Chicken and Dumplings Medditeranian Style

We have all had chicken and dumplings, but these are a far cry from grandmas recipe. This recipe takes an American classic and spices it up in a way that you have never had it before!

3 boneless, skinless chicken breast
4 boneless, skinless chicken thighs
6 cups water
1 billion cube
2 dried bay leaves
3 cloves garlic crushed
1 small onion quartered
1/2 teaspoon dried basil
1 teaspoon dried oregano
1/2 teaspoon black pepper
1 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon Corriander
1/2 teaspoon all spice
1/2 teaspoon Moroccan seven spice
1/2 teaspoon Kabsah spice
2 teaspoons cumin
1 1/2 teaspoons turmeric
1 can tomato sauce

1 1/2 cups all purpose flour
1/2 cup whole wheat flour
1 beaten egg
3 tablespoons vegetable shortening
1 teaspoons salt
1/4- 1/2 water

5 carrots peeled and chopped
3 stalks of celery chopped
1 bag frozen peas

A small pinch of saffron threads (optional)

1/2 cup corn starch
3 tablespoons water

Add the water, bullion, onions, garlic and spices to a large stock pot. Mix well then add the chicken. Bring this to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 30 minutes. Remove the chicken and set aside. Mix the flour and salt together then add the shortening and use a pastry cutter to add in the shortening. Once the mixture resembles sand add the beaten egg and mix well. Slowly add the water until you get a soft dough that is not sticky. Turn the dough out onto a floured surface and kneed about 10 times. Roll the dough out to about 1/4 inch thick. Using a pizza cutter, or sharp knife, cut the dough into 1 inch squares. Add the carrots,tomato sauce and celery to the simmering broth that was made while cooking the chicken. Let this come to a boil, while waiting on this to boil cut the chicken into small cubes, then float the dumplings in the broth. Let this come back to a boil then add the peas. Reduce the heat, add the chicken and cover. Let this simmer for 20 minutes. Add the saffron. In a small bowl mix the corn starch with cold water. Add this to the pot of simmering water. Let this simmer uncovered for a few minutes until the broth starts the thicken. Serve this warm. This is a delicious twist on an all time American favorite! For more on this recipe or any others please email me at alesia.leach@gmail.com