I’ll never forget the first time my grandmother taught me how to make her famous Tomato Soup & Cheesy Herbed Dumplings. I was just a little kid, but I still remember standing on a stool next to her in the kitchen, watching as she expertly diced tomatoes and stirred the aromatic broth. The smell of the herbs and the bubbling soup was absolutely heavenly, and I couldn’t wait to dig in. When we finally sat down to enjoy our bowls of Tomato Soup & Cheesy Herbed Dumplings, it was pure bliss – the rich, creamy soup paired with the fluffy, savory dumplings was the ultimate comfort food. To this day, it’s a dish that fills me with such warmth and nostalgia.
Why This Tomato Soup & Cheesy Herbed Dumplings Recipe Will Become Your Go-To
The Secret Behind Perfect Tomato Soup & Cheesy Herbed Dumplings
What makes this recipe for Tomato Soup & Cheesy Herbed Dumplings so special is the perfect balance of flavors and textures. The key is in the slow-simmered tomato broth, which develops a deep, complex flavor as the vegetables and herbs meld together. And the dumplings? They’re light and fluffy, with a savory kick from the melted cheese and fresh herbs. It’s a dish that’s comforting and satisfying, yet still feels elevated and special. One bite, and you’ll understand why this Tomato Soup & Cheesy Herbed Dumplings recipe is about to become a new family favorite.
Essential Ingredients You’ll Need
To make the best Tomato Soup & Cheesy Herbed Dumplings, you’ll need a few key ingredients:
- Tomatoes – Ripe, juicy tomatoes are the foundation of this soup. I recommend using a mix of fresh and canned for maximum flavor.
- Onions – Sautéed onions add depth and sweetness to the broth.
- Garlic – Minced garlic brings a savory, aromatic element.
- Herbs – Fresh thyme, basil, and parsley lend incredible flavor to both the soup and the dumplings.
- Chicken or Vegetable Stock – This provides the liquid base for the soup.
- Cream or Milk – For a luxuriously creamy texture.
- Flour – All-purpose flour helps bind the dumpling dough.
- Baking Powder – This gives the dumplings their signature fluffy rise.
- Cheddar Cheese – Shredded cheddar melts beautifully into the dumplings.
Step-by-Step Tomato Soup & Cheesy Herbed Dumplings Instructions
Preparing Your Tomato Soup & Cheesy Herbed Dumplings
Making this cozy Tomato Soup & Cheesy Herbed Dumplings dish is easier than you might think. In just about an hour, you can have a warming, comforting meal on the table. Let’s get started!
1- Begin by sautéing the onions and garlic in a large pot or Dutch oven. Cook until softened and fragrant.
2- Add the fresh and canned tomatoes, herbs, stock, and seasonings. Simmer the soup for 30-40 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.
3- While the soup is simmering, make the cheesy herbed dumpling dough. In a bowl, combine the flour, baking powder, herbs, and shredded cheddar.
4- Gradually stir in the milk or cream until a soft, sticky dough forms. Be careful not to overmix.
5- Once the soup is ready, use a spoon to gently drop the dumpling dough into the simmering broth.
6- Cover and cook for 15-20 minutes, until the dumplings are cooked through and fluffy.
Pro Tips for Success
To ensure your Tomato Soup & Cheesy Herbed Dumplings turn out perfectly, here are a few pro tips:
- For the best flavor, use a mix of fresh and canned tomatoes. The canned tomatoes provide sweetness and body, while the fresh ones lend brightness.
- Don’t overmix the dumpling dough – this can result in tough, dense dumplings. Gently fold the ingredients together until just combined.
- Keep a close eye on the dumplings as they cook. They should be cooked through but still light and fluffy.
- Adjust the consistency of the soup to your liking. If it’s too thick, thin it out with a bit more stock or milk. If it’s too thin, let it simmer a bit longer to reduce.
Serving and Storing Your Tomato Soup & Cheesy Herbed Dumplings
Perfect Pairings for Tomato Soup & Cheesy Herbed Dumplings
This Tomato Soup & Cheesy Herbed Dumplings dish is the ultimate comfort food, perfect for a cozy night in. I love serving it with a fresh green salad and a crusty piece of garlic bread for dipping. It also pairs beautifully with a crisp white wine or a classic grilled cheese sandwich.
Storage and Make-Ahead Tips
Luckily, this Tomato Soup & Cheesy Herbed Dumplings recipe makes a large batch, so you can enjoy the leftovers all week long. The soup can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 5 days. The dumplings can also be refrigerated separately and reheated gently in the broth when ready to serve.
