Tomato Dumpling Soup

If you’re looking for a cozy dish that wraps you in warmth on a chilly evening, then this Tomato Dumpling Soup is just what you need! This delightful soup combines the sweetness of roasted sweet potatoes with vibrant tomatoes and fluffy dumplings. It’s not just a meal; it’s a hug in a bowl! Perfect for busy weeknights or family gatherings, this soup brings everyone together and fills your home with irresistible aromas.

This recipe has become a cherished favorite in my household. The best part? It’s simple enough to whip up on a whim but deliciously comforting, making it suitable for any occasion. Trust me, once you try this Tomato Dumpling Soup, it will become a staple in your recipe collection!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick and Easy: You can have this hearty dish ready in just 45 minutes. Perfect for those busy evenings!
• Family-Friendly: Kids and adults alike love the cheesy dumplings floating in the rich tomato broth.
• Make-Ahead Convenience: You can prepare the soup ahead of time and simply reheat when you’re ready to serve.
• Wholesome Ingredients: With simple ingredients like sweet potatoes and tomatoes, this dish is as nutritious as it is delicious.
• Comfort Food at Its Best: There’s nothing quite like the combination of warm soup and cheesy dumplings to make you feel cozy inside.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Cooking should be fun and enjoyable! For this Tomato Dumpling Soup, you’ll need some simple, wholesome ingredients that you might already have in your kitchen. Let’s gather what we need:

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

One of the beauties of this recipe is its flexibility! Feel free to customize it to match your taste preferences or what you have on hand.

• Add some greens: Toss in a handful of spinach or kale right before blending the soup for added nutrition.
• Spice it up: If you like a bit of heat, add red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce to the soup!
• Change up the cheese: Experiment with different cheeses like mozzarella or gouda for unique flavors in your dumplings.
• Make it vegetarian: Substitute vegetable stock for chicken stock to keep it plant-based while still being delicious.

How to Make Tomato Dumpling Soup

Step 1: Sauté the Vegetables

Start by heating olive oil and butter in a large pot over low heat. Add your chopped onion and sweet potato. Cook these together for about 5-10 minutes until they’re soft. This step is crucial because sautéing them brings out their natural sweetness, creating a flavorful base for your soup.

Step 2: Add Garlic and Spices

Next, stir in minced garlic and ground cinnamon. Cook everything for about one minute until fragrant. This will enhance the aroma of your soup. Then, toss in torn basil leaves along with the canned tomatoes and chicken stock.

Step 3: Simmer to Perfection

Bring everything to a boil before reducing the heat. Cover your pot and let it simmer gently for about 20 minutes. This allows all those wonderful flavors to meld together beautifully!

Step 4: Prepare the Dumplings

While your soup simmers, mix all dumpling ingredients—dried breadcrumbs, baking powder, grated cheddar, mustard powder, dried oregano, egg, and cream cheese—in a bowl until you form a stiff mixture. Shape this mixture into 8 balls; they’ll puff up delightfully while cooking!

Step 5: Blend the Soup

Once your soup is done simmering, blend it until smooth using an immersion blender (or carefully transfer batches to a regular blender). After blending, add sugar along with salt and pepper to taste. A splash of cream will give that rich finish!

Step 6: Cook the Dumplings

Finally, drop those lovely dumplings into the simmering soup! Let them cook for about 10 minutes without stirring – this helps them stay light and fluffy. When serving, make sure each bowl gets two dumplings nestled among all that comforting tomato goodness.

Enjoy every spoonful of this Tomato Dumpling Soup; it’s sure to warm both hearts and bellies!

Pro Tips for Making Tomato Dumpling Soup

Creating the perfect Tomato Dumpling Soup can be a delightful experience, and with a few handy tips, you can elevate your dish to new heights!

• Use fresh herbs: Fresh basil not only adds flavor but also brightens the soup’s overall taste. If you have other herbs like parsley or thyme on hand, feel free to mix them in for a more complex flavor profile.

