Easy Dumpling Soup

Easy Dumpling Soup is comforting, filling, and quick to make! Here’s a simple recipe that comes together in less than an hour, perfect for when you’re craving something cozy and delicious:

Ingredients:

For the Dumplings:

• 1 cup all-purpose flour
• 2 tsp baking powder
• 1/2 tsp salt
• 1/4 tsp pepper
• 1/2 tsp garlic powder (optional for extra flavor)
• 1/4 cup milk
• 2 tbsp unsalted butter, melted
• 1 large egg
• 1 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped (optional)

For the Soup:

• 4 cups chicken broth (or vegetable broth for a vegetarian version)
• 1 medium carrot, peeled and sliced
• 2 celery stalks, sliced
• 1 medium onion, chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tsp dried thyme (or fresh if you have it)
• 1/2 tsp salt (or to taste)
• 1/4 tsp black pepper
• 1 tbsp olive oil (for sautéing)
• 2 cups cooked chicken (shredded or cubed) (optional for extra protein)
• 1-2 cups fresh spinach or kale (optional for extra greens)

Instructions:

Step 1: Make the Dumplings

1. In a mixing bowl, combine flour, baking powder, salt, pepper, and garlic powder (if using).
2. In a separate small bowl, whisk together milk, melted butter, and egg.
3. Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients and stir until just combined. The mixture should be thick and a bit sticky. If it’s too thick, you can add a little more milk, but don’t overmix.

Step 2: Prepare the Soup Base

1. In a large pot, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add onion and sauté for 2-3 minutes until softened.
2. Add carrots, celery, and garlic to the pot and sauté for another 3-4 minutes, stirring occasionally.
3. Pour in the chicken broth and bring to a simmer. Stir in the thyme, salt, and pepper. Let it simmer for about 5-10 minutes to allow the vegetables to soften and the flavors to meld.

Step 3: Add the Dumplings

1. Once the soup is simmering, drop spoonfuls of the dumpling batter into the pot. The batter will spread a bit, but that’s okay—they’ll puff up as they cook!
2. Cover the pot with a lid and simmer gently for about 12-15 minutes. Don’t lift the lid during this time to let the dumplings steam fully.
3. After 12 minutes, check the dumplings by inserting a toothpick or fork into the center of one. If it comes out clean, they’re done!

Step 4: Finish the Soup

1. If you’re adding cooked chicken, spinach, or kale, stir it in now. The chicken will warm through, and the greens will wilt into the soup.
2. Taste the soup and adjust the seasoning if needed.

Step 5: Serve

1. Ladle the soup and dumplings into bowls, and enjoy with a sprinkle of fresh parsley on top (optional).

Tips:

• Make it creamy: You can add a splash of heavy cream or milk to the broth toward the end of cooking for a creamier soup.
• Vegetarian version: Skip the chicken and use vegetable broth, and you can still add greens like spinach or kale for extra nutrition.
• Herb variations: If you have fresh herbs like rosemary or sage, they can also be a nice touch in the broth.

This is one of those meals that feels hearty without being too complicated. Would you add any extra ingredients or make any adjustments to the flavor?