St. Kitts and Nevis Style Chicken and Dumplings

Ingredients

In this St. Kitts and Nevis adaptation of Chicken and Dumplings, we infuse the dish with the vibrant flavors of the Caribbean. We incorporate traditional Caribbean spices like thyme, allspice, and Scotch bonnet pepper to give the broth a unique island twist. Additionally, we introduce colorful vegetables commonly used in St. Kitts and Nevis cuisine, such as bell peppers and okra, to enhance the dish's flavor and texture. We alse have the original recipe for Chicken and Dumplings, so you can check it out.

• 1 whole chicken, cut into pieces (1.5 kg / 3.3 lbs) 1 whole chicken, cut into pieces (1.5 kg / 3.3 lbs)
• 2 tablespoons vegetable oil (30 ml) 2 tablespoons vegetable oil (30 ml)
• 1 onion, diced 1 onion, diced
• 2 cloves garlic, minced 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 carrots, sliced 2 carrots, sliced
• 1 bell pepper, diced 1 bell pepper, diced
• 1 cup okra, sliced (240 g) 1 cup okra, sliced (240 g)
• 2 sprigs fresh thyme 2 sprigs fresh thyme
• 1 bay leaf 1 bay leaf
• 1 teaspoon ground allspice 1 teaspoon ground allspice
• 1 Scotch bonnet pepper, whole 1 Scotch bonnet pepper, whole
• 4 cups chicken broth (950 ml) 4 cups chicken broth (950 ml)
• 1 cup all-purpose flour (120 g) 1 cup all-purpose flour (120 g)
• 1/2 cup cornmeal (80 g) 1/2 cup cornmeal (80 g)
• 1 teaspoon baking powder 1 teaspoon baking powder
• 1/2 teaspoon salt 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 cup milk (120 ml) 1/2 cup milk (120 ml)

Nutrition

• Calories (kcal / KJ): 420 kcal / 1760 KJ
• Fat (total, saturated): 12g, 3g
• Carbohydrates (total, sugars): 40g, 6g
• Protein: 38g
• Fiber: 6g
• Salt: 1.5g

Preparation

1. 1.
   In a large pot, heat the vegetable oil over medium heat. Add the chicken pieces and cook until browned on all sides. Remove the chicken from the pot and set aside.
2. 2.
   In the same pot, add the diced onion and minced garlic. Sauté until the onion becomes translucent.
3. 3.
   Add the sliced carrots, diced bell pepper, and sliced okra to the pot. Stir and cook for a few minutes until the vegetables begin to soften.
4. 4.
   Return the chicken pieces to the pot. Add the fresh thyme, bay leaf, ground allspice, and whole Scotch bonnet pepper. Pour in the chicken broth and bring to a boil. Reduce the heat to low, cover the pot, and simmer for 45 minutes to 1 hour, until the chicken is tender and cooked through.
5. 5.
   While the chicken is simmering, prepare the dumplings. In a mixing bowl, combine the all-purpose flour, cornmeal, baking powder, and salt. Gradually add the milk and mix until a soft dough forms.
6. 6.
   Once the chicken is cooked, remove the Scotch bonnet pepper, thyme sprigs, and bay leaf from the pot. Take spoonfuls of the dumpling dough and drop them into the simmering broth. Cover the pot and cook for an additional 15 minutes, until the dumplings are cooked through and fluffy.
7. 7.
   Serve the St. Kitts and Nevis Style Chicken and Dumplings hot, garnished with fresh thyme leaves if desired.

Treat your ingredients with care...

• Chicken — Ensure the chicken is thoroughly cooked by checking that the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
• Scotch bonnet pepper — Handle with caution and avoid direct contact with skin or eyes. Adjust the amount according to your desired level of spiciness.
• Okra — To reduce the sliminess of okra, you can blanch it in boiling water for a few minutes before adding it to the dish.

Tips & Tricks

• For a richer flavor, you can brown the chicken in batches before adding it back to the pot.
• Adjust the spiciness by removing the seeds and membranes from the Scotch bonnet pepper for a milder taste.
• If you prefer a thicker broth, you can mix a tablespoon of cornstarch with water and add it to the simmering stew.
• Feel free to add other vegetables like pumpkin or sweet potatoes for additional flavor and texture.
• Leftovers can be refrigerated and reheated the next day for an equally delicious meal.

Serving advice

Serve the St. Kitts and Nevis Style Chicken and Dumplings in deep bowls, allowing the flavorful broth to surround the tender chicken and fluffy dumplings. Accompany it with a side of steamed rice or crusty bread to soak up the delicious flavors.

Presentation advice

Garnish the dish with fresh thyme leaves to add a pop of color and freshness. Serve it in vibrant Caribbean-inspired bowls or plates to enhance the visual appeal.