Recipes from the matriarchs

In this section, I will share recipes from Mama Lou, Memere Sutton, and Memere Duval. I’ll share little tidbits about these women and the feelings these recipes invoke for me and others who loved them.

Northern Maine Chicken Stew
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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=)