Tomato Dumpling Soup

If you’re looking for a cozy dish that warms your heart and tummy, then this Tomato Dumpling Soup is just what you need! This delightful soup marries the bright flavor of tomatoes with the sweet richness of sweet potatoes, creating a comforting bowl that’s perfect for chilly evenings. Topped with cheesy, herb-seasoned dumplings, it’s not just a meal; it’s a hug in a bowl!

What makes this recipe special is its versatility; whether you’re whipping it up for a busy weeknight dinner or serving it at a family gathering, it always brings smiles to the table. Plus, it’s simple enough that even the kids can help out in the kitchen!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick and easy: This Tomato Dumpling Soup comes together in about 45 minutes, making it perfect for those busy nights.
• Family-friendly: With its comforting flavors and cheesy dumplings, even picky eaters will enjoy this wholesome dish.
• Make-ahead friendly: You can prepare the soup ahead of time and add the dumplings just before serving, making meal prep a breeze!
• Deliciously satisfying: Every spoonful is filled with rich tomato flavor and fluffy dumplings that will keep you coming back for more.

Ingredients You’ll Need

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

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! Feel free to make it your own with these tasty variations:

• Add extra veggies: Toss in some spinach or kale for added nutrition and color.
• Experiment with herbs: Try using thyme or parsley instead of basil for a different flavor profile.
• Make it spicy: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes to give your soup a little kick!
• Use different cheeses: Swap out cheddar for mozzarella or feta to change up the flavor.

How to Make Tomato Dumpling Soup

Step 1: Sauté the Vegetables

Heat your olive oil and butter in a large pot over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and sweet potato. Cook them gently for about 5-10 minutes until they soften. Sautéing these ingredients brings out their natural sweetness and sets a delicious base for your soup.

Step 2: Add Aromatics

Now it’s time to add some depth! Stir in the minced garlic and ground cinnamon. Cook for an additional minute until fragrant. The aroma will fill your kitchen with warmth and comfort!

Step 3: Combine Key Ingredients

Next, stir in the torn basil leaves, chopped tomatoes from the cans, and chicken stock. Bring everything to a boil before reducing the heat. Let it simmer covered for about 20 minutes. This allows all those wonderful flavors to meld beautifully together.

Step 4: Make the Dumplings

While your soup simmers away, let’s whip up those fluffy dumplings! In a bowl, mix together all the dumpling ingredients until you form a stiff mixture. Shape this into eight small balls. These will puff up nicely when cooked!

Step 5: Blend and Season Soup

After 20 minutes are up, blend your soup until smooth using an immersion blender or regular blender if preferred. Season with sugar, salt, pepper, and single cream to taste—this creamy finish adds richness to each bowl.

Step 6: Cook Dumplings in Soup

Drop those delightful dumplings into your simmering soup and let them cook for about 10 minutes without stirring. This ensures they stay fluffy while soaking up all that delicious tomato goodness. Serve each bowl with two dumplings on top!

And there you have it—your very own bowl of Tomato Dumpling Soup! Enjoy every warm bite surrounded by loved ones on those chilly days!

Pro Tips for Making Tomato Dumpling Soup

Making Tomato Dumpling Soup is a delightful experience, and with a few tips, you can elevate your dish to perfection!

• Use fresh ingredients: Fresh herbs and vegetables can enhance the flavors of your soup significantly. Fresh basil, especially, adds a vibrant taste that dried herbs just can’t match.
• Don’t rush the simmering: Allowing the soup to simmer for a full 20 minutes helps develop deeper flavors. This patience pays off as all the ingredients meld together beautifully.
• Adjust consistency: If you prefer a thicker soup, blend in some additional sweet potato or reduce the amount of stock. Adjusting to your preference makes the soup even more enjoyable!
• Experiment with spices: Feel free to add other spices like smoked paprika or crushed red pepper flakes for an extra layer of flavor. A little heat can create a comforting warmth on chilly days.
• Chill before serving: Letting the soup sit for a few minutes before serving allows it to cool slightly and enhances the flavors even more. Plus, it helps ensure that those delicious dumplings don’t burn your tongue!

How to Serve Tomato Dumpling Soup

Serving Tomato Dumpling Soup can be as fun as making it! Here are some ideas to present this cozy dish beautifully.

Garnishes

• Fresh basil leaves: A few whole leaves on top not only look stunning but also add an aromatic touch.
• Grated cheese: Sprinkling a bit of extra mature cheddar on top right before serving adds richness and visual appeal.
• Croutons: Homemade or store-bought croutons provide a delightful crunch that contrasts nicely with the soft dumplings.

Side Dishes

• Garlic bread: Perfect for dipping into the soup! The buttery garlic flavor complements the tomato base beautifully, making each bite satisfying.
• Simple green salad: A fresh salad with mixed greens, cucumber, and a citrus vinaigrette adds brightness and balances out the richness of the soup.
• Roasted vegetables: Seasonal roasted veggies like carrots and zucchini provide extra nutrients and textures that pair well with the warm soup.
• Cheese toasties: Grilled cheese sandwiches are always a hit! The gooey cheese and crispy bread make for a comforting side that delights every time.

Enjoy your warming bowl of Tomato Dumpling Soup! It’s not just food; it’s a hug in a bowl.

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, store it, and enjoy it later without losing any of its comforting flavors.

Storing Leftovers

• Allow the soup to cool completely before storing.
• Transfer the soup and dumplings to an airtight container.
• Store in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
• If possible, keep dumplings separate from the soup to maintain their texture.

Freezing

• Let the soup cool completely before freezing.
• Pour the soup into freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty freezer bags.
• Label with the date and freeze for up to 3 months.
• For best results, freeze dumplings separately to prevent them from becoming mushy.

Reheating

• Thaw overnight in the refrigerator if frozen.
• Reheat in a pot over medium heat until warmed through, stirring occasionally.
• If reheating from frozen, add a little water or stock to help with consistency as it heats.

FAQs

If you have questions about this comforting dish, you’re in the right place! Here are some common queries about Tomato Dumpling Soup.

Can I make Tomato Dumpling Soup vegetarian?

Absolutely! You can substitute chicken stock with vegetable stock for a delightful vegetarian version of this recipe.

How do I customize my Tomato Dumpling Soup?

Feel free to add your favorite vegetables or spices. Zucchini, spinach, or even chickpeas can add nutrition and flavor!

What can I serve with Tomato Dumpling Soup?

This soup pairs wonderfully with crusty bread or a fresh salad for a complete meal!

How long does Tomato Dumpling Soup last in the fridge?

When stored properly in an airtight container, it lasts up to 3 days in the refrigerator.

Can I freeze Tomato Dumpling Soup?

Yes! Just make sure to cool it completely before freezing. It’s best to freeze the dumplings separately for optimal texture.

Final Thoughts

I hope you find joy in making this delightful Tomato Dumpling Soup! It’s a warming hug-in-a-bowl that brings comfort during chilly days. Whether it’s a family gathering or just a cozy night at home, this recipe is sure to be a hit. Enjoy every spoonful and feel free to share your cooking experience with me—I can’t wait to hear how yours turns out!