If you crave comfort food that warms both body and soul, you’ve found it! My savory tomato soup paired with fluffy herbed dumplings will delight your taste buds. This recipe is simple and perfect for busy days or cozy nights. Whether you’re a cooking novice or a seasoned chef, join me as we explore each step to create a dish that will become your new favorite. Let’s get started!
Why I Love This Recipe
- Fresh Ingredients: This recipe showcases the vibrant flavors of fresh tomatoes and herbs, making every bowl a delicious burst of taste.
- Comfort Food: The combination of warm, creamy soup and fluffy dumplings creates the perfect cozy meal for any chilly day.
- Easy Preparation: With simple steps and minimal prep time, this dish is accessible for cooks of all skill levels.
- Customizable: You can easily adjust the herbs and spices to suit your taste or add extra vegetables for a heartier soup.
Ingredients
Ingredients for Tomato Soup
– 4 large tomatoes, chopped
– 1 medium onion, chopped
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 4 cups vegetable broth
– 1 tablespoon olive oil
– 1 teaspoon dried basil
– 1 teaspoon dried oregano
– ½ teaspoon sugar
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Fresh basil leaves for garnish
To make the perfect tomato soup, start with fresh, ripe tomatoes. They give the soup a bright, sweet flavor. Onions and garlic add depth and richness. Use vegetable broth for a hearty base. The dried herbs enhance the flavors, making each spoonful delightful. A pinch of sugar balances the acidity of the tomatoes, while salt and pepper round out the taste. Fresh basil leaves add a lovely touch when serving.
Ingredients for Herbed Dumplings
– 1 cup all-purpose flour
– 1 tablespoon baking powder
– ½ teaspoon salt
– ½ teaspoon dried thyme
– ½ teaspoon dried rosemary
– ½ cup milk
– 2 tablespoons butter, melted
– Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
For the herbed dumplings, start with all-purpose flour for a fluffy texture. Baking powder is key for lightness. Salt enhances the flavors, while dried herbs add aroma. Milk and melted butter create a rich, moist dough. Use fresh parsley for a bright finish on the dumplings. These dumplings become pillows of flavor in the soup.
Notes on Fresh vs. Dried Herbs
Using fresh herbs can brighten dishes, but dried herbs are more concentrated. When using dried herbs, use about one-third the amount of fresh herbs. For example, if a recipe calls for one tablespoon of fresh basil, use about one teaspoon of dried basil. Fresh herbs add color and aroma. However, dried herbs are great for long-term storage. Choose based on what you have on hand and your flavor preferences.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Preparing the Soup Base
Start by heating olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add the chopped onion. Cook the onion until it turns translucent, about 5 minutes. Then, add minced garlic. Stir it for one minute to avoid burning.
Adding Tomatoes and Spices
Next, stir in the chopped tomatoes and vegetable broth. Add dried basil and oregano. Sprinkle in sugar, salt, and pepper. Bring the mix to a boil. Once it boils, lower the heat and let it simmer for 20 to 25 minutes. This time allows the flavors to come together.
Blending the Soup
After simmering, blend the soup until smooth. You can use an immersion blender. If you prefer, transfer the soup in batches to a regular blender. Blend until it is velvety. Return the soup to the pot after blending.
Making the Dumplings
In a mixing bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, salt, dried thyme, and rosemary. In another bowl, mix milk and melted butter. Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients. Stir until just combined. Be careful not to overmix the dough.
Cooking the Dumplings
Bring the tomato soup back to a gentle simmer. Use a spoon to drop small spoonfuls of the dumpling mix into the soup. Cover the pot and let the dumplings steam for about 15 minutes. They should be fluffy and cooked through.
Serving the Dish
Ladle the soup into bowls. Make sure each bowl has dumplings. Garnish with fresh basil leaves and chopped parsley. This adds an aromatic touch to the dish. Enjoy the warmth and comfort of your savory creation!
Tips & Tricks
How to Achieve the Perfect Soup Consistency
To get the right soup thickness, blend well. After simmering, use an immersion blender for a smooth texture. If you want a chunkier soup, blend only half. You can add more broth if it seems too thick. Keep tasting as you go. Adjusting salt and pepper can bring out the flavors.
Dumpling Cooking Time and Texture
Dumplings need about 15 minutes to cook. Make sure the soup simmers gently; this helps them rise. If they cook too long, they can become tough. The dumplings should be fluffy and light. A quick poke can help check if they are done. If they spring back, they are ready.
