It’s a chilly autumn day, and I can still remember the comforting aroma of Tomato Soup & Cheesy Herbed Dumplings filling my mom’s kitchen. As a kid, this was one of my favorite meals – the rich, creamy tomato broth paired with those pillowy soft dumplings, all topped with a sprinkle of fragrant herbs. I’d curl up on the couch, bowl in hand, and savor every bite, feeling the warmth spread through me. It was the ultimate hug-in-a-bowl, and it never failed to lift my spirits on a cold, gray day.
Why This Tomato Soup & Cheesy Herbed Dumplings Recipe Will Become Your Go-To
The Secret Behind Perfect Tomato Soup & Cheesy Herbed Dumplings
What sets this Tomato Soup & Cheesy Herbed Dumplings recipe apart is the perfect balance of flavors and textures. The secret lies in the slow-simmered tomato broth, which develops a deep, complex flavor that’s both tangy and subtly sweet. And the cheesy herbed dumplings? They’re light and fluffy, with a savory, herbaceous punch that complements the soup beautifully. It’s a dish that’s comforting and indulgent, yet still feels nourishing and satisfying.
Essential Ingredients You’ll Need
- Canned crushed tomatoes: The base of the rich, velvety tomato soup.
- Chicken or vegetable broth: Adds depth and body to the soup.
- Onion, garlic, and herbs: The aromatic foundation that gives the soup its signature flavor.
- All-purpose flour: The key to creating those light and pillowy dumplings.
- Milk and shredded cheese: For the creamy, cheesy interior of the dumplings.
- Fresh thyme, rosemary, and parsley: The herbal trio that infuses the dumplings with fragrance and flavor.
Step-by-Step Tomato Soup & Cheesy Herbed Dumplings Instructions
Preparing Your Tomato Soup & Cheesy Herbed Dumplings
This Tomato Soup & Cheesy Herbed Dumplings recipe is a comforting, satisfying meal that comes together in under an hour. You’ll need a large pot or Dutch oven for the soup, and a mixing bowl for the dumplings. With a bit of active prep time and some patient simmering, you’ll have a cozy, homemade feast ready to enjoy.
1- In the pot, sauté the onion and garlic until softened and fragrant. This builds the flavor foundation for the soup.
2- Add the crushed tomatoes, broth, herbs, and seasonings, then let the soup simmer for 20-25 minutes to meld the flavors.
3- While the soup is simmering, make the cheesy herbed dumplings by mixing the dry ingredients, then stirring in the milk and cheese until a thick batter forms.
4- Once the soup has simmered, drop the dumpling batter by heaping spoonfuls onto the surface. Cover and cook for 15 minutes, until the dumplings are puffed and cooked through.
5- Ladle the Tomato Soup & Cheesy Herbed Dumplings into bowls, making sure each portion gets a few of the tender dumplings.
6- Garnish with extra fresh herbs and serve hot, for a comforting and satisfying meal.
Pro Tips for Success
When making the Tomato Soup & Cheesy Herbed Dumplings, a few pro tips can help ensure your success:
- Use high-quality canned crushed tomatoes for the best flavor and texture in the soup.
- Don’t overwork the dumpling batter – mix it just until combined to keep the dumplings light and fluffy.
- Be patient when simmering the soup – the longer it cooks, the deeper and richer the flavor will become.
- Keep a close eye on the dumplings as they cook, and resist the urge to peek too often, which can cause them to fall.
Serving and Storing Your Tomato Soup & Cheesy Herbed Dumplings
Perfect Pairings for Tomato Soup & Cheesy Herbed Dumplings
Tomato Soup & Cheesy Herbed Dumplings is a classic comfort food that pairs beautifully with a variety of sides and beverages. For a heartier meal, serve it with a fresh green salad or a crusty loaf of bread for dipping. A glass of red wine or a crisp, cold beer also complements the dish perfectly. And for a cozy, nostalgic touch, you can’t go wrong with a grilled cheese sandwich on the side.
Storage and Make-Ahead Tips
Leftover Tomato Soup & Cheesy Herbed Dumplings can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. To reheat, simply warm the soup on the stove or in the microwave, and gently reheat the dumplings in the oven or a skillet. For make-ahead convenience, you can prepare the soup base a day or two in advance, then simply make the dumplings and assemble the dish when you’re ready to serve.
