Southern Fried Soup

This Southern Fried Soup combines the comforting flavors of traditional chicken and dumplings with a creative twist of frying the dumplings for added texture. The soup is rich and hearty, featuring tender chicken, savory vegetables, and crispy fried dumplings that add a delightful crunch. Perfect for a family dinner, this dish is both satisfying and unique, making it a wonderful addition to your culinary repertoire.

Ingredients:

• 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken thighs
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 onion, diced
• 2 carrots, diced
• 2 celery stalks, diced
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 4 cups chicken broth
• 1 teaspoon dried thyme
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 1 cup all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon baking powder
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 cup buttermilk
• Vegetable oil for frying

Instructions:

1. In a large pot, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add the diced onion, carrots, and celery, and sauté until softened, about 5 minutes.
2. Add the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.
3. Stir in the chicken broth, dried thyme, dried oregano, salt, and pepper. Bring to a gentle simmer.
4. Add the chicken thighs to the pot and cook until fully cooked through, about 15-20 minutes. Remove the chicken, shred it, and return it to the pot.
5. In a bowl, combine the flour, baking powder, and salt. Stir in the buttermilk until just combined to form a dough.
6. In a deep skillet, heat vegetable oil over medium-high heat for frying. Once hot, drop spoonfuls of the dumpling dough into the oil and fry until golden brown, about 2-3 minutes per side. Remove and drain on paper towels.
7. Serve the soup hot, topped with crispy fried dumplings.