Tomato Soup with Dumplings - a comforting and flavorful recipe
Preparation time: 20 minutes
Cooking time: 30 minutes
Total time: 50 minutes
Number of servings: 4-6
Tomato soup with dumplings is a traditional dish, appreciated in many cultures for its fresh and comforting taste. This simple yet delicious recipe combines the flavors of fresh tomatoes with the delicateness of dumplings, bringing a touch of warmth to each bowl. It is perfect for a family meal or a quiet evening, and with a few tricks, you will achieve a restaurant-worthy result.
Ingredients
For the soup:
- 10 medium tomatoes (ideally from the garden)
- 1 large onion
- 1 carrot
- 1 liter of chicken broth (or water)
- 1-2 tablespoons of olive oil
- Fresh parsley for garnish
- Thyme, salt, and pepper to taste
- Optional: basil, nutmeg, sweet paprika
For the dumplings:
- 1 egg
- 7-8 teaspoons of semolina
- 1 teaspoon of oil
- Salt to taste
Instructions
Step 1: Preparing the tomatoes
Start by blanching the tomatoes. Place them in a pot of boiling water and leave them for 1-2 minutes or until the skin starts to crack. This is a key technique that will help you peel the tomatoes easily. After blanching, remove them and place them in a bowl of cold water to stop the cooking process. Peel them and chop them finely or pass them through a large sieve to obtain a smooth puree.
Step 2: Preparing the soup
In a large pot, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Chop the onion finely and add it to the pot. Sauté the onion until it becomes translucent, then add the carrot, which you can grate or dice. Continue to sauté the vegetables for another 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally.
Add the processed tomatoes and chicken broth. Bring everything to a boil and let it simmer until the soup reduces, about 20-25 minutes. If you find the tomato paste too thick, add a little water; if it is too thin, let it simmer a bit longer. Taste the soup and season with salt, pepper, thyme, and any other preferred spices.
Step 3: Preparing the dumplings
In a bowl, beat the egg together with a teaspoon of oil and a pinch of salt. Gradually add the semolina, mixing well with a fork to avoid lumps. The mixture should be homogeneous and slightly denser.
With the heat on low, take spoonfuls of the dumpling mixture with a teaspoon and let them gently drop into the soup. The dumplings will float to the surface when they are ready, which takes about 5-7 minutes. Make sure not to add too much semolina, as the dumplings will become large and dense.
Step 4: Finishing the soup
Once the dumplings are ready, add the spices to taste. Turn off the heat and let the soup cool slightly, allowing the flavors to intensify. Serve the soup warm, garnished with freshly chopped parsley and, if desired, with a few basil leaves.
Practical tips
- Tomatoes: Choose garden tomatoes when in season for a sweet and concentrated flavor. If using store-bought tomatoes, look for organic varieties that are more flavorful.
- Dumplings: If you want smaller dumplings, use a smaller teaspoon to form them. You can also add grated cheese to the dumpling mixture for extra flavor.
- Variations: You can also add other vegetables to the soup, such as bell peppers or zucchini, to enrich its flavor. Additionally, you can replace the chicken broth with vegetable broth for a vegetarian version.
Nutritional benefits
This soup provides a rich supply of vitamins and minerals, especially vitamin C from the tomatoes, which is beneficial for the immune system. The dumplings provide complex carbohydrates that offer energy, and the use of olive oil adds healthy fats to the diet.
Frequently asked questions
1. Can I prepare the soup in advance?
Yes, the soup can be made a few days in advance. Keep the dumplings separate and add them only before serving to maintain their texture.
2. How can I store the soup?
The soup stores well in the refrigerator for 3-4 days or can be frozen for future use. Make sure that the dumplings are added only to the portion you are consuming.
Recommended serving
Serve the tomato soup with dumplings alongside a slice of garlic toast or a fresh green salad. A refreshing drink, such as herbal tea or fresh fruit juice, will perfectly complement the meal.
This tomato soup with dumplings is an excellent choice for cool days or when you need comfort. Experiment with ingredients and spices to adapt it to your tastes, and each bowl will be a success!
