Name: Tomato Soup with Cheddar Dumplings
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 35 min
Total time: 45 min
Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients: 2 cans crushed tomatoes; 1 onion, diced; 3 cloves garlic, minced; 4 cups vegetable broth; 1 teaspoon sugar; Salt and pepper, to taste; 1 cup flour; 1 teaspoon baking powder; 1/2 teaspoon salt; 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese; 1/4 cup butter, melted; 1/2 cup milk; Fresh basil for garnish (optional)

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Tomato Soup with Cheddar Dumplings

Tomato Soup with Cheddar Dumplings is a delightful and comforting dish that is sure to warm your soul with each spoonful. This recipe blends the rich, tangy flavors of ripe tomatoes with the creaminess of melted cheddar dumplings, creating a mouthwatering experience that delights both the senses and the heart. It’s an ideal meal for cozy evenings, busy weeknights, or when you want to impress family and friends with minimal effort.

Why is this dish worth making? For starters, it’s a classic that never goes out of style; the combination of the robust tomato soup and savory cheese dumplings offers a satisfying balance of flavors that is both familiar and indulgent. Additionally, this step-by-step recipe is straightforward and quick, making it an accessible dish for people of all cooking levels.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This Tomato Soup with Cheddar Dumplings is not just a feast for the taste buds; it also comes with numerous benefits. The prep work is minimal, making it an excellent option for those who lead busy lives but still want to serve their families a homemade meal. With its appealing flavors, this dish is sure to be a hit with kids and adults alike. Whether you’re looking for a traditional warm bowl of comfort food or a quick dinner solution, this recipe has you covered with its simple, wholesome ingredients.

Ingredients for Tomato Soup with Cheddar Dumplings

To make the Tomato Soup with Cheddar Dumplings, you’ll need the following ingredients, each enhancing the dish’s texture and flavor:

2 cans of crushed tomatoes: Providing the base with a rich and vibrant taste.
1 onion, diced: Adding sweetness and depth.
3 cloves of garlic, minced: Infusing the dish with aromatic flavors.
4 cups vegetable broth: Offering a savory backdrop.
1 teaspoon sugar: Balancing the acidity of the tomatoes.
Salt and pepper, to taste: Elevating all the flavors.
1 cup flour: The foundation for the dumplings, giving them structure.
1 teaspoon baking powder: Ensuring the dumplings rise beautifully.
1/2 teaspoon salt: A crucial accent for flavor.
1 cup shredded cheddar cheese: Melting into gooey, cheesy goodness.
1/4 cup butter, melted: Adding richness to the dumplings.
1/2 cup milk: Contributing to a moist and tender texture.
Fresh basil for garnish (optional): A burst of color and fresh flavor.

Step-by-Step Directions

Step 1: Sauté the diced onion and minced garlic in a large pot over medium heat until soft and translucent, about 5-7 minutes. This process builds a savory base for your soup that will tantalize your senses.

Step 2: Add the crushed tomatoes and vegetable broth to the pot. Stir in the sugar, salt, and pepper, then bring the mixture to a gentle simmer. Allow it to cook for about 20 minutes, letting the flavors meld beautifully.

Step 3: While the soup simmers, prepare the dumplings. In a mixing bowl, combine the flour, baking powder, and salt. Afterward, stir in the shredded cheddar cheese, ensuring it’s evenly distributed for that cheesy bite.

Step 4: Pour in the melted butter and milk, mixing until just combined without overworking the dough. You want your dumplings to be light and fluffy.

Step 5: Carefully drop spoonfuls of the dumpling mixture into the simmering soup. Cover the pot and cook for 10-15 minutes, allowing the dumplings to steam and puff up exquisitely.

Step 6: Once the dumplings are fluffy and cooked through, serve the soup in bowls and garnish with fresh basil if desired, adding an extra pop of flavor and color.

Tips & Tricks

To elevate your Tomato Soup with Cheddar Dumplings, consider these chef’s secrets: Use high-quality canned tomatoes for a natural sweetness and depth; don’t hesitate to add a pinch of red pepper flakes for a subtle heat; and if you like a herbaceous kick, toss in some dried Italian herbs with the tomatoes. You can also experiment with different cheeses, such as mozzarella or even a spicy pepper jack, for a variation on the classic.

Serving Suggestions & Pairings

This dish pairs beautifully with crusty bread or a variety of crunchy croutons for that extra texture. You might want to serve it alongside a fresh garden salad tossed with light vinaigrette. For a complete meal, consider offering grilled cheese sandwiches oozing with gooey goodness for dipping and dunking.

Nutritional Information

Tomato Soup with Cheddar Dumplings is not only comforting but can be fairly nutritious, too. Each serving contains essential vitamins and minerals from the tomatoes and veggies, along with protein and calcium from the cheese. A generous bowl typically has around 350-400 calories, depending on portion size. It’s a satisfying indulgence that can still fit into a well-rounded diet when served in moderation.

Storing Tips & Variations for Tomato Soup with Cheddar Dumplings

Leftovers are a breeze to store. Place any unused soup in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. If you want to extend its life, consider freezing it; the soup can be frozen for up to three months without losing flavor. When reheating, add a splash of broth or water to regain its desired consistency.

For variations, you could add vegetables like spinach or kale for extra nutrition, or even incorporate leftover roasted vegetables to give depth. For a vegetarian twist, swap the vegetable broth with a rich mushroom broth for an umami boost.

Conclusion for Tomato Soup with Cheddar Dumplings

There’s nothing quite like a warm bowl of Tomato Soup with Cheddar Dumplings to bring comfort and joy in a busy world. Its rich flavors, delicious textures, and simple preparation make it a must-try. Grab your ingredients today and indulge in this culinary delight that’s sure to become a staple in your home!

FAQs

1. Can I use fresh tomatoes instead of canned?
Absolutely! Fresh tomatoes can be used; just adjust the cooking time to allow for the additional liquid they release.

2. What can I substitute for the melted butter?
You can use olive oil or a vegan butter alternative if you’d like a healthier option.

3. Is there a way to make this soup spicier?
Certainly! Adding spices like cayenne pepper or even a dash of hot sauce will give it a nice kick.

4. Can I make the dumpling dough ahead of time?
While it’s best to cook the dumplings fresh, you can prepare the dry ingredients ahead, then mix in the wet ingredients just before serving to ensure optimal fluffiness.

5. How can I make this dish gluten-free?
You can substitute all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend to make the dumplings gluten-free. Make sure the baking powder is also gluten-free.

With its timeless appeal and comforting flavors, Tomato Soup with Cheddar Dumplings is the perfect dish for any time of year. Enjoy the process and the delicious results!

Tomato Soup with Cheddar Dumplings

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Author: eliana-quinn
Total Time: 45 minutes
Yield: 4 servings 1x
Diet: Vegetarian

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Description

A comforting and delightful dish that blends rich tomato flavors with creamy cheddar dumplings.

Instructions

Sauté the diced onion and minced garlic in a large pot over medium heat until soft and translucent, about 5-7 minutes.
Add the crushed tomatoes and vegetable broth to the pot. Stir in the sugar, salt, and pepper, then bring the mixture to a gentle simmer and cook for about 20 minutes.
In a mixing bowl, combine the flour, baking powder, and salt for the dumplings. Stir in the shredded cheddar cheese.
Pour in the melted butter and milk, mixing until just combined.
Drop spoonfuls of the dumpling mixture into the simmering soup. Cover and cook for 10-15 minutes.
Serve the soup in bowls and garnish with fresh basil, if desired.