Northern Maine Chicken Stew

In March, my thoughts often turn to my grandmother, Memere. Growing up next door to her and Pepere, I was an only child of an only child, and I can confidently say that I was showered with love beyond measure. I was incredibly fortunate to have had three of my grandparents with me well into adulthood, and I cherished the close bond I shared with each of them.

Every Sunday, from as far back as I can recall until the time I left for college, my immediate family would gather at Memere and Pepere’s house for our traditional family lunch. Those gatherings were always marked by warmth and, of course, delicious food. Among the rotating menu options—whether it was a hearty chicken meal with all the fixings, a comforting pork chop casserole, or a fragrant chicken stew—it was the latter that held a special place in my heart.

Upon arriving, I would often find Memere bustling about the kitchen, her energy and love evident in every dish she prepared, while Pepere sat contentedly in his chair, serenaded by the melodies of French music playing on the radio. I would typically spend my time playing with the familiar Sunday toys or lending a hand in the kitchen, eagerly anticipating the moment when the clock struck noon and our Sunday movie would begin. Among the classics, the Don Knotts films like “The Incredible Mr. Limpet” and “The Ghost and Mr. Chicken” stand out as particularly memorable.

On March 20, 2018, Memere departed this world at the age of 99, surpassing her own expectations by nearly 22 years. Following the passing of my grandfather, she would often remark in her charming French accent during our visits, “I don’t know how much longer I can last without you, Pepere.” To which I would always reassure her that she would make it to 100, eliciting a playful, “OH NO!” in response. As time passed, I embarked on my own journey of marriage and parenthood, and it became evident that Memere found her renewed purpose in us—her grandchild and great-grandchildren. Her love for us knew no bounds, and she poured her entire being into nurturing and cherishing each of us with her immense heart.

There is so much more I could share about this remarkable woman, but for now, I’ll leave you with a cherished recipe that embodies the warmth and love she infused into every aspect of our lives: her cherished chicken stew.

Northern Maine Chicken Stew

Recipe by TriciaCourse: MainCuisine: AcadianDifficulty: Easy

Servings

8

servings

Prep time

20

minutes

Cooking time

2

hours 

This stew will warm your bones on a cold winter Sunday or when you are feeling under the weather. It brings back memories of Sunday lunches at Memere and Pepere’s house.

Ingredients

• 2-3 Lbs Chicken Thigh – Bone In

• 2 Lg Potatoes

• Salt

• Pepper

• 1 Tbls Summer Savory (Sauriette)

• Dumplings

• 1 Cup Flour

• 1/2 tsp salt

• Cold Water

Directions

• Place chicken in a stock pot with enough cold water to fill the pot. Bring to a boil and then simmer for 1 1/2 to 2 hours. Add water as needed if it gets low.
• Add salt and pepper
• Remove chicken and allow to cool. Remove bone and skins and cut up chicken into bite-sized pieces. Memere used to break the chicken up in the pot and remove the bones/skin with a small strainer. Either way will work.
• Peel and cut potatoes into desired size. I like them in small cubes, some families keep pieces larger. I cut mine up ahead of time and keep them in water to prevent browning.
• Add 1 tbsp summer savory (sauriette) and more salt if desired and bring to a boil. Cook potatoes while your make the dumplings.
• Make the dumplings (or poutine as memere called it). Combine 1 cup flour, 1/2 tsp salt and enough cold water to make stiff. Knead on a floured surface and roll out thin. Cut into 1 inch squares and drop into the stew. Cook for 10-15 minutes
• Season to taste. I sometimes add more savory and celery salt.

Notes

• This is the way that Memere, dad and I made the stew. I’m sure each family has their own tips and tricks to make this delicious. I usually make a big pot so I double the amount of dumplings – that is my favorite part! I had no luck readily finding Summer Savory near me so I had to order it online.
• Visit my “Products I love page” to see some tools that I used for this recipe.
• If you have variations or other tips, drop them in the comments=)