Description
This Wholesome Tomato Soup with Cheddar Bay Dumplings is a comforting, flavorful dish that combines a creamy tomato base with savory cheddar-studded dumplings. Perfect for chilly days or a cozy family meal, this recipe features a rich blend of herbs, garlic, and cheddar cheese, finished with a fresh parsley garnish for added brightness.
Ingredients
Scale
For the Soup
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 can (28 ounces) crushed tomatoes
- 2 cups vegetable broth
- 1 teaspoon dried basil
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 cup heavy cream
For the Dumplings
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tablespoon baking powder
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup cold butter, cubed
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 3/4 cup milk
- 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional)
For Garnish
- 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
Instructions
- Sauté the Aromatics: In a large pot, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and sauté until soft, about 5 minutes. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for an additional minute until fragrant.
- Simmer the Tomato Base: Add the crushed tomatoes, vegetable broth, dried basil, dried oregano, salt, and pepper. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat and let it simmer for 20 minutes to meld the flavors.
- Add Cream and Puree: Stir in the heavy cream and let the soup simmer for another 5 minutes. Use an immersion blender to puree the soup until smooth, or carefully transfer it to a blender in batches for a creamy texture.
- Prepare Dumpling Mixture: Preheat the oven to 425°F. In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, garlic powder, and salt. Cut in the cold butter using a pastry blender or fork until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
- Combine Dumpling Ingredients: Stir in the shredded cheddar cheese and milk until just combined. If desired, stir in the cayenne pepper for a gentle heat kick.
- Add Dumplings to Soup and Steam: Drop spoonfuls of the dumpling mixture onto the simmering soup. Cover the pot with a lid and let the dumplings steam for 15 minutes without lifting the lid to ensure they cook through.
- Serve with Garnish: Once the dumplings are cooked and fluffy, serve the soup hot, garnished with fresh chopped parsley and extra shredded cheddar cheese for richness.
Notes
- For a spicier soup, increase cayenne pepper or add a pinch of crushed red pepper flakes to the soup base.
- Use fresh herbs instead of dried if available, adjusting quantities accordingly.
- Vegetarian-friendly by using vegetable broth; to make vegan, substitute heavy cream and butter with plant-based alternatives and use vegan cheese.
- Ensure the butter for dumplings is cold to create flaky texture.
- Do not lift the lid while dumplings cook to avoid sogginess.
- Leftover soup can be refrigerated for up to 3 days; reheat gently on stovetop.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Category: Soup
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Keywords: tomato soup, cheddar dumplings, creamy tomato soup, comfort food, vegetarian soup, cozy meal, homemade soup
