Craving a cozy meal that warms your heart? Tomato Soup with Cheddar Bay Dumplings is the perfect comfort dish. With rich flavors and fluffy dumplings, this recipe brings together simple ingredients and easy steps. Whether you're cooking for yourself or sharing with loved ones, this dish will fill your home with delicious aromas. Ready to dive into a bowl of warmth? Let’s get cooking!
Why I Love This Recipe
- Comforting Warmth: This creamy tomato soup is the perfect dish to warm you up on a chilly day, providing a cozy and satisfying experience with every spoonful.
- Easy to Make: With simple ingredients and straightforward steps, this recipe is perfect for both novice cooks and busy weeknight dinners.
- Cheddar Bay Dumplings: The addition of fluffy cheddar bay dumplings elevates this soup, adding a cheesy, savory element that complements the tomato perfectly.
- Versatile and Customizable: This recipe allows for creativity; feel free to add your favorite herbs or spices to personalize the flavor to your liking.
Ingredients
Tomato Soup Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 cans (14 oz each) diced tomatoes
- 2 cups vegetable broth
- 1 teaspoon dried basil
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 cup heavy cream
- Fresh basil for garnish
Cheddar Bay Dumplings Ingredients
- 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- 2 teaspoons baking powder
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- ½ cup whole milk
- ¼ cup unsalted butter, melted
- 1 teaspoon dried parsley
In this comforting meal, you will find a harmony of flavors. The olive oil adds a smooth base for the onion and garlic, while the canned tomatoes bring sweetness and acidity. Vegetable broth rounds out the soup, giving it depth.
Herbs like basil and oregano enhance the taste. The heavy cream makes the soup rich and silky. For the dumplings, flour and baking powder create a fluffy texture. Garlic powder adds a kick, while cheddar cheese gives that cheesy goodness.
The butter adds moisture, and milk binds everything together. Fresh basil on top makes the dish look bright and fresh. Each ingredient plays a key role. You can feel good about what you’re cooking and serving.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Preparing the Soup Base
- Heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a large pot.
- Add 1 medium diced onion. Sauté until it turns soft, about 4-5 minutes.
- Next, add 3 minced garlic cloves. Cook until fragrant, about 1 minute.
Cooking the Tomatoes
- Stir in 2 cans of diced tomatoes, including their juice.
- Add 2 cups of vegetable broth, 1 teaspoon of dried basil, and 1 teaspoon of dried oregano.
- Bring the mixture to a boil. Then, reduce heat to simmer for 15 minutes.
Blending and Adding Cream
- Use an immersion blender to blend the soup until smooth.
- If using a stand blender, do this carefully.
- Stir in 1 cup of heavy cream. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
Making the Dumpling Dough
- In a bowl, mix 1 ½ cups of all-purpose flour, 2 teaspoons of baking powder, ½ teaspoon of salt, and ½ teaspoon of garlic powder.
- Fold in 1 cup of shredded cheddar cheese.
- In another bowl, combine ½ cup of whole milk, ¼ cup of melted unsalted butter, and 1 teaspoon of dried parsley.
- Pour the wet mix into the dry ingredients. Stir until just combined.
Dropping the Dumplings
- Once the soup is simmering, drop spoonfuls of the dumpling dough into the pot.
- Cover the pot and let them steam for 15-20 minutes. They should puff up and cook through.
Serving the Dish
- Ladle the creamy tomato soup into bowls.
- Ensure each bowl has a few cheddar bay dumplings.
- Garnish with fresh basil for a pop of color and flavor.
Tips & Tricks
Ingredient Substitutions
- Using fresh tomatoes instead of canned: Fresh tomatoes add a bright flavor. Use about 6-8 medium tomatoes. Peel and chop them. Cook them down until soft. This gives your soup a fresh taste.
- Alternatives to heavy cream for lighter version: You can use whole milk or coconut cream. These options keep the soup creamy but lighter.
