Tuesday 8/10 "Chicken and Dumplings"

Quick Fix with Robin Miller

• 1 teaspoon vegetable or olive oil
• 2 cups chopped onion ($0.26)
• 1 cup sliced carrots ($0.76)
• 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breast, cut into bite-size pieces, about 2 cups (already purchased)
• 2 cups sliced mushrooms ($1.99)
• 1 cup frozen peas (already purchased)
• 1/2 teaspoon salt, divided
• 8 cups reduced-sodium chicken broth ($3.78)
• 1 cup all-purpose flour
• 1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder
• 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
• 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley leaves
• 1/4 teaspoon pepper
• 1/2 cup buttermilk ($1.89)
• 1 tablespoon olive oil

Directions
In a large stock pot or Dutch oven over medium high heat, add the oil. Add the onions and carrots and saute for 1 minute. Add the chicken and cook just until the chicken starts to brown, but is not cooked through. Add the mushrooms, peas, and 1/4 teaspoon salt and stir to combine. Add the chicken broth and set pan over high heat. Bring to a boil. Let simmer 10 minutes.
Meanwhile, in a medium bowl, combine flour, baking powder, baking soda, parsley, 1/4 teaspoon salt and pepper. Add buttermilk and oil and stir with a fork until mixture comes together. Using a large spoon or a small ice cream scoop, drop 8 golf ball size (mold with your hands, if necessary) dumplings into simmering liquid. Cover pan and cook 5 minutes (no peeking!), until dumplings are puffed up and cooked through.

The verdict: This was a really good. I realize that the summer may not be the best time to make soup, but it was nonetheless delicious and filling. Total cost to make: $8.68.