I think this week we could all use some comfort food. One of my ultimate comfort food is soup dumplings, dot goois or kulikies. This reminds me of winter dinners or mid-month meals my mum would put together with soup bones. Always hearty, nutritious and very satisfying. They cost me around N$60 and it will definitely feed a family of four or more.
Here is my take on this Namibian classic, let’s cook.
Ingredients
For the chicken
1kg chicken soup pack (You can use any cut/pack of chicken; they cost around N$35)
1 onion
3 medium potatoes
1 Tablespoon of garlic
1 Tablespoon of paprika
1 Tablespoon of medium curry powder
1 Tablespoon of tomato paste
Add salt and pepper to taste
Ingredients for the dumplings
4 cups of flour (Vetkoek or bread flour)
1 Tablespoon of salt
1 Tablespoon of yeast
2 Tablespoon of sugar
3 cups lukewarm water
Let’s cook
The dumplings
It’s important to start with your dumplings first. You need to allow them time to rise while you cook the chicken stew. Mix one cup of the lukewarm water with the yeast and sugar to allow the yeast to activate. Mix your flour and salt with the yeast mixture. Add the rest of the water and mix until the dough is smooth and elastic. Cover and allow to rise.
The chicken
Prep your chicken by trimming extra fat and skin (optional) and spicing it. In a casserole pot with a proper lid, fry off your chicken until golden brown. On medium heat, add your onions and carrots and fry for about 5-10 minutes until onions are translucent. Add your tomato paste and garlic, and cook for a few minutes. Now you may add two cups of water and potatoes. Close your pot and leave it on medium heat for 15 minutes.
Prep your dough; you can make up to 15 balls with these measurements. On a floured surface, divide the dough into 10 pieces and roll them into balls. Allow them to rest for 15 minutes before adding them to the stew.
Add one last cup of water to the stew and stir once. Place your dumplings – five at a time and securely close your lid and let it cook for 10 minutes. Use a toothpick after 10 minutes to see if it cooked through. Take them out of the pot and put aside, and repeat until your dough is done.
Enjoy!
Ila Tulye Kitchen has reached a massive milestone in our business; we will be launching our physical location soon. Our column is now sponsored by Coca-Cola. Thank you for your readership; this all is possible because of you.
For now, follow me on Social media
@queenteline_ on IG
@queenteline on Twitter
Queenteline Nanus on Facebook.
I’ll happily assist with vetkoek and other questions you have.
My business page is Ila Tulye Kitchen across all social media. Ilatulye@gmail.com for business and collaboration queries.
Happy eating my loves!