Tomato soup

Tomato Soup with Semolina Dumplings - A Warm Delicacy for Chilly Days

When the weather turns gloomy and the rain begins to fall, there’s nothing more comforting than a warm, fragrant soup. Tomato soup with semolina dumplings is a perfect choice to bring a touch of sunshine to less sunny days. This recipe is simple yet full of flavors and is an excellent way to include fresh vegetables in your family’s diet. Additionally, the soup is rich in vitamins and nutrients, making it ideal even for little ones.

Preparation time: 15 minutes
Cooking time: 1 hour
Total time: 1 hour and 15 minutes
Servings: 6

Necessary ingredients:
- 1 kg of ripe tomatoes (choose seasonal tomatoes for maximum flavor)
- 1 onion (can be white or yellow, depending on preference)
- 1 carrot (for a touch of sweetness)
- 1 zucchini (optional, but adds a pleasant texture)
- 1 bell pepper (preferably red or yellow for added color)
- 2-3 cloves of garlic (for flavor)
- Celery leaves (an ingredient that adds freshness)
- Salt, to taste
- 2-3 tablespoons of oil (preferably olive oil for a richer taste)
- 2 eggs (for dumplings)
- Fat (4 tablespoons of semolina)
- 2-3 potatoes (optional, but add consistency)

Preparing the soup:

1. Preparing the ingredients: Start by washing and peeling all the vegetables. Cut the tomatoes in half, the onion into cubes, the carrot and zucchini into rounds, and the bell pepper into strips. Finely chop the garlic to release its aroma.

2. Sautéing the vegetables: In a large pot, add the oil and sauté the onion over medium heat until it becomes translucent. Add the carrot and bell pepper, continuing to sauté for a few minutes. Then, add the zucchini and garlic, mixing well.

3. Adding the tomatoes: Place the chopped tomatoes in the pot and stir. Let the mixture simmer for 5-10 minutes until the tomatoes start to break down.

4. Slow cooking: Add enough water to cover the vegetables (about 2 liters), then let the soup simmer on low heat for about an hour. After this period, strain the soup to separate the vegetables from the liquid.

5. Preparing the vegetable puree: Place the cooked vegetables in a blender and blend until you get a fine paste. Add this paste back into the pot with the soup and add water if necessary. Add a cube of chicken or vegetable stock to intensify the flavors. Let the soup simmer gently.

6. Preparing the dumplings: In a bowl, beat the two eggs and add 4 tablespoons of semolina, a pinch of salt, and mix well. When the soup is boiling, use a teaspoon to add the mixture to the soup. You will notice that the dumplings will puff up and float to the surface.

7. Cooking the dumplings: Put the lid on the pot and reduce the heat to the minimum. Let the dumplings cook for 5-7 minutes. Once they have risen to the surface, turn off the heat and let the soup sit covered for another 5-10 minutes.

8. Serving: The tomato soup with semolina dumplings is ready to be served! You can add fresh celery leaves for an extra touch of freshness. A delicious option is to serve the soup alongside croutons or a slice of toasted whole-grain bread.

Useful tips:
- Vary the vegetables: Feel free to experiment with different vegetables depending on the season. You can add pumpkin or spinach, which will give a special taste.
- Cheese dumplings: If you want a richer version, you can use cottage cheese instead of semolina, and the flavor will be even more savory.
- Thickening the soup: To achieve a thicker soup, you can add diced potatoes during cooking. They will break down and thicken the liquid.
- Serving: This soup pairs perfectly with a glass of fresh tomato juice or a dry white wine, which will complement the flavors.

Nutritional benefits:
This soup is packed with vitamins due to the fresh vegetables. Tomatoes are rich in lycopene, a powerful antioxidant, and carrots provide a generous amount of beta-carotene. The semolina dumplings offer a source of carbohydrates, making it a balanced meal.

Frequently asked questions:
1. Can I use canned tomatoes? Yes, you can use canned tomatoes, but the taste will be different from fresh tomatoes.
2. How can I store the soup? The soup can be stored in the refrigerator for 2-3 days, but it’s best to add the fresh dumplings just before serving.
3. Is it suitable for children? Absolutely! Tomato soup with semolina dumplings is a healthy and delicious meal for kids, thanks to the natural and flavorful ingredients.

I hope this recipe brings warmth and joy to your home. I would love to hear if you tried it and how you liked it! Cook with love, and the result will be worth it!

 Ingredients: 1 kg of ripe tomatoes, 1 onion, 1 carrot, 1 zucchini, 1 bell pepper, 2-3 cloves of garlic, celery leaves, salt, 2-3 tablespoons of oil, 2 eggs, semolina, 2-3 potatoes

 Tags:  vegetables eggs gray