This recipe is perfect for a cozy dinner or a special occasion.

History

Chicken dumplings have been a popular dish in many cultures for centuries. The combination of tender chicken, flavorful spices, and delicate wrappers has made dumplings a beloved comfort food around the world. Adding spinach and sultanas to the dish adds a unique twist and a burst of flavor.

Ingredients

Chicken Dumplings

0.5 lb (227 g) chopped chicken thigh fillets
2 oz (57 g) mashed reduced-fat feta cheese
0.25 tsp ground cinnamon
2 tbsp chopped fresh parsley
round won ton or gow gee wrappers

Spinach and Sultanas

20 shredded spinach leaves
1 sliced red pepper
1 chopped carrot (julienne)
0.25 cup sultanas
1 tbsp lemon juice
1 tbsp flaked almonds
0.33 cup buttermilk

How to prepare

Dumplings

Blend or process chicken, cheese, cinnamon, and parsley until the mixture is almost smooth.
Place a teaspoon of the mixture onto the center of each wrapper, brush the edges with water, and gather the edges together to form a pouch.
Add the dumplings to a large pan of boiling water, simmer uncovered for about 8 minutes or until cooked through. Drain.
Serve with spinach and sultanas.

Spinach and Sultanas

Combine spinach, pepper, and carrot in a non-stick pan, cook covered until the pepper is soft.
Stir in sultanas, juice, almonds, and buttermilk, stir until hot.

Variations

Substitute the chicken with ground turkey or pork for a different flavor.
Add chopped nuts or seeds to the spinach and sultana mixture for added crunch.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

Make sure to seal the edges of the dumplings tightly to prevent them from opening during cooking.

- Use a non-stick pan to cook the spinach and sultanas to prevent sticking.

- Adjust the seasoning to your taste preferences by adding more or less spices.

Serving Suggestions

Serve the chicken dumplings with spinach and sultanas with a side of steamed rice or a fresh salad for a complete meal.

Cooking Techniques

Boiling the dumplings ensures they are cooked through and tender.

- Stir-frying the spinach and sultanas allows the flavors to meld together.

Ingredient Substitutions

Use tofu or tempeh in place of chicken for a vegetarian version.

- Swap out the spinach for kale or Swiss chard for a different green.

Make Ahead Tips

Prepare the chicken dumplings ahead of time and store in the refrigerator until ready to cook.

- The spinach and sultana mixture can also be made in advance and reheated before serving.

Presentation Ideas

Arrange the chicken dumplings on a platter with the spinach and sultanas piled on top for an elegant presentation. Garnish with fresh herbs or a sprinkle of sesame seeds for added color.

Pairing Recommendations

Pair this dish with a crisp white wine or a light beer to complement the flavors of the chicken and spinach. A side of pickled vegetables or kimchi would also be a tasty accompaniment.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the microwave or on the stovetop until heated through.

Nutrition Information

Calories per serving

Calories: 250 per serving

Carbohydrates

Carbohydrates: 25g per serving

Fats

Total Fat: 8g per serving

Saturated Fat: 3g per serving

Proteins

Protein: 15g per serving

Vitamins and minerals

Vitamin A: 50% of daily value per serving

Vitamin C: 30% of daily value per serving

Iron: 15% of daily value per serving

Alergens

Contains: Dairy, Wheat

Summary

This dish is a good source of protein, vitamins, and minerals. It is relatively low in calories and provides a balanced mix of macronutrients.

Summary

Chicken dumplings with spinach and sultanas is a flavorful and satisfying dish that is perfect for a cozy dinner or a special occasion. With a balance of protein, carbs, and fats, this dish is a nutritious option for any meal. Enjoy the tender chicken dumplings and flavorful spinach and sultanas for a delicious and satisfying meal.

How did I get this recipe?

I remember the sense of anticipation I felt when I first saw this recipe for chicken dumplings with spinach and sultanas. It was a cold winter day, and I was flipping through an old cookbook that had been passed down to me from my own grandmother. The pages were yellowed and worn, but the recipes were still as delicious as ever.

As I scanned the ingredients and method, I could almost taste the savory-sweet combination of tender chicken, earthy spinach, and plump sultanas. The recipe called for a homemade dough to encase the filling, creating a comforting and hearty meal that would warm you from the inside out. I knew I had to give it a try.

I had always loved cooking, ever since I was a little girl helping my own grandmother in the kitchen. She would teach me the traditional recipes that had been in our family for generations, passing down her culinary knowledge with love and patience. I treasured those moments spent by her side, absorbing everything she had to teach me.

But this recipe was different. It wasn't one of the familiar dishes I had grown up with. It was something new, something exciting. And I couldn't wait to make it my own.

I set to work gathering the ingredients, carefully measuring out flour, butter, and water for the dough. As I kneaded the mixture together, I thought about the flavors that would soon come together to create a delicious meal. The rich chicken broth, the tender spinach, the sweet sultanas – it was a symphony of tastes waiting to be conducted.

Once the dough had rested, I rolled it out into thin circles and spooned the filling onto each one. I folded the dough over the filling, sealing it tightly to create little dumplings. As I worked, I thought about the women who had come before me, each one adding their own twist to this recipe, passing it down through the generations.

I gently placed the dumplings into a pot of simmering broth, allowing them to cook until the dough was tender and the filling was piping hot. The aroma that wafted from the pot was intoxicating, filling the kitchen with the scent of home-cooked goodness.

Finally, it was time to serve. I ladled the dumplings into bowls, making sure to get a generous portion of broth with each one. The first bite was pure bliss – the tender dough giving way to the flavorful filling, with the hint of sweetness from the sultanas adding a delightful contrast.

As I savored each mouthful, I couldn't help but think about the journey this recipe had taken to reach my table. From its humble beginnings in a cookbook, to my hands shaping the dough, to the generations of women who had passed it down – each one adding their own touch to make it truly special.

And as I sat there, enjoying this delicious meal, I knew that I had found a new favorite recipe. One that would become a part of my own culinary repertoire, to be shared and cherished for years to come. For in the kitchen, as in life, the best dishes are those made with love and passed down with care. And this recipe for chicken dumplings with spinach and sultanas was no exception.