Optional Garnishes for Extra Flavor
Fresh herbs can brighten your dish. I love adding fresh basil or parsley on top. A drizzle of olive oil adds richness. For a bit of heat, sprinkle some red pepper flakes. You can even add a dollop of sour cream for creaminess. Choose garnishes that match your taste!
Pro Tips
- Use Ripe Tomatoes: The flavor of your soup greatly depends on the quality of the tomatoes. Choose ripe, juicy tomatoes for the best taste.
- Don’t Overmix Dumplings: When combining wet and dry ingredients for the dumplings, mix until just combined to ensure they stay light and fluffy.
- Adjust the Seasoning: Taste the soup before serving and adjust the seasoning as needed. A pinch of salt or a dash of vinegar can enhance the flavors significantly.
- Garnish for Freshness: Always finish your soup with fresh herbs. They add a burst of flavor and elevate the presentation.
Variations
Vegan Alternatives for the Soup
You can easily make this tomato soup vegan. Replace the milk with a plant-based milk. Almond or oat milk works well. Use vegetable broth to keep it vegan-friendly. Skip the butter and use olive oil instead. Add more herbs to boost flavor. This way, you still get a rich and tasty soup.
Gluten-Free Dumpling Options
To make gluten-free dumplings, use a gluten-free flour blend. Many blends work well, so choose one you like. Check the package for the right measurements. You may need to add more liquid if the dough is too dry. The texture may differ slightly, but they will taste great!
Adding Vegetables to the Soup
Adding vegetables gives your soup extra flavor and nutrition. Try carrots, celery, or bell peppers. Chop them small so they cook well. Toss them in with the onions and garlic. You can also add spinach or kale at the end for a fresh touch. Adjust the spices to fit the new flavors. This makes the soup colorful and hearty!
Storage Info
How to Store Leftovers
After enjoying your delicious tomato soup with herbed dumplings, you may have some leftovers. To store them, let the soup cool to room temperature first. Then, pour the soup into an airtight container. Make sure to keep the dumplings separate if possible. This prevents them from becoming too soggy. Store the soup in the fridge for up to three days.
Freezing Soup and Dumplings
If you want to save your soup for later, freezing is a great option. First, let the soup cool completely. Pour the soup into freezer-safe bags or containers. If you freeze the dumplings, do it separately. This helps them keep their texture. You can freeze both for up to three months. For best results, label your containers with the date.
Reheating Tips for Best Flavor
When you’re ready to enjoy your soup again, reheating is easy. If you stored the dumplings separately, you can add them back in while reheating. Heat the soup on the stove over medium heat, stirring often. For microwave reheating, use a microwave-safe bowl. Heat in short intervals, stirring in between. This ensures even heating. If the soup is too thick, add a splash of vegetable broth or water to thin it out. Enjoy your warm and comforting meal!
FAQs
Can I use canned tomatoes instead of fresh?
Yes, you can use canned tomatoes. They save time and work well. Just use about 2 cans of diced tomatoes. Look for those without added sugar or salt for better flavor. Canned tomatoes are picked at their peak and often taste great. They also blend smoothly into the soup.
How do I make dumplings from scratch?
Making dumplings is easy! You need basic ingredients like flour, baking powder, and some herbs. Here’s how:
– Mix dry ingredients: Combine 1 cup of all-purpose flour, 1 tablespoon of baking powder, ½ teaspoon of salt, ½ teaspoon of dried thyme, and ½ teaspoon of dried rosemary in a bowl.
– Add wet ingredients: In another bowl, mix ½ cup of milk and 2 tablespoons of melted butter.
– Combine: Pour the wet mix into the dry mix. Stir gently until just blended. Don’t overmix!
What can I serve with Tomato Soup with Herbed Dumplings?
Pair this soup with crusty bread or a fresh salad. Grilled cheese sandwiches also make a great match. For a light touch, try a simple green salad with lemon vinaigrette. You can top the soup with extra herbs or a drizzle of olive oil for added flavor.
This blog post showed you how to make tasty tomato soup with herbed dumplings. You learned about key ingredients, cooking steps, and tips for the best texture. We explored fun variations, storage methods, and answered common questions. Making this dish can be easy and fun. With practice, you will master it quickly! Enjoy your warm meal and share it with friends or family. You now have all you need to impress loved ones with this comforting dis
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