Cepelinai Krūtinėlė

Cepelinai Krūtinėlė is a beloved Lithuanian dish which combines the traditional potato dumplings known as "Cepelinai" with a deliciously tender filling of chicken breast, or "Krūtinėlė". This warm, hearty meal is steeped in history and often enjoyed during family gatherings and festive occasions. The recipe pays homage to Lithuanian cuisine's love for potatoes and its ingenious methods of using locally available ingredients to create sustenance that warms the soul and fills the stomach. The origin of Cepelinai can be traced back to the early 20th century when it gained its name from its zeppelin-like shape. Today, it is a symbol of Lithuanian culinary heritage.

Ingredients

• Potatoes - 1 kg
• Chicken Breast - 400 g
• Onion - 1 large
• Garlic - 2 cloves
• Egg - 1 large
• Bacon - 100 g
• Sour Cream - 200 g
• Clarified Butter - 50 g
• Salt - to taste
• Black Pepper - to taste
• Fresh Dill - to taste
• Flour - 2 tablespoons

Preparation

Step 1: Prepare the Potatoes

Begin by peeling the potatoes and grating them finely. It's essential to maintain their starchiness, which helps bind the ingredients together. Once grated, squeeze out excess moisture using a cheesecloth or clean kitchen towel.

Step 2: Prepare the Chicken Filling

Chop the chicken breast into small cubes. Enhance the flavor by adding finely chopped onion and garlic. Mix in an egg to bind the chicken mixture, seasoned with salt and black pepper.

Step 3: Form the Cepelinai

Take a portion of the grated potatoes and flatten it into the palm of your hand. Place a spoonful of the chicken mixture in the center and shape the potato around it, forming a zeppelin-like dumpling shape. Roll each dumpling lightly in flour to seal.

Cooking Process

Step 4: Boil the Dumplings

Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Carefully add the dumplings to the boiling water and let them cook for 15-20 minutes until they rise to the surface. For best results, set a cooking timer to ensure accurate timing.

Step 5: Prepare the Bacon Sauce

Meanwhile, in a separate pan, fry the chopped bacon until it is crispy and golden. Add sour cream and a dash of fresh dill to create a rich, creamy sauce.

Serving Suggestion

Serve the dumplings hot, covered generously with the bacon sauce. Garnish with additional dill and a dollop of sour cream for a refreshing touch.

How to Enjoy

Enjoy Cepelinai Krūtinėlė with a glass of chilled kefir or a traditional Lithuanian beer for a true cultural experience. This is a meal best shared with friends and family, offering a taste of history and tradition in every bite.

Notes

Do not discard the potato starch water, as its starchy content can be used to thicken the sauce if needed. For lighter dumplings, mix grated raw potatoes with boiled, mashed potatoes in equal measure. Ensure the dumplings are sealed well to prevent leakage during boiling for best results.