Enhancing Flavor
- Adding spices or fresh herbs: Spice up your soup with red pepper flakes or smoked paprika. Fresh herbs like thyme or dill can also add depth. Mix them in while the soup simmers for best results.
- Suggestions for cheese variation in dumplings: Try using mozzarella or pepper jack cheese. These options add a fun twist to the dumplings.
Making Ahead
- How to prepare soup and dumplings in advance: Make the soup a day early. Cool it and store it in the fridge. You can also prepare the dumpling dough ahead. Just keep it covered in the fridge until you’re ready to cook.
- Tips on reheating for best taste: Reheat the soup on low heat. Stir often to keep it smooth. For dumplings, steam them again in the soup. This helps keep them fluffy and soft.
Pro Tips
- Fresh Basil Boost: Adding fresh basil at the end of cooking maintains its bright flavor and aroma, enhancing the overall taste of the soup.
Variations
Vegan Tomato Soup
To make a vegan version of this soup, swap the heavy cream for coconut milk or cashew cream. You can use vegetable broth as your base, which keeps it plant-based. For the dumplings, try using almond milk instead of whole milk. You can also use vegan cheese to keep that cheesy flavor in your dumplings.
Spicy Twist
If you like some heat, add crushed red pepper or cayenne to your soup. You can adjust the heat to your liking. For the dumplings, mix in some spicy cheese, like pepper jack. This adds a nice kick to your meal.
Add-ins and Toppings
Want to boost nutrition? Add spinach or carrots to the soup while it simmers. You can also add corn for sweetness. For a fun twist, top your soup with crunchy croutons or sliced avocado. These add texture and flavor to your dish.
Storage Info
Proper Storage Techniques
To keep your tomato soup and cheddar bay dumplings fresh, cool them first. Let the soup sit at room temperature for no more than two hours. Once cooled, ladle the soup into airtight containers. For the dumplings, you can store them in the same container or separately. Just make sure they don’t touch the soup to keep them fluffy.
Freezing Instructions
Freezing your soup and dumplings is easy. First, let the soup cool completely. Pour the soup into freezer-safe bags or containers. For the dumplings, freeze them on a tray for about an hour. Then, transfer them to a bag. To reheat, thaw the soup overnight in the fridge. Heat it gently on the stove. Add the dumplings and cook until heated through.
Shelf Life
In the fridge, your soup and dumplings last about three to four days. Always check for signs of spoilage. If the soup smells sour or the dumplings look dry, it's best to toss them. Enjoy your meal while it's fresh for the best taste!
FAQs
Can I make this recipe in advance?
Yes, you can make this recipe ahead of time. The soup keeps well in the fridge for up to three days. To make ahead, cook the soup and store it in an airtight container. For best results, add dumplings fresh before serving. This keeps them fluffy and light.
What can I substitute for heavy cream?
If you need a lighter option, you can use whole milk or half-and-half. You can also try coconut milk for a non-dairy version. Each substitute will give the soup a different flavor and texture, but they all work well.
How can I make this dish gluten-free?
To make gluten-free dumplings, use a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend. Many brands mix rice flour, tapioca flour, and other starches. Just ensure the blend has a binding agent, like xanthan gum. This will help the dumplings hold together.
Can I use other cheeses in the dumplings?
Absolutely! You can try using mozzarella for a stretchy texture. Feta adds a tangy kick, while pepper jack brings some spice. Choose a cheese that melts well for the best results.
What are the nutrition facts for this recipe?
This recipe serves four and offers a comforting meal. Each serving contains about 400 calories, with 20 grams of fat and 15 grams of protein. Keep in mind that the nutrition facts can change based on ingredient choices and portion sizes.
This blog post covered delicious tomato soup and cheddar bay dumplings. You learned the key ingredients, step-by-step instructions, and tips for enhancing flavors. I shared ways to make vegan or spicy versions, plus storage tips to keep your dishes fresh.
Whether you prepare this meal ahead or serve it right away, enjoy every bite. Cooking is all about fun and creativity in your kitchen. Now, go ahead and make this perfect dish!
