Tomato Dumpling Soup

If you’re looking for a comforting dish that warms you from the inside out, I have just the recipe for you: Tomato Dumpling Soup! This delightful soup combines the sweetness of sweet potato with rich tomatoes, topped off with cheesy, herb-seasoned dumplings. It’s like a cozy hug in a bowl, perfect for chilly evenings or family gatherings. Every spoonful is bursting with flavor and nostalgia, making it one of my go-to recipes.

This Tomato Dumpling Soup is not only delicious but also simple to prepare. Whether you’re whipping it up on a busy weeknight or serving it at a weekend get-together, this dish is sure to please everyone at the table.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick and Easy: With just 15 minutes of prep time, you can have a warm meal ready in no time!
• Family-Friendly: Kids love the cheesy dumplings, making this soup a hit for all ages.
• Make-Ahead Convenience: You can easily prepare the soup and dumplings in advance and reheat when needed.
• Comfort Food Delight: This dish is perfect for those cold winter nights when you crave something hearty and satisfying.
• Flexible Ingredients: Feel free to customize it by adding your favorite veggies or herbs!

Ingredients You’ll Need

Let’s gather some simple, wholesome ingredients to create this delicious Tomato Dumpling Soup. You probably already have many of these staples in your pantry!

For the Soup

• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 25 grams butter
• 1 onion, chopped
• ½ sweet potato, peeled and chopped
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 2 tablespoons fresh basil, torn
• 2 (400g) cans chopped tomatoes
• 500ml chicken stock
• ½ teaspoon sugar
• 50ml single cream

For the Dumplings

• 125g dried breadcrumbs
• ½ teaspoon baking powder
• 75g mature cheddar, grated
• 1 teaspoon mustard powder
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1 egg
• 50g cream cheese

Variations

This recipe is wonderfully flexible! Here are some ideas to make it your own:

• Add extra veggies: Toss in some spinach or carrots for added nutrition and color.
• Make it spicy: Sprinkle in some chili flakes for a little kick.
• Cheese lovers rejoice: Swap out mature cheddar for another cheese like mozzarella or feta for different flavors.
• Swap the stock: Use vegetable stock instead of chicken stock if you prefer a plant-based option.

How to Make Tomato Dumpling Soup

Step 1: Sauté the Vegetables

Heat the olive oil and butter in a large pot over low heat. Add the chopped onion and sweet potato. Cook them gently for about 5-10 minutes until they soften. This step is crucial because sautéing brings out their natural sweetness and builds the foundation of flavor for your soup.

Step 2: Add Aromatics

Stir in the minced garlic and ground cinnamon, cooking them together for about a minute until fragrant. The aroma will fill your kitchen! Then mix in the torn basil, chopped tomatoes, and chicken stock. Bring everything to a boil before reducing the heat to let it simmer covered for 20 minutes. Simmering allows all those flavors to meld beautifully.

Step 3: Prepare the Dumplings

While your soup simmers away, mix all the dumpling ingredients in a bowl until you form a stiff mixture. Shape this mixture into eight small balls. These dumplings will add that delightful cheesy goodness to your soup!

Step 4: Blend the Soup

Once your soup has simmered and all those lovely flavors have combined, blend it until smooth using an immersion blender or regular blender. Taste and adjust with sugar, salt, pepper, and cream as needed. Cream adds richness that makes this soup truly comforting.

Step 5: Cook the Dumplings

Gently drop your prepared dumplings into the simmering soup. Let them cook without stirring for about 10 minutes. This helps them rise perfectly while soaking up all that delicious tomato flavor!

Step 6: Serve and Enjoy!

Ladle the soup into bowls with two dumplings per serving. Enjoy every warm bite of this Tomato Dumpling Soup with family or friends—it’s sure to become a cherished favorite!

Pro Tips for Making Tomato Dumpling Soup

Making Tomato Dumpling Soup is a delightful experience, and with a few pro tips, you can take your dish to the next level!

