Traditional Slovak Chicken Paprikash with Herbed Dumplings

The Rich History and Unique Flavor of Chicken Paprikash

This dish, with its origins deeply rooted in Central European culinary traditions, showcases the harmonious blend of simple ingredients transformed into a comforting, flavorful meal.

The combination of tender chicken pieces simmered in a creamy, paprika-infused sauce, served with fluffy herbed dumplings, makes it a favorite for family gatherings and special occasions alike.

The Origins of Chicken Paprikash

Chicken Paprikash is part of a larger family of dishes known as “perkelts” in Hungarian and Slovak cuisines. These dishes typically feature meat cooked in a sauce rich with paprika, a spice that is a staple in Hungarian cuisine and has made its way into many neighboring culinary traditions.

The dish’s name itself comes from the Hungarian word “paprika,” highlighting the spice’s central role in the recipe.

The Art of Making the Perfect Chicken Paprikash

The beauty of Chicken Paprikash lies in its simplicity and the depth of flavor achieved through slow cooking and the use of fresh ingredients. Here’s a closer look at the process:

Preparing the Chicken

Start with a whole chicken, which is cleaned, dried, and then cut into smaller pieces. This ensures that every part of the chicken is used, adding to the dish’s richness. Season the chicken with sea salt and freshly ground black pepper before coating it in flour.

This step not only seasons the chicken but also helps in creating a thicker sauce as the flour mixes with the cooking juices.

Cooking the Chicken

Searing the chicken in olive oil until golden brown seals in the juices and adds a beautiful color. The addition of finely chopped onions and minced garlic during this step enhances the aroma and flavor.

The onions and garlic should be cooked until they turn golden brown, adding a slight caramelization that deepens the dish’s overall taste.

Creating the Sauce

The heart of Chicken Paprikash is its sauce. A mix of sweet paprika and curry powder adds warmth and a slight earthiness. Pouring hot water into the pan and seasoning with bay leaves, allspice berries, and black peppercorns creates a broth that the chicken will simmer in, absorbing all these wonderful flavors.

Simmering the chicken on low heat ensures that it becomes tender and flavorful. If the sauce appears too thin, a light roux made from flour can be added to achieve the desired consistency. Finally, stirring in heavy cream gives the sauce its signature creamy texture.

Herbed Dumplings: The Perfect Accompaniment

No Chicken Paprikash is complete without herbed dumplings. These dumplings, known as “halušky” in Slovak, are simple to make and perfectly complement the rich sauce of the Paprikash.

Preparing the Dumpling Dough

The dough for the dumplings is made by mixing all-purpose flour, fresh herbs (such as parsley, chives, and basil), eggs, grated garlic, salt, and pepper. Adding water gradually ensures a smooth consistency.

The fresh herbs not only add color but also a burst of freshness that balances the richness of the Paprikash.

Cooking the Dumplings

Using a spaetzle maker or a similar tool, the dough is pressed into boiling salted water. This technique creates small, bite-sized dumplings that cook quickly.

Once they float to the surface, they are ready to be drained and tossed with butter, preventing them from sticking together and adding a touch of richness.

Serving Suggestions

To serve, place a generous portion of dumplings on a plate, add a piece of the tender chicken, and ladle the creamy sauce over the top. Garnish with additional chopped fresh herbs for a burst of color and flavor.

This dish is perfect for a family meal or a special occasion, offering a taste of Slovak tradition that is both comforting and satisfying.

Conclusion

Chicken Paprikash with Herbed Dumplings is a testament to the rich culinary heritage of Slovakia. Its combination of tender, flavorful chicken and light, fluffy dumplings makes it a dish that is sure to become a favorite in your household.

Whether you are familiar with Central European cuisine or discovering it for the first time, this recipe is a delicious way to explore the flavors of Slovakia.