Dumpling soup

Dumpling soup is a warm, comforting meal that combines tender dumplings with a flavorful broth. It’s perfect for busy evenings, family dinners, or chilly nights when you want something hearty but easy to prepare. I usually start this recipe when I want a cozy, satisfying dish that doesn’t take hours. With simple ingredients and a few steps, you can make a soothing soup that feels homemade and special. The soft dumplings and aromatic broth create a dish that’s approachable for everyday cooking and perfect for real-life meals where comfort and ease matter most.

a steaming bowl of dumpling soup served 1

Why You Will Love This Recipe

This dumpling soup is flavorful, easy, and flexible. The dumplings cook quickly in a savory broth, making it weeknight-friendly and perfect for beginners. Leftovers reheat well, so it’s freezer-friendly and practical for busy schedules. Ingredients are simple and budget-conscious, yet the soup feels satisfying and cozy. It works for family meals, casual dinners, or meal prep, and the texture of the soft dumplings makes it crowd-pleasing. You can customize the herbs, vegetables, or seasoning to suit your taste, giving a warm, comforting dish that’s as versatile as it is simple.

a steaming bowl of dumpling soup served

Ingredients

Tip: Use fresh dumpling wrappers or pre-made dumplings for the easiest preparation.

  • 12 dumplings (store-bought or homemade)
  • 6 cups chicken or vegetable broth
  • 2 medium carrots, sliced
  • 2 celery stalks, sliced
  • 1 medium onion, chopped
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 tsp soy sauce (optional)
  • ½ tsp salt
  • ¼ tsp black pepper
  • ½ tsp dried thyme
  • 2 cups fresh spinach or kale, chopped
  • 2 tbsp chopped fresh parsley
all ingredients for dumpling soup arranged neatly

Instructions

Step 1: Preparation
Chop the carrots, celery, onion, and garlic. Measure the broth and seasonings. Keep dumplings ready. Having everything prepared makes cooking smooth and stress-free.

Step 2: Main Cooking Process
Heat the broth in a large pot over medium heat. Add carrots, celery, and onion. Cook until vegetables are tender and fragrant, about 8–10 minutes.

Step 3: Combining Ingredients
Add garlic, thyme, soy sauce, salt, and pepper. Stir in dumplings carefully so they do not stick together. Cover and simmer for 5–7 minutes until dumplings are cooked through.

Step 4: Finishing & Final Simmer
Add spinach or kale and cook 2–3 minutes until wilted. Taste and adjust seasoning. Sprinkle with fresh parsley before serving hot and comforting.

Why This Recipe Works for Busy Days

Dumpling soup can be prepped ahead by chopping vegetables or using store-bought dumplings. It reheats beautifully, making it ideal for meal prep or leftovers. The simple cooking steps and quick dumpling cooking time make it practical, comforting, and satisfying even on a tight schedule.

Tips & Tricks

  • Use pre-made dumplings for speed. Fresh dumplings cook quickly in simmering broth, avoiding overcooked, mushy results.
  • Don’t overcrowd the pot. Add dumplings in a single layer to prevent sticking and ensure even cooking.
  • Adjust thickness with broth. Add extra liquid if the soup seems too thick, or simmer uncovered to concentrate flavors.
  • Add greens at the end. Cooking spinach or kale too long can make them limp and dull; stir them in just before serving.

Variations

Meaty Version
Add shredded chicken or cooked sausage while simmering. It turns the soup into a heartier meal without altering the soft dumpling texture.

Vegetarian Option
Use vegetable broth and add mushrooms or tofu for protein. The soup remains flavorful, light, and filling for a meat-free option.

Ingredient Swap
Swap spinach with bok choy or napa cabbage for a different texture and flavor. Greens cook quickly and complement the soft dumplings.

Flavor or Herb Boost
Add a teaspoon of ginger or fresh cilantro for extra aroma. These small additions elevate the broth without overpowering the delicate dumplings.

Serving Suggestions

  • Classic Bowl
    Serve in deep bowls with a sprinkle of parsley. Pair with warm bread for a cozy, simple meal.
  • With Protein
    Top with cooked chicken, shrimp, or tofu for extra substance while keeping the comforting soup base.
  • Light Lunch Plate
    Serve alongside a fresh green salad or steamed vegetables for a balanced, satisfying lunch.
  • Family Dinner Setup
    Serve in large bowls with a side of bread or rolls. Offer toppings like herbs, soy sauce, or chili flakes for customizable servings.

Storage Instructions

  • Fridge Storage
    Store cooled soup in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Dumplings may absorb broth, so slightly loosen before reheating.
  • Reheating
    Warm gently on the stove or microwave. Stir occasionally and add extra broth or water to maintain texture.
  • Freezing
    Freeze the broth separately without dumplings. Thaw and reheat, then cook fresh dumplings before serving for best results.
  • Make-Ahead Tips
    Chop vegetables ahead and store in the fridge. Combine with broth and add dumplings when ready to cook for a quicker meal.

Recipe Timing

  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 20 minutes
  • Rest Time: Not required
  • Total Time: 30 minutes

Nutrition Information (Approximate)

Each serving contains 180–220 calories. Protein ranges from 6–10 grams per serving. Key nutrients include vitamin A from carrots and iron from greens. Values are estimates and vary based on portion size and ingredients.

FAQs

Yes, store broth and vegetables separately; add dumplings when ready to serve.

Overcrowding the pot, which causes dumplings to stick or cook unevenly.

Yes, use spinach, kale, bok choy, or napa cabbage for similar results.

Simmering too long breaks them down; cook just until tender.

Up to 3 days in the fridge; freeze broth without dumplings for 1–2 months.

Conclusion

This dumpling soup is simple, cozy, and comforting, perfect for weeknight dinners, meal prep, or cold evenings. You can customize the broth, greens, or herbs to suit your taste. Leftovers reheat easily, and cooking is forgiving for busy days. Each bowl delivers warm, tender dumplings in a flavorful broth, making it a comforting dish to enjoy again and again.

Dumpling soup
Print

Dumpling soup

Recipe by Edan SalamonCourse: Soups
Servings

4

servings
Prep time

15

minutes
Cooking time

25

minutes
Calories

300

kcal

A comforting dumpling soup with tender dumplings in a savory broth, perfect for cozy evenings and family dinners. Easy to make and full of warm, delicious flavors.

Ingredients

  • 8–10 dumplings (fresh or frozen)

  • 4 cups chicken or vegetable broth

  • 1 small onion, diced

  • 2 cloves garlic, minced

  • 2 carrots, sliced

  • 2 celery stalks, sliced

  • 2 tbsp olive oil

  • 1 tsp salt

  • ½ tsp black pepper

  • 1 tsp dried thyme or parsley

  • Optional: chopped green onions for garnish

Directions

  • Heat olive oil in a large pot. Sauté onion, garlic, carrots, and celery until soft and fragrant.
  • Pour in broth, add salt, pepper, and thyme. Bring to a gentle boil.
  • Add dumplings and simmer 10–12 minutes until cooked through and tender.
  • Taste and adjust seasoning. Serve hot, garnished with green onions if desired.

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