• Use fresh ingredients: Fresh herbs and vegetables enhance the flavor of the soup significantly. They add vibrant taste profiles that dried or processed alternatives simply can’t match.

• Adjust seasoning to taste: Everyone’s palate is different, so feel free to adjust the sugar, salt, and pepper according to your preferences. This customization will make the dish uniquely yours.

• Don’t rush the simmering process: Allowing the soup to simmer for a full 20 minutes helps develop rich flavors. The longer it cooks, the more harmonious the ingredients become.

• Experiment with dumpling size: If you prefer larger or smaller dumplings, feel free to adjust their size. Just remember that smaller dumplings may cook quicker, so keep an eye on them!

• Blend half for texture: For a creamier soup while still retaining some chunkiness, blend only half of it before adding back the dumplings. This creates a wonderful contrast in textures.

How to Serve Tomato Dumpling Soup

Presenting your Tomato Dumpling Soup beautifully can elevate the dining experience! Here are some ideas to bring your dish to life.

Garnishes

• Fresh basil leaves: A few whole leaves not only add a pop of color but also enhance that herbal aroma.
• Grated cheese: A sprinkle of extra mature cheddar on top just before serving adds a delightful richness that complements the dumplings perfectly.
• Drizzle of olive oil: A light drizzle adds a touch of sophistication and enhances the overall flavor profile.

Side Dishes

• Crusty bread: Freshly baked crusty bread is ideal for dipping into your warm soup; it adds a satisfying crunch and heartiness to each bite.
• Mixed green salad: A simple salad with mixed greens, cherry tomatoes, and a light vinaigrette offers a refreshing balance to the rich flavor of the soup.
• Cheesy garlic bread: Toasted bread topped with melted cheese and garlic brings an irresistible aroma and flavor that pairs wonderfully with your soup.
• Roasted vegetables: Seasonal roasted veggies like carrots and zucchini add texture and sweetness that complement the tomato base beautifully.

Enjoy your comforting bowl of Tomato Dumpling Soup—it’s sure to warm both body and soul!

Make Ahead and Storage

This Tomato Dumpling Soup is not only delicious but also perfect for meal prep! You can prepare it in advance, making your weeknight dinners stress-free and enjoyable.

Storing Leftovers

• Allow the soup to cool completely before storing.
• Transfer to an airtight container and store in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
• If you prefer, keep the dumplings separate to maintain their texture until you’re ready to reheat.

Freezing

• Let the soup cool completely before pouring it into freezer-safe containers or bags.
• Store in the freezer for up to 3 months.
• For best results, freeze the dumplings separately from the soup to avoid them becoming mushy.

Reheating

• Thaw overnight in the refrigerator if frozen.
• Reheat on the stovetop over medium heat until warmed through, stirring occasionally.
• If reheating in a microwave, use a microwave-safe bowl and cover loosely; heat in intervals, stirring between each.

FAQs

Have questions? Here are some common ones about Tomato Dumpling Soup!

Can I make Tomato Dumpling Soup vegan?

Absolutely! You can substitute butter with vegan margarine and use plant-based cream and cheese alternatives to create a delicious vegan version of this recipe.

How do I make Tomato Dumpling Soup thicker?

To thicken your Tomato Dumpling Soup, you can blend a portion of it after cooking. Adding more sweet potato or using a cornstarch slurry can also help achieve your desired consistency.

Can I add other vegetables to my Tomato Dumpling Soup?

Yes! Feel free to add any vegetables you enjoy, such as carrots or spinach. Just be sure to adjust cooking times accordingly so everything is tender.

What can I serve with Tomato Dumpling Soup?

This comforting soup pairs wonderfully with crusty bread or a fresh side salad. It’s a complete meal on its own but adding sides can enhance your dining experience!

Final Thoughts

I hope you find joy in making this delightful Tomato Dumpling Soup! It’s truly a heartwarming dish that fills your home with wonderful aromas while providing comfort on chilly days. Enjoy every spoonful and feel free to experiment with flavors. Happy cooking!