Tomato Soup with Cheese Dumplings is the ultimate comfort food for chilly days. This rich and aromatic soup combines the sweetness of ripe tomatoes with creamy, fluffy cheese dumplings, creating a dish that warms both the body and soul. Perfect for cozy nights or casual gatherings, this recipe stands out with its ease of preparation and delightful flavors.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick to Prepare: With just 50 minutes from start to finish, this meal fits easily into your busy schedule.
- Comforting Flavors: The blend of ripe tomatoes and creamy cheese delivers a warm, fulfilling taste that everyone loves.
- Versatile Dish: Ideal as a main course or paired with a fresh salad, this soup suits various occasions.
- Customizable Dumplings: Experiment with different herbs and cheeses to make it your own!
- Great for Meal Prep: Leftover soup can be stored in the fridge for up to three days, making it perfect for lunches.
Tools and Preparation
Before diving into the cooking process, ensure you have the right tools at hand. They will help you create this delicious Tomato Soup with Cheese Dumplings effortlessly.
Essential Tools and Equipment
- Large pot
- Immersion blender
- Mixing bowl
- Spoon or spatula
Importance of Each Tool
- Large pot: Essential for simmering the soup; it allows even cooking and blending of flavors.
- Immersion blender: Makes it easy to achieve a smooth consistency without transferring hot soup to a blender.
- Mixing bowl: Necessary for combining ingredients when making the dumpling dough.
- Spoon or spatula: Useful for stirring ingredients and dropping dumplings into the soup.
Ingredients
For the Soup
- 2 cups ripe tomatoes, chopped
- 1 medium yellow onion, diced
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 4 cups low-sodium vegetable broth
- 1 cup heavy cream
- Salt and pepper to taste
For the Cheese Dumplings
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 tsp baking powder
- 1 tsp fresh basil or oregano (optional)
How to Make Tomato Soup with Cheese Dumplings
Step 1: Sauté Aromatics
Heat 2 tsp olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Sauté the diced onion until translucent; then add minced garlic for an additional minute.
Step 2: Combine Ingredients
Stir in chopped tomatoes and vegetable broth. Season with salt and pepper; bring to a gentle simmer for about 20 minutes.
Step 3: Blend the Soup
Blend the soup until smooth using an immersion blender. Return to heat and stir in heavy cream.
Step 4: Prepare Dumpling Dough
In a bowl, combine flour, baking powder, shredded cheese, salt, and herbs. Gradually add water until a soft dough forms.
Step 5: Cook Dumplings
Drop spoonfuls of dumpling mixture into the simmering soup. Cover and steam for 10-15 minutes until dumplings are fluffy.
Step 6: Serve
Serve hot, garnished with fresh basil or extra cheese if desired. Enjoy your delicious Tomato Soup with Cheese Dumplings!
How to Serve Tomato Soup with Cheese Dumplings
Serving Tomato Soup with Cheese Dumplings is all about enhancing the comforting flavors while providing a delightful experience. Here are some creative ways to present this dish.
Garnish with Fresh Herbs
- Basil or Oregano: Add a sprinkle of fresh basil or oregano on top for a burst of flavor and color.
- Chopped Parsley: A handful of chopped parsley can brighten the dish and add freshness.
Pair with Crusty Bread
- Sourdough Bread: Slice some warm sourdough bread for dipping into the soup, enhancing its comforting qualities.
- Garlic Bread: Serve garlic bread on the side for an extra layer of flavor that complements the soup.
Create a Flavorful Drizzle
- Olive Oil Drizzle: A light drizzle of high-quality olive oil adds richness and a touch of elegance.
- Balsamic Glaze: A few drops of balsamic glaze can introduce a sweet tang that contrasts nicely with the soup’s acidity.
Cheese Toppings
- Extra Shredded Cheese: Sprinkle additional shredded cheddar cheese over the dumplings just before serving for added creaminess.
- Parmesan Shavings: Finely shaved Parmesan can elevate the flavor profile and add a gourmet touch.
How to Perfect Tomato Soup with Cheese Dumplings
To ensure your Tomato Soup with Cheese Dumplings turns out perfectly every time, follow these helpful tips.
- Use Fresh Ingredients: Opt for ripe tomatoes and fresh herbs to maximize flavor in your soup.
- Blend Smoothly: For a velvety texture, blend the soup until completely smooth before adding cream.
- Adjust Seasoning: Taste your soup as it cooks, adding salt and pepper gradually for balanced seasoning.
- Monitor Dumpling Size: Make sure to drop uniform spoonfuls of dumpling mixture into the soup for even cooking.
- Steam Carefully: Cover the pot during dumpling cooking to trap steam, resulting in fluffy dumplings.
