Tomato Soup with Cheddar Dumplings
There’s something incredibly comforting about Tomato Soup with Cheddar Dumplings, a dish that embodies warmth and nostalgia with every spoonful. This classic recipe invites you to create a bowl of creamy, vibrant soup that’s perfectly paired with fluffy dumplings. It’s not just an ordinary tomato soup; the addition of cheddar dumplings transforms this dish into a meal that’s both hearty and satisfying. Versatile yet simple, it’s an easy-to-follow, step-by-step recipe perfect for busy weeknights or lazy weekends.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
You’ll adore this Tomato Soup with Cheddar Dumplings for several reasons! Firstly, the prep is a breeze, allowing even novice chefs to whip up a delicious meal without the stress. With minimal ingredients, you can achieve maximum flavor, making it an ideal crowd-pleaser. The comforting warmth and creamy texture of the soup combined with cheesy, fluffy dumplings will make your family keep coming back for more. It’s a dish that invokes memories of cozy winter evenings spent indoors, and it’s perfect for sharing among loved ones. Moreover, it’s a versatile recipe that you can elevate with your favorite herbs or sides!
Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons olive oil – for a rich, aromatic base
- 1 onion, chopped – adds sweetness and depth to the flavor
- 2 cloves garlic, minced – delivers a savory punch
- 2 cans (14.5 ounces each) diced tomatoes – juicy and tangy, the star of the soup
- 2 cups vegetable broth – enhances the soup’s heartiness
- 1 teaspoon dried basil – provides an inviting herbal note
- 1 teaspoon salt – to enhance and balance flavors
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper – adds just the right touch of heat
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese – brings creaminess and a cheesy delight
- 1 cup all-purpose flour – essential for the dumplings’ texture
- 1 teaspoon baking powder – helps the dumplings rise and become fluffy
- 1/2 cup milk – gives the dumplings a tender consistency
- 2 tablespoons butter, melted – for a final touch of richness
Step-by-Step Directions
Heat the Olive Oil: In a large pot, add the olive oil over medium heat. Once warm, toss in the chopped onion and minced garlic. Sauté them until softened, releasing their sweet aroma into the air—around 5 minutes.
Combine the Ingredients: Stir in the diced tomatoes with their juices, vegetable broth, dried basil, salt, and black pepper. Bring this lively mixture to a boil. Once boiling, reduce the heat and let it simmer for 20 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld.
Prepare the Dumpling Mixture: In a separate bowl, combine the all-purpose flour and baking powder. Gradually stir in the milk and the shredded cheddar cheese until just combined; be careful not to overmix—lumps are okay!
Add Dumplings to the Soup: Using a spoon, drop generous spoonfuls of the dumpling mixture into the simmering soup. Cover the pot and let the dumplings cook undisturbed for about 10 minutes, until they’ve puffed up and become fluffy.
Serve and Enjoy: Serve the soup hot, drizzling a little melted butter over top for an extra touch of decadence. Prepare to indulge in the delightful blend of flavors!
Tips & Tricks
- Flavor Boost: Feel free to add fresh herbs like parsley or chives before serving for added freshness. A splash of lemon juice can also brighten the soup!
- Experiment with Cheese: Substitute cheddar with your favorite cheese—mozzarella or Gruyère can create delightful variations.
- Consistent Dumplings: Make sure not to overmix the dumpling batter—this will keep them light and fluffy.
- Add Vegetables: You can enhance your soup by adding other vegetables like carrots or bell peppers when sautéing the onions and garlic.
Serving Suggestions & Pairings
Tomato Soup with Cheddar Dumplings is versatile, making it fantastic for various occasions. For a cozy family dinner, serve it with crusty bread or a fresh green salad. It’s also an excellent dish for entertaining guests on a chilly evening—pair it with a robust red wine or hot apple cider. If you’re looking for more comfort, consider accompanying it with grilled cheese sandwiches or a charcuterie board for an elevated experience!
Nutritional Information
A serving of Tomato Soup with Cheddar Dumplings contains approximately:
- Calories: 350
- Protein: 12g
- Fat: 18g
- Carbohydrates: 35g
- Fiber: 4g
This recipe offers a great balance of nutrients, making it a satisfying meal option. Pair it with a salad or whole grain bread to round out the nutritional profile!
Storing Tips & Variations
Storing: Leftover soup can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. If you want to keep it longer, consider freezing the soup without dumplings for up to 3 months.
Reheating: To reheat, simply warm it in a pot over medium heat. You can also add a splash of broth or water if it has thickened too much in the refrigerator.
Variations: For a twist, try adding spices such as paprika or red pepper flakes. Swap out the vegetable broth for chicken broth if you prefer a meaty undertone, or for a creamy version, stir in some heavy cream just before serving.
Conclusion
Tomato Soup with Cheddar Dumplings is a perfect recipe to bring warmth and comfort to your table. The combination of the tangy tomato soup with the fluffy, cheesy dumplings creates a delightful culinary experience everyone in your home will love. So why not give it a try today? Cook up this comforting dish, and don’t forget to share your experience!
FAQs
Can I make the dumplings ahead of time?
While it’s best to cook dumplings fresh, you can prepare the mixture ahead and refrigerate it, cooking the dumplings just before serving.
What tomatoes work best for this recipe?
Canned diced tomatoes work wonderfully, but you can also use fresh tomatoes if they are in season. Simply peel and chop them coarsely.
Can I make this soup vegan?
Absolutely! Substitute the cheddar cheese with a dairy-free alternative and use vegetable broth. Omit or replace butter with a plant-based option for a completely vegan dish.
How can I make the soup spicier?
For a kick, add crushed red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce to the soup while simmering.
Is this recipe gluten-free?
You can make the recipe gluten-free by substituting all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend, ensuring the baking powder is also gluten-free!
Print
Tomato Soup with Cheddar Dumplings
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
A comforting and hearty dish that combines creamy tomato soup with fluffy cheddar dumplings, perfect for busy weeknights or cozy weekends.
Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 cans (14.5 ounces each) diced tomatoes
- 2 cups vegetable broth
- 1 teaspoon dried basil
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 cup milk
- 2 tablespoons butter, melted
Instructions
- In a large pot, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Sauté the chopped onion and minced garlic until softened, about 5 minutes.
- Stir in the diced tomatoes with their juices, vegetable broth, dried basil, salt, and black pepper. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 20 minutes.
- In a separate bowl, mix all-purpose flour and baking powder. Gradually stir in milk and shredded cheddar cheese until just combined.
- Drop spoonfuls of the dumpling mixture into the simmering soup. Cover and cook for about 10 minutes until the dumplings are fluffy.
- Serve hot, drizzling melted butter over top if desired.
Notes
Try adding fresh herbs or a splash of lemon juice for extra flavor. For different textures, experiment with various cheeses.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 600mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 35g
- Fiber: 4g
- Protein: 12g
- Cholesterol: 30mg
