Tomato Soup with Cheddar Bay Dumplings

Tomato Soup with Cheddar Bay Dumplings

In my kitchen, tomato soup holds a special place. As a child, my mother made it for me on chilly evenings, with the aroma filling our home and making it feel warm and inviting. I remember the excitement of watching the vibrant red liquid bubble away on the stove. When the soup was ready, the first spoonful wrapped me in comfort, reminding me of cozy family moments.

Over the years, I’ve continued to cherish this classic dish. I love exploring variations that enhance its familiar flavors. Recently, I experimented with adding cheddar bay dumplings. This twist elevates the traditional dish, creating a hearty meal perfect for any occasion. The rich, creamy tomato base pairs beautifully with the fluffy, cheesy dumplings.

This dish is all about comfort. It brings back fond memories while inviting new ones to the table. With farm-fresh ingredients, it’s easy to whip up a pot of delicious tomato soup with cheddar bay dumplings. This recipe stands as a staple in my home, showcasing how simple ingredients can transform into something extraordinary. Let’s dive into creating this vibrant and comforting meal that nourishes both body and soul.

Making Tomato Soup with Cheddar Bay Dumplings

Fundamentals

Creating tomato soup with cheddar bay dumplings begins with gathering essential ingredients. You’ll need olive oil, an onion, garlic, crushed tomatoes, vegetable broth, sugar, salt, pepper, heavy cream, cheddar cheese, and fresh basil for the soup. For the dumplings, gather all-purpose flour, baking powder, garlic powder, dried parsley, buttermilk, and melted butter.

Each component plays a vital role in constructing layers of flavor. Olive oil provides the base, while the onion and garlic deepen the aromatic profile. Crushed tomatoes and vegetable broth create the rich foundation of the soup. The addition of sugar counterbalances acidity and enhances the overall flavor.

The dumplings require a straightforward mixture of flour and leavening agents. This combination sparks the fluffy texture we seek, while buttermilk and melted butter add richness and moisture. Mixing these ingredients results in a simple batter, perfectly complementing the tomato soup’s creamy goodness.

Preparation/setup

Begin by dicing the onion and mincing the garlic. Take your time here; the more finely you chop, the more flavor will be released into the soup. Next, measure out the other ingredients. Having everything ready will streamline your cooking process.

In a large pot, heat olive oil over medium heat. Once hot, add the chopped onion and cook until it turns translucent, about five minutes. Stir in the minced garlic and let it cook for an additional minute, allowing its flavor to bloom. After this, you’ll introduce the crushed tomatoes, vegetable broth, sugar, and season with salt and pepper.

Bring this mixture to a boil, then lower the heat and allow it to simmer. A simmering time of 20 minutes allows the flavors to meld beautifully. If you want to enhance the soup further, taste and adjust seasonings as necessary. Near the end of the cooking time, prepare the dumpling batter to drop into the soup.

Crafting Perfect Dumplings

Technique

While the soup simmers, prepare the cheddar bay dumplings. In a separate bowl, combine all-purpose flour, baking powder, garlic powder, and dried parsley. These dry ingredients form the structure of the dumplings, so make sure they mix thoroughly.

Next, create a small well in the center of the dry mixture and add buttermilk and melted butter. Stir until just combined; overmixing will lead to dense dumplings, which we want to avoid. Embrace the lumps as they indicate a light, fluffy texture.

After combining, it’s time to drop spoonfuls of the batter into the simmering soup. Ensure the pot remains covered during cooking. The steam will help the dumplings rise, achieving that fluffy texture that enhances the tomato soup. Allow them to cook for 10-12 minutes, keeping the lid in place.

Tips/tricks

To ensure your dumplings turn out perfectly fluffy, avoid lifting the lid while they cook. Steam is crucial for their light and airy nature. If the batter feels too thick, you can gradually add a splash of buttermilk to loosen it.

As the dumplings cook, resist the urge to stir the soup. This will prevent the dumplings from breaking apart and helps maintain their fluffy texture. If you prefer extra flavor, sprinkle a bit of extra dried herbs into the batter, like thyme or oregano, to enhance the overall taste.

If you’re looking to reduce preparation time, consider using pre-chopped onions and garlic. This shortcut still delivers flavor without the added effort.

Perfecting Your Soup Experience

Perfecting results

To achieve the best results, start with high-quality canned tomatoes. Their natural sweetness and rich flavor will make a noticeable difference. If you want a chunkier soup, you can blend part of the mixture after it’s done simmering, providing a creamier consistency for some indulgence.