Preparation time: 20 minutes
Cooking time: 30 minutes
Total time: 50 minutes
Number of servings: 4-6
Tomato soup with dumplings is a traditional dish, appreciated in many cultures for its fresh and comforting taste. This simple yet delicious recipe combines the flavors of fresh tomatoes with the delicateness of dumplings, bringing a touch of warmth to each bowl. It is perfect for a family meal or a quiet evening, and with a few tricks, you will achieve a restaurant-worthy result.
Ingredients
For the soup:
- 10 medium tomatoes (ideally from the garden)
- 1 large onion
- 1 carrot
- 1 liter of chicken broth (or water)
- 1-2 tablespoons of olive oil
- Fresh parsley for garnish
- Thyme, salt, and pepper to taste
- Optional: basil, nutmeg, sweet paprika
For the dumplings:
- 1 egg
- 7-8 teaspoons of semolina
- 1 teaspoon of oil
- Salt to taste
Instructions
Step 1: Preparing the tomatoes
Start by blanching the tomatoes. Place them in a pot of boiling water and leave them for 1-2 minutes or until the skin starts to crack. This is a key technique that will help you peel the tomatoes easily. After blanching, remove them and place them in a bowl of cold water to stop the cooking process. Peel them and chop them finely or pass them through a large sieve to obtain a smooth puree.
Step 2: Preparing the soup
In a large pot, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Chop the onion finely and add it to the pot. Sauté the onion until it becomes translucent, then add the carrot, which you can grate or dice. Continue to sauté the vegetables for another 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally.
Add the processed tomatoes and chicken broth. Bring everything to a boil and let it simmer until the soup reduces, about 20-25 minutes. If you find the tomato paste too thick, add a little water; if it is too thin, let it simmer a bit longer. Taste the soup and season with salt, pepper, thyme, and any other preferred spices.
Step 3: Preparing the dumplings
In a bowl, beat the egg together with a teaspoon of oil and a pinch of salt. Gradually add the semolina, mixing well with a fork to avoid lumps. The mixture should be homogeneous and slightly denser.
With the heat on low, take spoonfuls of the dumpling mixture with a teaspoon and let them gently drop into the soup. The dumplings will float to the surface when they are ready, which takes about 5-7 minutes. Make sure not to add too much semolina, as the dumplings will become large and dense.
Step 4: Finishing the soup
Once the dumplings are ready, add the spices to taste. Turn off the heat and let the soup cool slightly, allowing the flavors to intensify. Serve the soup warm, garnished with freshly chopped parsley and, if desired, with a few basil leaves.
Practical tips
- Tomatoes: Choose garden tomatoes when in season for a sweet and concentrated flavor. If using store-bought tomatoes, look for organic varieties that are more flavorful.
- Dumplings: If you want smaller dumplings, use a smaller teaspoon to form them. You can also add grated cheese to the dumpling mixture for extra flavor.
- Variations: You can also add other vegetables to the soup, such as bell peppers or zucchini, to enrich its flavor. Additionally, you can replace the chicken broth with vegetable broth for a vegetarian version.
Nutritional benefits
This soup provides a rich supply of vitamins and minerals, especially vitamin C from the tomatoes, which is beneficial for the immune system. The dumplings provide complex carbohydrates that offer energy, and the use of olive oil adds healthy fats to the diet.
Frequently asked questions
1. Can I prepare the soup in advance?
Yes, the soup can be made a few days in advance. Keep the dumplings separate and add them only before serving to maintain their texture.
2. How can I store the soup?
The soup stores well in the refrigerator for 3-4 days or can be frozen for future use. Make sure that the dumplings are added only to the portion you are consuming.
Recommended serving
Serve the tomato soup with dumplings alongside a slice of garlic toast or a fresh green salad. A refreshing drink, such as herbal tea or fresh fruit juice, will perfectly complement the meal.
This tomato soup with dumplings is an excellent choice for cool days or when you need comfort. Experiment with ingredients and spices to adapt it to your tastes, and each bowl will be a success!