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Cheese Dumpling Tomato Soup Recipe

5 from 118 reviews

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.

Ingredients

Scale

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.)

Instructions

  1. Basic Preparation: Prepare all ingredients by chopping the onion, mincing garlic, and measuring out all spices and cheeses to have them ready for cooking.
  2. 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.
  3. 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.
  4. 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.
  5. 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.
  6. 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.
  7. 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.
  8. 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.
  9. 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