Simmer the soup slowly; a longer cook time allows flavors to develop and deepen. You can also adjust the creaminess by adding more or less heavy cream according to your preference. Proportion is vital; the cream pulls everything together by adding richness that balances the acidity of the tomatoes.

For an added depth of flavor, you could throw in some nutritional yeast or a splash of lemon juice before serving to lift the dish.

Troubleshooting/variations

If the soup turns out too acidic, don’t fret! You can easily balance it by adding a touch more sugar. Alternatively, a dollop of heavy cream not only adds creaminess but also soothes the acidity.

Experiment with substituting different cheeses for the dumplings if cheddar isn’t your favorite. Varieties like Gruyère or mozzarella can provide a great twist. Additionally, for a bit of spice, consider adding red pepper flakes or diced jalapeños to the soup for a warm kick.

If you have leftovers, they hold up beautifully for a day or two in the fridge. Reheating the mixture will keep the flavors vibrant while also saving time for future meals.

Serving Tomato Soup with Cheddar Bay Dumplings

Serving/presentation

This comforting dish shines when served in a deep bowl, showcasing the vibrant colors of the tomato soup and fluffy dumplings. Consider garnishing with extra chopped basil or a sprinkle of parsley for a touch of fresh elegance. A drizzle of heavy cream on top can also create a beautiful presentation, enticing diners to dig in.

To make the meal more inviting, pair it with a side of crusty bread or a fresh salad. Both complement the rich flavors while providing a delightful contrast in texture.

Pairings/storage

Storing leftover tomato soup with cheddar bay dumplings is simple. Transfer the cooled mixture to an airtight container and place it in the refrigerator. It’ll hold its flavor for up to three days. If you freeze it, remove the dumplings first. They don’t freeze well but can be added fresh after reheating the soup.

When reheating, do it gently over low heat to preserve the integrity of the flavors. If the soup thickens too much while sitting, a splash of vegetable broth or water can restore its beautiful consistency.

This delightful recipe combines simplicity with warmth, making it an excellent dish for gatherings or cozy nights at home. Tomato soup with cheddar bay dumplings invites you to enjoy a moment of culinary bliss, transforming ordinary ingredients into an exceptional experience. Whether shared at the table or savored alone, this dish stands as a testament to the joy of home cooking.

Tomato Soup with Cheddar Bay Dumplings

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• Author: cov3
• Total Time: 45 minutes
• Yield: 4 servings 1x
• Diet: Vegetarian

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Description

A comforting tomato soup enhanced with fluffy cheddar bay dumplings, perfect for chilly evenings and family gatherings.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 1 onion, diced
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 28 oz crushed tomatoes
• 4 cups vegetable broth
• 1 tsp sugar
• 1 tsp salt
• 1/2 tsp black pepper
• 1/2 cup heavy cream
• 1/2 cup cheddar cheese, shredded
• Fresh basil, for garnish
• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 tbsp baking powder
• 1 tsp garlic powder
• 1 tsp dried parsley
• 1 cup buttermilk
• 1/4 cup melted butter

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Instructions

1. In a large pot, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add the diced onion and cook until translucent, about 5 minutes.
2. Add the minced garlic and cook for an additional minute.
3. Stir in the crushed tomatoes, vegetable broth, sugar, salt, and pepper, then bring to a boil.
4. Lower the heat and let it simmer for 20 minutes.
5. In a separate bowl, mix together the flour, baking powder, garlic powder, and dried parsley for the dumplings.
6. Create a well in the center and add the buttermilk and melted butter, stirring until just combined.
7. Drop spoonfuls of dumpling batter into the simmering soup, cover, and cook for 10-12 minutes without lifting the lid.
8. Serve the soup hot, garnished with fresh basil and a drizzle of heavy cream.

Notes

Avoid stirring the soup while the dumplings are cooking to maintain their fluffy texture. Use high-quality canned tomatoes for the best flavor.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 30 minutes
• Category: Soup
• Method: Simmering
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 serving
• Calories: 400
• Sugar: 6g
• Sodium: 600mg
• Fat: 18g
• Saturated Fat: 10g
• Unsaturated Fat: 8g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 50g
• Fiber: 4g
• Protein: 12g
• Cholesterol: 30mg

Keywords: tomato soup, cheddar dumplings, comfort food, soup recipe, vegetarian meal