Posted inBlogs Foods Recipes

Easy Dumpling Soup Recipe

Easy Dumpling Soup Recipe

This recipe serves 4-6 people and takes about 30 minutes to prepare.

Ingredients:

For the Soup:

  • 6 cups chicken broth (or vegetable broth for a vegetarian version)
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil or butter
  • 1 medium onion, diced
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 2 medium carrots, peeled and sliced
  • 2 celery stalks, diced
  • 1 teaspoon dried thyme (or 1 tablespoon fresh thyme)
  • 1/2 teaspoon dried rosemary (optional)
  • Salt and pepper, to taste
  • 1 cup frozen peas (or fresh peas)
  • 1/2 cup spinach or kale (optional)

For the Dumplings:

  • 1 cup all-purpose flour
  • 1 tablespoon baking powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1/4 teaspoon pepper
  • 1/2 cup milk (or dairy-free milk)
  • 2 tablespoons butter (or olive oil for dairy-free)
  • 1 egg
  • 1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley (optional)

Instructions:

  1. Prepare the Soup Base:
    • In a large pot, heat the olive oil (or butter) over medium heat. Add the diced onion and cook for about 3-4 minutes, until the onion is softened.
    • Add the minced garlic, and cook for another 30 seconds until fragrant.
    • Stir in the carrots and celery, and cook for an additional 5 minutes to slightly soften the vegetables.
    • Pour in the chicken broth and bring the soup to a boil. Add the thyme, rosemary, salt, and pepper, and reduce the heat to low. Let it simmer for 10-15 minutes, until the vegetables are tender.
    • Add the frozen peas and spinach (if using), and cook for an additional 2-3 minutes until the peas are heated through and the greens are wilted. Taste the soup and adjust seasoning with more salt and pepper, if needed.
  2. Prepare the Dumplings:
    • In a mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, salt, and pepper.
    • In a separate bowl, whisk together the milk, egg, and butter (or olive oil). Add the wet ingredients to the dry ingredients and stir until just combined. The dough will be thick, but that’s okay—it’s supposed to be a little lumpy.
    • If you prefer, you can also fold in fresh parsley or other herbs to the dumpling batter for extra flavor.
  3. Add the Dumplings to the Soup:
    • Once the soup is simmering and the vegetables are tender, drop spoonfuls of the dumpling dough into the soup. You can use a tablespoon or a cookie scoop to make the dumplings. Be sure to leave a little space between them, as they will expand slightly while cooking.
    • Cover the pot with a lid and simmer the soup for 10-12 minutes, without lifting the lid, until the dumplings are cooked through and have puffed up. Do not stir the soup during this time to ensure the dumplings hold their shape.
  4. Serve the Soup:
    • Once the dumplings are cooked, gently stir the soup to incorporate the dumplings. Taste the soup and adjust seasoning if necessary.
    • Ladle the soup into bowls, making sure to get some dumplings in each serving. Garnish with additional fresh parsley if desired.

Why You’ll Love Easy Dumpling Soup:

  • Quick and Simple: This recipe is perfect for those days when you want a warm, hearty meal without spending a lot of time in the kitchen. Most of the ingredients are pantry staples, and the soup comes together in under an hour.
  • Comforting and Filling: The dumplings are soft and pillowy, adding a comforting texture that pairs wonderfully with the savory broth and tender vegetables. It’s a complete meal in one pot, offering a balance of protein, vegetables, and carbohydrates.
  • Customizable: Feel free to experiment with different vegetables, proteins, or herbs based on what you have on hand. You can add chicken, turkey, or even tofu for extra protein, or swap out the veggies for whatever is in season.
  • Make-Ahead Friendly: This soup stores well in the fridge for a few days, and the dumplings will continue to soak up the broth, making the soup even more flavorful. Just be sure to store the dumplings and soup separately if you plan to have leftovers, as the dumplings can get soggy if left in the broth for too long.
  • Kid-Friendly: The soft, fluffy dumplings are sure to be a hit with kids, making this an easy and fun way to get them to eat their veggies.

Tips for Perfect Dumpling Soup:

  • Don’t Overmix the Dumpling Dough: When making the dumpling dough, be careful not to overmix it. Overworking the dough can lead to dense dumplings. Stir until just combined, and it’s okay if the dough is a little lumpy.
  • Cover While Cooking the Dumplings: For the best results, cover the soup while the dumplings are cooking. This helps the dumplings steam and rise properly, resulting in a light and fluffy texture.
  • Adjust Broth Consistency: If you prefer a thicker broth, you can simmer the soup a bit longer to reduce the liquid. If you like a more brothy soup, feel free to add more broth or water as needed.
  • Dumpling Size: Be sure to keep your dumplings a uniform size for even cooking. Spoonfuls about 1 to 1.5 inches in diameter work best. If you prefer smaller dumplings, you can make them bite-sized, but keep in mind that smaller dumplings might cook faster.

Nutritional Information (per serving):

Based on one serving (about 1.5 cups) of soup with dumplings (without added protein or sides):

  • Calories: 250-300 kcal
  • Protein: 7g
  • Fat: 10g
    • Saturated Fat: 3g
  • Carbohydrates: 35g
    • Fiber: 4g
    • Sugar: 5g
  • Sodium: 700-800mg (depending on broth used)
  • Potassium: 600mg