• Adjust the sweetness: If you find your soup is too acidic from the tomatoes, adding a touch more sweet potato or sugar can balance it out beautifully. This helps create a comforting and well-rounded flavor.

• Don’t skip blending: Blending the soup until smooth gives it a luxurious texture that enhances the eating experience. A smooth base allows the dumplings to shine as they float in this creamy tomato goodness.

• Experiment with dumpling flavors: Feel free to add your favorite seasonings or cheese into the dumpling mixture. This not only personalizes your dish but also packs in even more delicious taste.

• Simmer gently: When cooking the dumplings, be sure to simmer gently without stirring. This prevents them from breaking apart and allows them to cook evenly, resulting in fluffy dumplings that soak up all that savory goodness.

How to Serve Tomato Dumpling Soup

Serving Tomato Dumpling Soup can be just as fun as making it! With a few thoughtful touches, you can make this cozy bowl of comfort food feel extra special.

Garnishes

• Fresh basil leaves: Adding a few torn leaves on top just before serving enhances both flavor and presentation.
• Grated cheese: A sprinkle of additional cheddar or another cheese of your choice adds visual appeal and richness to each bowl.

Side Dishes

• Crusty bread: A warm loaf of crusty bread is perfect for dipping into your soup. It adds a satisfying crunch and complements the creamy texture.
• Simple green salad: A light salad with mixed greens dressed in lemon vinaigrette offers a refreshing contrast to the hearty soup.
• Roasted vegetables: Seasonal roasted veggies, like carrots or zucchini, provide an aromatic and nutritious side that pairs nicely with the soup’s flavors.
• Garlic bread: For an indulgent option, serve garlic bread alongside your soup. Its buttery garlic essence makes every bite even more enjoyable!

Enjoy making and sharing this delicious Tomato Dumpling Soup with friends and family during those chilly evenings!

Make Ahead and Storage

This Tomato Dumpling Soup is not only delicious but also perfect for meal prep! You can easily make it ahead of time and store it for later, making it an ideal choice for busy weekdays or cozy evenings.

Storing Leftovers

• Allow the soup to cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container.
• Store in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
• To keep the dumplings from getting too soggy, it’s best to store them separately from the soup if you anticipate leftovers.

Freezing

• Let the soup cool down before pouring it into freezer-safe containers or bags.
• Freeze for up to 3 months.
• For best results, consider freezing the soup and dumplings separately.

Reheating

• Thaw frozen soup overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
• Heat in a pot over medium heat until warmed through; add a splash of water if it’s too thick.
• If using frozen dumplings, cook them directly in the soup while reheating for added flavor!

FAQs

Here are some common questions about making Tomato Dumpling Soup.

Can I use fresh tomatoes instead of canned for Tomato Dumpling Soup?

Absolutely! If you prefer fresh tomatoes, you can use about 1.2 kg (around 2.5 lbs) of ripe tomatoes. Just chop them up and follow the recipe as instructed.

How do I make vegan Tomato Dumpling Soup?

To make this Tomato Dumpling Soup vegan, substitute butter with vegan margarine, use vegetable stock instead of chicken stock, and replace cream with a plant-based alternative such as coconut cream or cashew cream.

What can I serve with Tomato Dumpling Soup?

This hearty soup pairs well with crusty bread, a fresh salad, or even some cheese scones on the side for a complete meal.

How long does Tomato Dumpling Soup last in the fridge?

When stored properly in an airtight container, Tomato Dumpling Soup will last for up to 3 days in the refrigerator without losing its wonderful flavors.

Final Thoughts

I hope this comforting Tomato Dumpling Soup brings warmth and joy to your kitchen! It’s a delightful blend of flavors that’s perfect for chilly days. Don’t hesitate to experiment with your favorite herbs or add extra veggies—make it truly your own! Enjoy creating this delicious dish; I can’t wait for you to try it!