I think this week we could all use some comfort food. One of my ultimate comfort food is soup dumplings, dot goois or kulikies... These remind me of winter dinners or mid-month meals my mum would put together with soup bones. Always hearty, always nutritious and very filling. Cost me around N$ 60 and will definitely feed a family of four or more. 

Here is my take on this Namibian classic, let’s cook.

Ingredients

For the chicken 

1 kilogramme 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

Salt and pepper to taste

Ingredients for the dumplings 

4 cups of flour (Vetkoek or bread flour) 

1 Tablespoon of salt 

1 pack 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 and allow it to rise. 

The chicken 

1. 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 till golden brown. On medium heat add your onions and carrots and fry for about 5-10 minutes till onions are translucent. Add your tomato paste and garlic 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 thoroughly. Take them out of the pot and put them aside and repeat till 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. 

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I’ll happily assist with vetkoek and other questions have.

My business page is Ila Tulye Kitchen across all social media. Ilatulye@gmail.com for business and collaboration queries.

Happy eating my loves