Vegetable soup with dumplings

Vegetable soup with dumplings is a comforting dish, perfect for cool days or moments when you crave a healthy and nourishing meal. This recipe is not only tasty but also packed with vitamins, having a high vegetable content and a slightly fluffy texture due to the dumplings. Here’s how to prepare this delicious soup, step by step.

Preparation time: 20 minutes
Cooking time: 30 minutes
Total time: 50 minutes
Number of servings: 6

Ingredients:
- 5 carrots (for a sweet taste and vibrant color)
- 1 celery (adds a slightly spicy taste and distinct aroma)
- 1 parsley root (contributes to the depth of flavors)
- 1 onion (for a flavorful base)
- 6 potatoes (for consistency and satiety)
- 1 bell pepper (adds a note of freshness and acidity)
- 1 bunch of fresh parsley (for a splash of color and freshness)
- 1-2 cubes of Delikat (or salt, to taste)
- 2 tablespoons of oil (for a richer flavor)
- 2 eggs (for fluffy dumplings)
- 200 g semolina (essential ingredient for dumplings)
- 4 liters of water

Preparation:

1. Preparing the vegetables: Start by peeling the carrots, celery, parsley root, potatoes, bell pepper, and onion. Make sure to wash them well under cold running water to remove impurities. Cut the vegetables into halves or quarters, depending on their size, and place them in a large pot.

2. Boiling the vegetables: Add 4 liters of water to the pot and place it over medium heat. Once the water starts to boil, let the vegetables simmer for about 20 minutes. This process will extract the flavors of the vegetables into the soup, giving it a rich and hearty taste.

3. Removing the vegetables: After the vegetables are boiled, remove them using a slotted spoon and let them drain. They can be used later for a Beof salad or other delicious dishes.

4. Preparing the dumplings: In the remaining water in the pot (which is now filled with the flavors of the vegetables), slice one carrot into thin rounds. Then, add a little water if you prefer a thinner soup. In a separate bowl, beat the eggs with a pinch of salt, then gradually add the semolina, stirring continuously until you achieve a homogeneous mixture that has the consistency of a slightly thicker paste. A useful trick is to hold the fork on the surface: if it leaves stripes, the mixture is perfect.

5. Boiling the soup: Bring the soup to a boil again, adding Delikat and a tablespoon of oil. These will add a savory flavor to the soup. When the soup begins to boil, use a spoon to form dumplings from the semolina and egg mixture and add them to the pot.

6. Cooking the dumplings: Let the dumplings boil until they rise to the surface, which means they are cooked. This process takes about 5-7 minutes. Make sure not to stir too much, to avoid breaking their shape.

7. Finalizing the soup: Once the dumplings are cooked, finely chop the parsley and add it to the soup. Add another tablespoon of oil for extra flavor and let the soup simmer for a few more minutes.

8. Serving: The vegetable soup with dumplings is served hot, in deep bowls, possibly accompanied by a slice of homemade bread. For a special touch, you can drizzle each serving with a bit of extra virgin olive oil or a sprinkle of freshly ground pepper.

Personal tip: If you want to add a touch of freshness, you can use fresh herbs like dill or basil. You can also experiment with other vegetables, like zucchini or peas, to adapt the soup to your preferences.

Nutritional benefits: Vegetable soup with dumplings is an excellent source of vitamins and minerals, being rich in fiber due to the vegetables. It is a healthy, filling, and low-calorie option, making it perfect for a balanced diet.

Frequently asked questions:
- Can I use frozen vegetables? Yes, frozen vegetables can be a good and quick alternative, but make sure to thaw them before adding them to the soup.
- How can I store the soup? The soup can be stored in the refrigerator for 2-3 days. Reheat it on the stove, adding a little water if necessary.
- Can I make the dumplings without eggs? Yes, you can replace the eggs with potato puree or a mixture of water and flour, but the texture will be different.

This vegetable soup with dumplings is not just a delicious dish but also a true symbol of comfort and family warmth. So gather your loved ones around the table and enjoy every spoonful!