Cheese Dumpling Tomato Soup Recipe
This comforting Cheese Dumpling Tomato Soup combines a rich, creamy tomato base with fluffy, cheesy dumplings. Sautéed onions and garlic build a flavorful foundation, enhanced by tomato paste and herbs, while the dumplings made from ricotta, mozzarella, parmesan, and herbs cook gently in the simmering soup for a delightful texture contrast. Perfect for a cozy meal, this soup blends savory and creamy elements in every spoonful.
- Author: lucas
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Category: Soup
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian-American
Soup Base
- 2 tablespoons Olive Oil (Can substitute with canola or avocado oil.)
- 1 medium Yellow Onion (Shallots can be used for a milder taste.)
- 2 cloves Garlic (Fresh is best, but dried works in a pinch.)
- 2 tablespoons Tomato Paste (Can be omitted if not available.)
- 1/4 teaspoon Red Pepper Flakes (Optional for heat.)
- 28 ounces Crushed Tomatoes (Canned or fresh works.)
- 4 cups Chicken or Vegetable Broth (Water can be a substitute.)
- 1 teaspoon Granulated Sugar (Honey or maple syrup can be alternatives.)
- 1 tablespoon Dried Basil or Italian Seasoning (Fresh herbs provide a brighter taste.)
- 1 cup Heavy Cream (Coconut milk is a great dairy-free option.)
- 1 teaspoon Kosher Salt (Adjust according to taste.)
- 1/2 teaspoon Black Pepper (Adjust according to taste.)
Dumplings
- 1 cup Whole-Milk Ricotta (Cottage cheese is a good substitute.)
- 1 cup Low-Moisture Mozzarella (Fresh mozzarella can be used for extra creaminess.)
- 1/2 cup Parmesan Cheese (Nutritional yeast can serve as a vegan substitute.)
- 1 large Egg (Use a flax egg for a vegan option.)
- 1 cup All-Purpose Flour (A gluten-free blend can be used.)
- 1 tablespoon Baking Powder (Ensure it’s fresh for best results.)
- 1 teaspoon Garlic Powder (Fresh garlic can substitute.)
- 1 teaspoon Kosher Salt
- 2 tablespoons Fresh Parsley (Can be replaced with chives or omitted.)
For Serving (Optional)
- Extra Grated Parmesan
- Olive Oil or Melted Butter (Can be omitted if desired.)
- Basic Preparation: Prepare all ingredients by chopping the onion, mincing garlic, and measuring out all spices and cheeses to have them ready for cooking.
- Sauté Onions: In a large pot, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped yellow onion and sauté for about 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the onions become translucent and tender.
- Add Garlic and Tomato Paste: Stir in the minced garlic, tomato paste, and red pepper flakes if using. Cook for 1-2 minutes, allowing the mixture to become fragrant and the tomato paste to slightly caramelize.
- Simmer Soup Base: Pour in the crushed tomatoes and chicken or vegetable broth. Sprinkle in sugar and dried basil or Italian seasoning. Bring the soup to a gentle boil over medium-high heat, then reduce to a simmer. Let it simmer uncovered for 10-15 minutes to deepen the flavors.
- Blend the Soup: Using an immersion blender or transferring carefully to a traditional blender, puree the soup to your preferred consistency, whether slightly chunky or completely smooth. Return the soup to the pot if needed.
- Add Cream and Season: Stir in the heavy cream, then season the soup with kosher salt and black pepper to taste. Keep the soup at a very gentle simmer—do not boil vigorously, as it may curdle the cream.
- Prepare Dumpling Batter: In a medium bowl, combine ricotta, mozzarella, parmesan, egg, flour, baking powder, garlic powder, kosher salt, and chopped fresh parsley. Mix well until a thick, spoonable batter forms.
- Cook Dumplings: Drop spoonfuls of the dumpling batter into the barely simmering soup. Cover the pot with a lid and let the dumplings cook for 6-8 minutes. Do not lift the lid during this time so the dumplings puff up and set properly.
- Final Seasoning and Serving: Taste the soup and adjust seasoning if necessary. Ladle the soup with dumplings into bowls and garnish with extra grated Parmesan and a drizzle of olive oil or melted butter if desired. Serve warm and enjoy the comforting combination of cheese dumplings and creamy tomato soup.
Notes
- For a milder onion flavor, substitute yellow onion with shallots.
- Fresh garlic offers better flavor, but dried garlic can be used in a pinch.
- Tomato paste enhances depth but can be omitted if needed.
- Red pepper flakes are optional and add a gentle heat; omit for a milder soup.
- Use vegetable broth for a vegetarian version.
- Heavy cream can be substituted with coconut milk for a dairy-free alternative.
- To keep dumplings vegan, use a flax egg and nutritional yeast instead of parmesan.
- Fresh herbs brighten the dish but dried herbs work well too.
- Do not boil soup vigorously after adding cream to prevent curdling.
- Keep the lid on while dumplings cook to ensure they rise and set correctly.
- The soup can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Keywords: tomato soup, cheese dumplings, ricotta dumplings, creamy tomato soup, comfort food soup, easy soup recipe, homemade soup, Italian soup, cozy winter soup