Introduction
The comforting embrace of a warm bowl of soup is hard to resist, especially when it’s a creamy tomato soup paired with cheesy dumplings. This delightful dish combines the rich flavors of ripe tomatoes with the heartiness of fluffy dumplings, making it perfect for any time of year. Creamy Tomato Soup with Cheesy Dumplings is not only a delight for the taste buds but also a visually appealing meal that is easy to prepare and sure to satisfy.
Tomato soup is often associated with cozy evenings in, family gatherings, or even light lunches. Its creamy texture and rich taste are enhanced even further by the addition of cheesy dumplings, which soak up the flavors of the soup and elevate each spoonful. The warmth of the soup combined with the oozy, cheesy dumplings creates a sumptuous dish that invites you to savor every bite.
Whether you are looking for a quick weeknight meal or a comforting dish to share with loved ones, this recipe will not disappoint. The combination of tomatoes, aromatic herbs, and savory dumplings offers a well-rounded dish that promises to warm you from the inside out.
Recipe Overview
In this recipe article, we will dive deep into the preparation of a flavorful creamy tomato soup and its accompanying cheesy dumplings. With a prep time of just 15 minutes and a total cooking time of approximately 40 minutes, this dish serves four and is ideal for family gatherings or a cozy night in.
– Total Time: 40 minutes
– Servings: 4
– Difficulty: Not specified in the recipe
We’ll guide you through each step in detail, examining the flavors and techniques that elevate this humble soup into a comforting meal.
Ingredients
Ingredients for Tomato Soup
– 2 tablespoons olive oil
– 1 medium onion, finely chopped
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 2 cans (14 oz each) diced tomatoes, including juice
– 2 cups vegetable broth
– 1 teaspoon dried basil
– 1 teaspoon dried oregano
– 1 teaspoon sugar (to balance the acidity)
– Salt and pepper, to taste
– 1/2 cup heavy cream (optional for added creaminess)
– Fresh basil leaves, for garnish
Ingredients for Cheese Dumplings
– 1 cup all-purpose flour
– 1 tablespoon baking powder
– 1/2 teaspoon salt
– 1/2 cup shredded cheese (cheddar or mozzarella)
– 1/2 cup milk
– 1 tablespoon melted butter
Instructions
1. Prepare the Soup: In a large pot, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the finely chopped onion and sauté for about 5 minutes, or until it becomes translucent. Incorporate the minced garlic and continue cooking for an additional 1-2 minutes, until the garlic is fragrant.
2. Add Tomatoes and Broth: Pour in the diced tomatoes along with their juice and the vegetable broth. Mix in the dried basil, oregano, sugar, salt, and pepper. Bring the mixture to a gentle boil, then reduce the heat to low and let it simmer for about 15-20 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld.
3. Blend the Soup: After simmering, use an immersion blender to puree the soup until it reaches a smooth consistency. If you don’t have an immersion blender, carefully transfer the soup to a regular blender in batches, then return the blended soup to the pot. If desired, stir in the heavy cream to enhance the flavor and create a creamier texture.
4. Make the Dumplings: In a medium mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt. Fold in the shredded cheese until evenly distributed. Gradually pour in the milk and melted butter, mixing gently until just combined. Be careful not to overmix; the batter should remain slightly lumpy.
5. Cook the Dumplings: Bring the tomato soup back to a gentle simmer. Using a spoon, drop dollops of the dumpling batter into the simmering soup. Cover the pot and allow the dumplings to steam for about 10-12 minutes, or until they are cooked through and fluffy.
6. Serve: Ladle the soup into bowls, ensuring each serving includes a few cheesy dumplings. Garnish with fresh basil leaves and, if desired, a sprinkle of extra cheese for added flavor. Enjoy your warm and comforting bowl of creamy tomato soup with cheesy dumplings!
Preparing the Soup Base
Sautéing Aromatics
Begin by heating olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. This method allows for a controlled cooking process, ensuring the onions do not brown too quickly. Add finely chopped onions and allow them to sauté for about five minutes until translucent. The softening of the onion releases its natural sugars, providing a hint of sweetness that balances the acidity of the tomatoes to come.
Incorporating garlic next will infuse the oil with flavor; cook it for another one to two minutes until fragrant. The warming garlic scent is an inviting signal that this delicious soup is on the way.
Adding Tomatoes and Broth
Introduce the canned diced tomatoes, including their juice, into the pot along with vegetable broth. This combination forms the base of your soup. The sweetness of the tomatoes, coupled with the robust flavor of the broth, lays a solid foundation for your dish. Then, add dried basil, oregano, sugar, salt, and pepper to season the soup.
The herbs not only contribute freshness but also enhance the overall taste profile, making the soup aromatic and inviting. The sugar acts as an essential counterbalance to the natural acidity of the tomatoes, creating a well-rounded flavor.