Variations and Dietary Adaptations for Tomato Soup & Cheesy Herbed Dumplings
Creative Tomato Soup & Cheesy Herbed Dumplings Variations
While the classic version of Tomato Soup & Cheesy Herbed Dumplings is delicious as-is, there are plenty of ways to put your own spin on the dish. Try adding diced vegetables like carrots, celery, or zucchini to the soup for extra nutrients and texture. You can also experiment with different cheese blends in the dumplings, such as Parmesan and mozzarella, or even incorporate crumbled bacon or sautéed mushrooms. And for a seasonal twist, consider roasting the tomatoes for a deeper, more complex flavor.
Making Tomato Soup & Cheesy Herbed Dumplings Diet-Friendly
To make Tomato Soup & Cheesy Herbed Dumplings more diet-friendly, you can try a few simple substitutions. For a gluten-free version, use a gluten-free flour blend in the dumplings. For a vegan or dairy-free take, swap the milk and cheese for plant-based alternatives, such as unsweetened almond milk and shredded vegan cheese. And to reduce the carb count, you can replace some of the all-purpose flour in the dumplings with almond or coconut flour.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Can I use fresh tomatoes instead of canned?
A: Absolutely! You can use fresh, ripe tomatoes in this recipe. Just be sure to peel, seed, and chop them before adding them to the pot. You may need to simmer the soup a bit longer to allow the fresh tomatoes to break down and develop their full flavor.
Q: How can I make the dumplings extra fluffy?
A: The key to light and fluffy dumplings is to avoid overworking the batter. Mix the ingredients just until they’re combined, and be gentle when dropping the dumplings into the simmering soup. Also, make sure not to peek too often while the dumplings are cooking, as this can cause them to fall.
Q: Can I freeze the leftovers?
A: Yes, you can freeze the Tomato Soup & Cheesy Herbed Dumplings for later enjoyment. Allow the soup and dumplings to cool completely, then transfer them to an airtight container or freezer-safe bag. When ready to serve, thaw in the refrigerator overnight and reheat on the stovetop or in the microwave.
Q: How much does this recipe serve?
A: This Tomato Soup & Cheesy Herbed Dumplings recipe makes enough to serve 4-6 people, depending on portion sizes. If you’re feeding a larger crowd, you can easily double the ingredients to make a bigger batch.
Q: What if my dumplings aren’t cooked through?
A: If your dumplings aren’t fully cooked after 15 minutes of simmering, simply cover the pot and continue cooking for another 5-10 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Dumplings should be light, fluffy, and cooked all the way through.
Tomato Soup & Cheesy Herbed Dumplings
- Total Time: 35
- Yield: 4
Description
Indulge in a cozy, comforting classic with this irresistible Tomato Soup & Cheesy Herbed Dumplings recipe. The rich, creamy tomato broth is the perfect foil for the soft, pillowy cheese-filled dumplings. It’s a quick and easy meal that’s sure to warm you up on a chilly day.
Ingredients
– 2 tablespoons olive oil
– 1 onion, diced
– 3 cloves garlic, minced
– 28 oz can diced tomatoes
– 2 cups vegetable or chicken broth
– 1 teaspoon dried basil
– 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
– Salt and pepper to taste
– 1 cup all-purpose flour
– 2 teaspoons baking powder
– 1/4 teaspoon salt
– 3 tablespoons cold unsalted butter, cubed
– 1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese
– 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley
– 1/4 cup milk
Instructions
1. In a large pot, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the onion and sauté for 5 minutes until translucent.
2. Add the garlic and cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
3. Pour in the diced tomatoes and broth. Stir in the basil, oregano, salt, and pepper. Bring to a simmer and let cook for 10 minutes.
4. In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt. Cut in the cold butter until mixture resembles coarse crumbs. Stir in the cheddar, parsley, and milk just until combined.
5. Drop the dumpling dough by heaping tablespoonfuls onto the simmering soup. Cover and cook for 12-15 minutes until the dumplings are cooked through.
6. Serve the Tomato Soup & Cheesy Herbed Dumplings hot, garnished with extra parsley if desired.
Notes
For a thicker soup, you can blend part of the tomatoes before adding them back to the pot. Adjust the seasoning to your taste. The dumplings can also be made with other shredded cheese like Parmesan or mozzarella.
- Prep Time: 10
- Cook Time: 25
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Conclusion
Tomato Soup & Cheesy Herbed Dumplings is a classic comfort food that’s sure to become a new family favorite. With its rich, velvety tomato broth and tender, flavorful dumplings, this dish is the ultimate hug-in-a-bowl. Whether you’re reminiscing about cozy childhood memories or just craving a warm, satisfying meal, I encourage you to give this recipe a try. Let me know in the comments how it turns out for you, and don’t forget to share your own Tomato Soup & Cheesy Herbed Dumplings stories!
