Tomato soup with cheese dumplings
Tomato soup with cheese dumplings is a dish that reminds us of warm moments spent with family, gatherings with friends, and the delightful flavors of childhood. This recipe is not just a culinary delight but also a story about traditions, simple ingredients, and the joy of cooking. I will share with you step by step how to prepare this aromatic soup with fluffy cheese dumplings, which is sure to bring a smile to the faces of your loved ones.
Preparation time: 15 minutes
Cooking time: 40 minutes
Total time: 55 minutes
Number of servings: 4-6
Ingredients for the soup:
- 1 chicken carcass (optional, but recommended for an intense flavor)
- 2 tablespoons of olive oil
- 2 cans of crushed tomatoes (about 800g)
- 1 medium onion
- 6 cloves of garlic
- 2-3 bay leaves
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 teaspoon of dried basil (or fresh if you have it)
- Fresh basil leaves for garnish
Ingredients for the dumplings:
- 1 whole egg + 1 egg white
- A pinch of salt
- A pinch of baking soda
- 1 tablespoon of olive oil
- 1 tablespoon of cornmeal
- 100g brie cheese (can be replaced with cottage cheese)
- 100g semolina
The story behind the recipe:
Tomato soup has a rich history, being a beloved dish in various cultures over time. It has evolved from simple soups made with fresh tomatoes and herbs to more elaborate versions with various added ingredients. Cheese dumplings are also a delicious invention, inherited from our grandmothers' recipes, adding texture and flavor to the soups.
Preparing the soup:
1. Preparing the base: Start by thoroughly washing the chicken carcasses if you choose to use them. Place them in a large pot with water and let them boil for about 30 minutes. This will create a delicious chicken broth. Remove the carcasses and keep the liquid.
2. Sauté the vegetables: In another pot, heat the 2 tablespoons of olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and crushed garlic. Sauté for 1-2 minutes until the onion becomes translucent.
3. Add the tomatoes: Pour the crushed tomatoes into the pot, stirring well. Let it boil for 5-10 minutes to combine the flavors.
4. Combining the ingredients: Add the previously obtained chicken broth, salt, pepper, bay leaves, and dried basil. Let the soup simmer on low heat for 20 minutes for the flavors to blend.
5. Finalizing the soup: After it has boiled, taste and adjust the seasonings to your preference. Once you are satisfied with the flavor, remove the bay leaves and add the chopped fresh basil.
Preparing the dumplings:
1. Mixing the dumplings: In a bowl, beat the whole egg and egg white with a pinch of salt. Add the olive oil and grated brie cheese, mixing well.
2. Incorporate the semolina: Start adding the semolina gradually, mixing gently. Also add the cornmeal and baking soda, continuing to mix until you get a homogeneous mixture.
3. Forming the dumplings: Using a spoon dipped in the soup, take small portions of the mixture and add them to the boiling soup. Let them boil for 5-7 minutes until they rise to the surface.
Serving:
Once the dumplings are cooked, serve the hot soup in deep bowls, garnished with fresh basil leaves. This tomato soup with cheese dumplings is perfect for both a family dinner and a festive meal with friends.
Serving suggestions:
For a touch of freshness, you can drizzle a teaspoon of olive oil on top before serving or sprinkle a bit of grated parmesan. This soup pairs excellently with a slice of fresh or crusty bread, perfect for soaking up the rich flavors of the soup.
Possible variations:
If you want to experiment, you can add vegetables such as carrots or celery to the soup for an extra nutrient boost. You can also replace the brie cheese with ricotta or goat cheese, thus giving a different note to the dish.
Nutritional information:
This recipe for tomato soup with cheese dumplings is a good choice for those who want to eat healthily. Tomatoes are rich in antioxidants and vitamins, while cheese provides protein and calcium. The dumplings add carbohydrates that will keep you full and energized.
Frequently asked questions:
1. Can I use fresh tomatoes instead of crushed tomatoes?
- Absolutely! Fresh tomatoes will add a wonderful flavor, but make sure to peel and chop them well.
2. How can I store leftover soup?
- The soup can be stored in the refrigerator in airtight containers for 3-4 days. The dumplings may become soft, so it’s better to add them fresh to the portions of soup you reheat.
3. Can I make this soup vegetarian?
- Of course! You can skip the chicken carcasses and use water or vegetable broth for a vegetarian version.
Now that you have all the necessary information, all that’s left is to grab the ingredients and embark on this culinary adventure! Enjoy your meal!
Ingredients: For the soup: 1 chicken carcass (optional) 2 tablespoons olive oil 2 cans crushed tomatoes 1 onion 6 cloves garlic 2-3 bay leaves salt pepper 1 teaspoon dried basil + fresh basil leaves for garnish For the dumplings: 1 egg + 1 egg white 1 pinch of salt 1 tip of baking soda 1 tablespoon olive oil 1 tablespoon cornmeal 100 g brie cheese 100 g semolina