For make-ahead convenience, you can prepare the soup base in advance and simply reheat it when you’re ready to add the dumplings. The dumpling dough can also be made ahead of time and refrigerated until needed. Just be sure to let it come to room temperature before dropping it into the hot broth.
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 hard to beat, there are plenty of ways to put your own spin on this dish. Try adding roasted red peppers or sautéed mushrooms to the soup base for extra flavor. You can also experiment with different cheeses in the dumplings, like mozzarella or Parmesan. For a heartier meal, you can stir in some shredded chicken or cooked sausage.
Making Tomato Soup & Cheesy Herbed Dumplings Diet-Friendly
To make this Tomato Soup & Cheesy Herbed Dumplings recipe more diet-friendly, there are a few simple substitutions you can make. For a gluten-free version, use a gluten-free flour blend in the dumpling dough. To make it vegan, swap out the dairy products for plant-based milk and cheese alternatives. And for a low-carb twist, skip the dumplings altogether and serve the tomato soup over zucchini noodles or cauliflower rice.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Can I use only canned tomatoes instead of fresh?
A: Absolutely! If you don’t have access to fresh, ripe tomatoes, you can definitely make this Tomato Soup & Cheesy Herbed Dumplings recipe using all canned tomatoes. Just be sure to use high-quality, flavorful canned tomatoes for the best results.
Q: How long do the dumplings take to cook?
A: The dumplings should simmer in the hot tomato broth for 15-20 minutes, until they are cooked through and fluffy. Keep an eye on them and gently poke one with a fork to check for doneness.
Q: Can I make the soup base in advance?
A: Yes, the tomato soup base can easily be made ahead of time. Simply prepare the soup and let it cool completely before refrigerating. When you’re ready to serve, just reheat the soup and add the fresh dumplings.
Q: How many servings does this recipe make?
A: This Tomato Soup & Cheesy Herbed Dumplings recipe yields about 6-8 servings, depending on portion size. It makes a hearty, satisfying meal, so I’d recommend sticking to 1-1.5 cups of soup and 2-3 dumplings per serving.
Q: What if my dumplings don’t float to the top?
A: If your dumplings don’t float to the top of the simmering soup, it’s likely because they’re underdone. Let them cook a little longer, checking every 2-3 minutes, until they’re fully cooked through and light and fluffy.
Tomato Soup & Cheesy Herbed Dumplings
- Total Time: 40
- Yield: 4 servings
Description
Indulge in a cozy and comforting bowl of homemade Tomato Soup, topped with fluffy, herb-infused Cheesy Dumplings for a restaurant-quality meal in just 30 minutes.
Ingredients
– 1 can (28 oz) diced tomatoes
– 1 onion, diced
– 3 cloves garlic, minced
– 2 cups chicken or vegetable broth
– 1 tbsp olive oil
– 1 tsp dried basil
– 1 tsp dried oregano
– Salt and pepper to taste
– For the dumplings:
– 1 cup all-purpose flour
– 2 tsp baking powder
– 1/4 tsp salt
– 2 tbsp butter, cold and 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 diced onion and sauté for 5 minutes until translucent.
2. – Add the minced garlic and sauté for an additional minute until fragrant.
3. – Pour in the canned diced tomatoes and chicken/vegetable broth. Stir in the dried basil and oregano, and season with salt and pepper to taste.
4. – Bring the soup to a simmer and let it cook for 15 minutes, stirring occasionally.
5. – Meanwhile, prepare the dumplings. In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt. Cut in the cold butter until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
6. – Stir in the shredded cheddar cheese and chopped parsley. Slowly add the milk, mixing just until a soft dough forms.
7. – Drop the dumpling dough by heaping tablespoonfuls onto the simmering soup. Cover and cook for an additional 15 minutes, or until the dumplings are cooked through.
8. – Serve the Tomato Soup with the Cheesy Herbed Dumplings, garnished with extra parsley or Parmesan cheese if desired.
Notes
For a richer soup, you can use heavy cream or half-and-half instead of broth. You can also add diced carrots or celery to the soup for extra flavor and nutrition.
- Prep Time: 10
- Cook Time: 30
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Conclusion
There’s just something so comforting and nostalgic about a big bowl of Tomato Soup & Cheesy Herbed Dumplings. It’s the ultimate cozy, satisfying meal that’s perfect for chilly days or when you’re craving something truly special. I hope this recipe becomes a new favorite in your household, just like it is in mine. Give it a try and let me know how it turns out – I’d love to hear your thoughts!