Tomato soup with dumplings

Tomato soup with dumplings - a delicious and comforting recipe, perfect for hot summer days or any time we want to refresh ourselves with a healthy meal. This simple yet flavorful soup combines the freshness of tomatoes with the tenderness of dumplings, bringing a splash of joy to the plate.

Preparation time: 30 minutes
Cooking time: 30 minutes
Total time: 60 minutes
Servings: 4-6

Ingredients for the soup:
- 1 kg fresh tomatoes
- 2 medium carrots
- 2 onions
- 2 bell peppers (preferably one red and one green for a more colorful appearance)
- 1 parsley root
- Fresh celery leaves for garnish
- Salt and pepper to taste

Ingredients for the dumplings:
- 2 eggs
- 8 tablespoons of semolina
- 1-2 tablespoons of olive oil
- 100 ml sparkling water
- Salt to taste

Recipe history:
Tomato soup with dumplings has deep roots in culinary tradition, being a popular preparation in many cultures. Tomatoes, valued for their sweet and sour taste and nutritional benefits, have become a staple ingredient in global cuisine. Dumplings, on the other hand, add a fluffy texture and a pleasant contrast to the intense juice of the tomatoes. This recipe can be adapted according to the season, but summer, when tomatoes are at their peak flavor, is the ideal time to prepare it.

Preparation steps:

1. Preparing the tomatoes:
- Start by washing the tomatoes well under cold running water. Then, place them in a pot of boiling water for 3-4 minutes, so you can peel them more easily. Blanching helps remove the skin, leaving them soft and ready to use.
- After blanching, remove the tomatoes with a slotted spoon and let them cool.

2. Preparing the vegetables:
- In a large pot, add water and bring it to a boil with the carrots, onions, bell peppers, and parsley root, all cut as desired. Add a little salt to enhance the flavor of the vegetables. Cook for about 10-15 minutes until they become tender.

3. Preparing the soup:
- Once the vegetables are cooked, remove them from the water (you can leave the carrots in the soup for added texture, or mash them for a smoother soup).
- Peel the cooled tomatoes and blend them with a blender or food processor. Add the tomato juice to the pot with the vegetables and bring everything to a low heat. Let the soup simmer for a few minutes, stirring occasionally.

4. Preparing the dumplings:
- In a bowl, beat the egg whites with a little salt until frothy. Add the egg yolks mixed with olive oil and gently mix.
- Start adding the semolina gradually, stirring continuously, until you obtain a homogeneous mixture that easily pulls away from the sides of the bowl.
- Add a tablespoon of sparkling water to make the dumplings fluffier, mixing again.

5. Forming the dumplings:
- Once the soup has started to simmer gently, add 100 ml of cold water to regulate the temperature.
- Using a wet spoon with cold water, form dumplings and gently place them in the soup. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Let the dumplings simmer on low heat for about 20 minutes. After they have cooked, remove the soup from the heat, cover with a lid, and let the dumplings swell for a few minutes.

6. Serving and garnishing:
- Season the soup with fresh celery leaves for added flavor and a pleasant appearance. Serve the soup hot, alongside a slice of fresh bread or croutons for a crunchy contrast.

Practical tips:
- Choose ripe, aromatic tomatoes for a tastier soup. "Roma" tomatoes are excellent for soups due to their low water content and intense flavors.
- You can also add other vegetables, such as zucchini or potatoes, to vary the recipe. Additionally, you can experiment with herbs like basil or oregano, which pair wonderfully with tomatoes.
- Instead of dumplings, you can use noodles or rice for a different texture.

Nutritional benefits:
This tomato soup with dumplings is not only delicious but also healthy. Tomatoes are rich in vitamin C, lycopene (a powerful antioxidant), and fiber, making them excellent for heart health and boosting the immune system. The vegetables also add plenty of nutrients, and the dumplings provide a good source of protein due to the eggs.

Frequently asked questions:
- Can I use canned tomatoes? Yes, you can use canned tomatoes, but the flavors will be different from fresh tomatoes. Make sure to choose tomatoes without additives.
- How can I make the soup spicier? You can add a hot pepper or a little cayenne pepper during cooking for a spicier taste.
- How long does the soup last? The soup can be stored in the refrigerator for 2-3 days. You can reheat it before serving.

Tomato soup with dumplings is a perfect choice for a quick and healthy meal. Enjoy it with your loved ones and cherish the wonderful moments spent together! Bon appétit!

 Ingredients: 1 kg tomatoes, 2 carrots, 2 onions, 2 bell peppers, 1 parsley root, celery leaves, salt, pepper. For dumplings: 2 eggs, 8 tablespoons semolina, a little olive oil, sparkling water, salt.

 Tags:  tomato soup dumpling soup