Simmering for Flavor Development
Allow the mixture to come to a gentle boil before reducing the heat and letting it simmer for 15-20 minutes. This gradual cooking process helps to meld the flavors beautifully, creating a rich tomato flavor. During this time, the soup thickens slightly, and the aroma fills your kitchen, promising a heartwarming meal. As the ingredients mingle, the flavors deepen, resulting in a comforting bowl of tomato soup ready to be transformed with the addition of cheesy dumplings.
splash of vegetable broth or water if it’s too thick. Reheat the dumplings separately in the microwave or by briefly steaming to restore their original fluffiness.
Troubleshooting Common Issues
Soup Is Too Thin
If your soup lacks the desired thickness, blend in a little more cooked potato or add a tablespoon of cornstarch mixed with water to your simmering soup. This will help thicken the consistency without altering the flavor much.
Dumplings Are Dense
If your dumplings turn out denser than expected, it may be due to overmixing the dough. Next time, ensure you mix the batter just until combined, leaving it slightly lumpy to achieve a light and airy texture.
Soup Flavoring Problems
Should you find your soup lacking depth of flavor, consider adding a splash of balsamic vinegar or a pinch more sugar to balance acidity from the tomatoes. Also, fresh herbs added just before serving can brighten the flavor profile significantly.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use fresh tomatoes instead of canned?
Yes, you can use fresh tomatoes, but you will need about two pounds of tomatoes, and it’s advisable to blanch and peel them before adding them to the pot. Fresh tomatoes can offer a different flavor profile and texture.
Is there a way to make this recipe vegan?
To make the soup vegan, use coconut cream or a plant-based cream alternative instead of heavy cream and replace the milk and butter in the dumpling mix with plant-based milk and vegan butter. Nutritional yeast can also be added to the dumplings for a cheesy flavor.
How can I enhance the flavor of the soup without adding extra ingredients?
Experiment with different seasonings like a dash of smoked paprika, crushed red pepper flakes for heat, or freshly ground black pepper. Fresh minced herbs incorporated just before serving can also elevate the dish.
What cheese works best in the dumplings?
While cheddar and mozzarella are popular choices, feel free to experiment with other meltable cheeses like Gruyère or fontina. Mixing different cheeses can also create a more complex flavor in the dumplings.
Can I prepare the soup in advance?
Yes, the tomato soup can be prepared in advance and stored in the refrigerator or freezer. Just remember to cook the dumplings fresh when you are ready to serve for the best texture.
How do I prevent browning in the dumpling mixture?
Make sure to mix the batter just until combined. Excess handling can lead to oxidation, especially if you’re using some cheeses that may brown faster, which can slightly alter the color but not the flavor.
What variations can I try for flavor?
Consider adding vegetables such as carrot or celery to the soup while sautéing the onions. This will enrich both texture and nutritional value. Additionally, topping with a dollop of pesto before serving can add a delightful twist.
Can leftovers be frozen?
Yes, the tomato soup can be frozen for up to three months in a freezer-safe airtight container. However, for best results, it is advisable to freeze the soup without dumplings, as they may become mushy upon reheating.
Can I add protein to this dish?
For those looking to include protein, shredded cooked chicken, or beans such as cannellini or chickpeas, can be added to the soup during the simmering step. This enhances the dish’s heartiness without compromising the flavor.
In conclusion, this creamy tomato soup with cheesy dumplings offers a delightful blend of textures and tastes. The balance of acidity and creaminess creates a naturally comforting dish, while the fluffy dumplings add a wholesome touch. The total preparation and cooking time is manageable, making it an excellent choice for a cozy meal.
Creamy Tomato Soup with Cheesy Dumplings
Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 medium onion finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic minced
- 2 cans diced tomatoes including juice
- 2 cups vegetable broth
- 1 teaspoon dried basil
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon sugar
- Salt and pepper to taste
- ½ cup heavy cream
- Fresh basil leaves for garnish
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 tablespoon baking powder
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ cup shredded cheese
- ½ cup milk
- 1 tablespoon melted butter
Instructions
- Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat and sauté onion until translucent.
- Add minced garlic and cook for 1-2 minutes until fragrant.
- Pour in diced tomatoes and vegetable broth, then mix in basil, oregano, sugar, salt, and pepper.
- Bring to a gentle boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 15-20 minutes.
- Blend the soup until smooth, adding heavy cream if desired.
- In a bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, and salt, then fold in cheese.
- Gradually mix in milk and melted butter until just combined.
- Drop dumpling batter into simmering soup and cover to steam for 10-12 minutes.
- Ladle soup into bowls, adding dumplings, and garnish with fresh basil.
- Serve warm and enjoy!