Tomato Dumpling Soup

If you’re looking for a dish that wraps you in a cozy blanket of flavor, then this Tomato Dumpling Soup is just what you need. This recipe is a cherished favorite in my home, especially during chilly evenings when we crave something warm and comforting. The sweetness of the sweet potato combined with the savory richness of the tomato soup creates a delightful harmony that’s hard to resist. Plus, those cheesy dumplings? They are like little clouds of happiness floating on top!

Whether it’s a busy weeknight or a gathering with family, this Tomato Dumpling Soup fits right in. It’s easy to whip up and delicious enough to impress anyone at your table.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Simple Preparation: This soup comes together quickly, making it perfect for those hectic days.
• Family-Friendly: Kids love the cheesy dumplings, while adults appreciate the hearty flavors.
• Comforting Flavors: The combination of tomatoes and sweet potatoes creates a satisfying warmth that’s ideal for winter.
• Make-Ahead Convenience: You can prepare the soup base ahead of time and add dumplings just before serving!
• Versatile Dish: Enjoy it as a main course or as a starter — it works perfectly either way.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Let’s gather our simple, wholesome ingredients to create this delicious Tomato Dumpling Soup! Each component adds its unique flavor, ensuring each spoonful is packed with goodness.

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 Tomato Dumpling Soup is wonderfully adaptable! Feel free to get creative and make it your own with these variations:

• Add extra veggies: Toss in some spinach or kale for an added nutritional boost.
• Change up the cheese: Experiment with different cheeses like mozzarella or feta for varied flavors.
• Make it gluten-free: Substitute breadcrumbs with gluten-free alternatives to suit dietary needs.
• Spice it up: Add red pepper flakes or a sprinkle of chili powder for some heat.

How to Make Tomato Dumpling Soup

Step 1: Sauté the Vegetables

Start by heating the olive oil and butter in a large pot over low heat. Add in the chopped onion and sweet potato. Cooking them slowly for about 5-10 minutes will soften their textures and allow their natural sweetness to come through. It’s essential to take your time here; these veggies are building the foundation of flavor for our soup!

Step 2: Add Aromatics

Once your vegetables are soft, stir in the minced garlic and ground cinnamon. Cooking these for just one minute will release their aromatic oils, creating an enticing fragrance that fills your kitchen. Next, add in the torn basil leaves along with those lovely chopped tomatoes and chicken stock.

Step 3: Simmer Away

Bring your mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat and cover it. Let it simmer gently for about 20 minutes. This step is crucial—the longer cooking time allows all those flavors to meld beautifully together.

Step 4: Prepare the Dumplings

While your soup simmers, mix together all the dumpling ingredients in a bowl until you form a stiff mixture. Shape this delightful blend into eight balls. These fluffy dumplings will soak up all that rich tomato goodness as they cook.

Step 5: Blend and Season

Once your soup has simmered away happily, use an immersion blender (or carefully transfer it to a regular blender) to blend until smooth. Taste your soup and add sugar, salt, pepper, and cream as desired—this is where you can adjust everything to your liking!

Step 6: Cook the Dumplings

Gently drop your dumplings into the smooth soup and let them simmer for another 10 minutes without stirring. This way, they cook evenly while staying light and fluffy! When serving, present two dumplings per bowl along with that luscious soup—it’s sure to be a hit!

Enjoy every warm mouthful of this delightful Tomato Dumpling Soup—it’s comfort food at its finest!

Pro Tips for Making Tomato Dumpling Soup

Making this delicious Tomato Dumpling Soup is a breeze, and with a few extra tips, you can elevate your dish to perfection!

• Use fresh ingredients: Utilizing fresh herbs and vegetables can significantly enhance the flavor of your soup. Fresh basil, for instance, adds a vibrant taste that dried herbs can’t quite replicate.

• Adjust seasoning to taste: Everyone’s palate is different! Don’t hesitate to taste your soup as it cooks and adjust the seasoning accordingly, whether it’s adding more salt, pepper, or even a pinch of chili flakes for a kick.

• Make ahead for convenience: This soup can be made ahead of time and stored in the fridge. The flavors deepen as they sit, making it an excellent option for meal prep.

• Experiment with dumpling flavors: Feel free to customize the dumplings by adding herbs or spices that you love. Chopped parsley or thyme can add a delightful twist to the classic cheesy flavor.

• Serve hot: For the best experience, ensure your soup and dumplings are served piping hot. This not only enhances the flavors but also adds to the comforting aspect of this dish.

How to Serve Tomato Dumpling Soup

Serving Tomato Dumpling Soup can be as creative as it is delicious! Here are some ideas to showcase your culinary creation beautifully.

Garnishes

• Fresh basil leaves: A few torn leaves on top bring freshness and a pop of color to the bowl.
• Grated cheese: A sprinkle of additional mature cheddar right before serving adds richness and enhances the cheesy flavor of the dumplings.

Side Dishes

• Garlic Bread: Crunchy and buttery garlic bread pairs perfectly with the soup, perfect for dipping into those rich tomato flavors.
• Mixed Green Salad: A light salad with vinaigrette balances the hearty soup. The crisp greens provide a refreshing contrast.
• Roasted Vegetables: Seasonal roasted vegetables add depth and nutrition to your meal while complementing the sweet notes in the soup.
• Cheesy Scones: These fluffy scones make an excellent sidekick for soaking up every last drop of that comforting tomato soup.

With these tips and serving suggestions, your Tomato Dumpling Soup will not only warm you up but also impress anyone lucky enough to share a bowl with you! Enjoy!

Make Ahead and Storage

This Tomato Dumpling Soup is not only delicious but also perfect for meal prep! You can easily make a big batch and enjoy it throughout the week. Here’s how to store it properly:

Storing Leftovers

• Allow the soup to cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container.
• Store in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
• Keep dumplings separate if possible, as they’ll maintain their texture better.

Freezing

• Portion the soup into freezer-safe containers or bags.
• Leave some space at the top of containers, as liquids expand when frozen.
• Freeze for up to 3 months for best quality.

Reheating

• Thaw frozen soup in the fridge overnight before reheating.
• Warm on the stovetop over medium heat, stirring occasionally until heated through.
• If reheating leftovers, add a splash of water or cream to restore consistency.

FAQs

Here are some common questions about making Tomato Dumpling Soup that might help you out!

Can I make Tomato Dumpling Soup vegan?

Absolutely! To make this recipe vegan, simply replace butter with olive oil, use plant-based cream alternatives, and skip cheese or use vegan cheese substitutes.

How can I adjust the flavor of my Tomato Dumpling Soup?

Feel free to experiment with herbs and spices! Adding more basil or a pinch of red pepper flakes can elevate your Tomato Dumpling Soup. Adjust seasoning according to your taste preferences.

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

Yes, fresh tomatoes work well! Use about 1.5 kg of ripe tomatoes, peeled and chopped. Cooking time may vary slightly, so keep an eye on it as you simmer.

How do I ensure my dumplings are fluffy in Tomato Dumpling Soup?

Make sure not to overmix your dumpling dough; mix just until combined. Also, allow them to steam gently in the soup without stirring for the best result.

Final Thoughts

I hope this comforting recipe brings warmth and joy into your kitchen! The combination of sweet potato, fresh herbs, and cheesy dumplings makes this Tomato Dumpling Soup truly special. Enjoy creating this dish and sharing it with loved ones. Happy cooking!