- Serve Immediately: Enjoy the soup hot for the best taste and texture; let it cool down only slightly before serving.
Best Side Dishes for Tomato Soup with Cheese Dumplings
Complementing your Tomato Soup with Cheese Dumplings with side dishes can elevate your meal experience. Here are some great options:
- Mixed Green Salad: A light salad dressed with vinaigrette provides freshness to contrast the rich flavors of the soup.
- Roasted Vegetables: Seasonal roasted veggies add a hearty element that pairs well with tomato soup.
- Grilled Cheese Sandwiches: The classic pairing of gooey grilled cheese enhances comfort food vibes.
- Stuffed Peppers: Colorful stuffed peppers filled with rice and vegetables make a nutritious side option.
- Cheesy Garlic Knots: These soft, cheesy bites are perfect for dipping into your delicious tomato soup.
- Quinoa Salad: A quinoa salad mixed with veggies offers a wholesome side packed with protein and fiber.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
When preparing Tomato Soup with Cheese Dumplings, avoiding common mistakes can enhance your dish significantly.
- Not using fresh ingredients: Fresh tomatoes and herbs elevate the flavor. Opt for ripe tomatoes and fresh herbs whenever possible.
- Overcooking the dumplings: Dumplings should be fluffy and tender. Steam them just until cooked through to prevent a dense texture.
- Skipping seasoning adjustments: Taste your soup before serving. Adjust salt and pepper to enhance the overall flavor profile.
- Blending with chunks: Ensure your soup is blended until smooth for a creamy texture. This creates a more enjoyable eating experience.
- Ignoring presentation: A well-presented dish is more appetizing. Garnish with fresh herbs or extra cheese for visual appeal.
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Refrigerator Storage
- Store leftover soup in an airtight container.
- It will last up to three days in the fridge.
Freezing Tomato Soup with Cheese Dumplings
- Allow the soup to cool completely before freezing.
- Use freezer-safe containers; it can be frozen for up to three months.
Reheating Tomato Soup with Cheese Dumplings
- Oven: Preheat to 350°F (175°C) and heat in a covered oven-safe dish for about 20 minutes.
- Microwave: Use a microwave-safe bowl, cover loosely, and heat in intervals of 1-2 minutes, stirring between each session.
- Stovetop: Heat gently in a pot over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally until warmed through.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some common questions regarding Tomato Soup with Cheese Dumplings.
Can I customize the dumpling recipe?
Yes! You can experiment with different cheeses or add herbs like thyme or marjoram for varied flavors.
How do I store leftovers of Tomato Soup with Cheese Dumplings?
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days or freeze them for longer storage.
Can I use low-fat cream instead of heavy cream?
Absolutely! Using low-fat cream will reduce calories but may slightly alter the richness of the soup.
What can I serve with Tomato Soup with Cheese Dumplings?
Consider pairing it with a side salad or crusty bread for a complete meal.
How long does it take to make Tomato Soup with Cheese Dumplings?
The total time for this recipe is about 50 minutes, including preparation and cooking.
Final Thoughts
Tomato Soup with Cheese Dumplings is not only comforting but also versatile. Feel free to customize it by adding different herbs or cheeses according to your taste preferences. This dish promises warmth and satisfaction, making it perfect for any occasion. Give this delightful recipe a try!
Tomato Soup with Cheese Dumplings
Tomato Soup with Cheese Dumplings is the quintessential comfort food that warms both body and soul on chilly days. This delightful dish combines the natural sweetness of ripe tomatoes with creamy, fluffy cheese dumplings, making it a perfect choice for cozy nights or casual gatherings. With its rich flavors and simple preparation, this recipe is sure to become a family favorite.
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
Ingredients
- 2 cups ripe tomatoes, chopped
- 1 medium yellow onion, diced
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 4 cups low-sodium vegetable broth
- 1 cup heavy cream (or low-fat cream)
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 tsp baking powder
- Fresh herbs (basil or oregano, optional)
Instructions
- Sauté the diced onion in olive oil in a large pot over medium heat until translucent. Add minced garlic and sauté for another minute.
- Stir in chopped tomatoes and vegetable broth. Season with salt and pepper; bring to a gentle simmer for about 20 minutes.
- Blend the soup until smooth using an immersion blender. Return to heat and stir in heavy cream.
- In a bowl, combine flour, baking powder, shredded cheese, salt, and optional herbs. Gradually add water until a soft dough forms.
- Drop spoonfuls of dumpling mixture into the simmering soup. Cover and steam for 10-15 minutes until dumplings are fluffy.
- Serve hot, garnished with fresh herbs or extra cheese if desired.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Simmering
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 650mg
- Fat: 17g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 35g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 10g
- Cholesterol: 45mg