Soup with spotted dumplings

Dumpling Soup - a classic recipe, full of flavor and tradition

Preparation time: 20 minutes
Cooking time: 60 minutes
Total time: 1 hour and 20 minutes
Servings: 4-6

Dumpling soup is a dish that has brought joy to many generations, symbolizing comfort and family warmth. This simple yet delicious recipe combines the flavors of summer vegetables with the fluffy texture of dumplings, creating a comforting meal perfect for cool days or moments when you need a culinary hug.

Ingredients

For the soup:
- 1 chicken (preferably from the in-laws' yard for an authentic flavor)
- 300 g summer vegetables (yellow onion, peas, carrots, bell pepper, green beans, celery, parsnip, parsley)
- iodized salt, to taste
- freshly ground pepper, to taste

For the dumplings:
- 2 eggs
- 4-5 tablespoons semolina
- 1 tablespoon sunflower oil
- fresh dill, finely chopped

Preparing the soup

1. Boiling the chicken: Start by placing the chicken in a large pot with cold water. Add a teaspoon of salt to enhance the flavors. Place the pot over medium heat and let it boil for about 60 minutes. It is important not to cover the pot completely, allowing steam to escape, which will help form a clear broth.

2. Preparing the vegetables: While the chicken is boiling, peel and dice the vegetables. If you don't have fresh vegetables, feel free to use frozen ones – they are a quick and convenient solution. You will need about 300 g of mixed vegetables. A combination of peas, carrots, and bell pepper will add a splash of color and sweetness to the soup.

3. Straining the broth: After the chicken has boiled, remove it from the pot and let it cool slightly, then strain the resulting broth. This will become the base of your soup. Add the strained broth back into the pot along with the diced vegetables. Season with salt and pepper to taste and let it simmer over medium heat for 20 minutes, uncovered.

4. Preparing the meat: Take the opportunity to use the chicken meat for a delicious main course. You can grill it, sauté it, or make a chicken salad with fresh vegetables.

Preparing the dumplings

1. Beating the eggs: In a bowl, beat the two eggs with a pinch of salt and a tablespoon of sunflower oil. The oil will help the dumplings stay fluffy.

2. Adding the semolina: Gradually add the semolina while constantly stirring to avoid lumps. It is essential to achieve a homogeneous mixture.

3. Incorporating the dill: Finely chop the fresh dill and add it to the dumpling mixture, stirring gently to integrate it.

4. Forming the dumplings: When the soup reaches a boiling point, use a spoon to form dumplings and carefully place them in the soup. After adding all the dumplings, reduce the heat to low and pour a little cold water over each dumpling. This trick will help them turn over and become fluffier. Let them boil for another 10 minutes.

Serving

Once the dumplings are ready, the soup can be served hot, sprinkled with a little fresh chopped dill or alongside hot peppers for an extra kick. This soup pairs perfectly with a slice of fresh bread or crunchy croutons.

Useful tips

- Vegetable variations: You can experiment with different seasonal vegetables, such as zucchini or tomatoes, to achieve a soup with diverse flavors.
- Cheese dumplings: If you want to add more flavor, you can include a bit of feta or cottage cheese in the dumpling mixture.
- Healthy meal: This soup is not only comforting but also nutritious, thanks to the vegetables rich in vitamins and minerals. Each serving contains approximately 250-300 calories, making it an excellent choice for a light meal.

Frequently asked questions

1. Can I use turkey instead of chicken?
- Absolutely! Turkey will provide a different flavor but will work just as well in this recipe.

2. How can I make the soup spicier?
- Add a few slices of hot pepper during boiling or sprinkle a little cayenne pepper when serving.

3. What is the best way to store leftover soup?
- The soup can be stored in the refrigerator in airtight containers for 3-4 days. You can freeze individual portions to have them on hand whenever you need.

In conclusion, dumpling soup is a recipe that will not only delight your taste buds but also bring a sense of nostalgia. Cook it with love and enjoy every bite!