Are you craving a warm, comforting, and utterly delicious meal that's also surprisingly easy to make? Look no further than this Green Bean Dumpling Soup! This recipe delivers a delightful blend of fresh green beans, savory broth, and perfectly pillowy dumplings, all nestled together in a bowl of pure homemade happiness. It's the perfect quick dinner idea, a healthy meal the whole family will love, and a fantastic example of how easy homemade cooking can be. This is one of those best recipes that's both satisfying and surprisingly simple.
Ingredients:
For the Soup:
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 pound green beans, trimmed and cut into 1-inch pieces
- 6 cups chicken broth (or vegetable broth for a vegetarian option)
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/4 teaspoon dried thyme
For the Dumplings:
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup cold water
Instructions:
Making the Soup:
- Heat the olive oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and cook until softened, about 5 minutes. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.
- Add the green beans to the pot and cook for 2-3 minutes, stirring occasionally.
- Pour in the chicken broth, salt, pepper, and thyme. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 10-15 minutes, or until the green beans are tender-crisp.
Making the Dumplings:
- In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour and salt. Gradually add the cold water, mixing until a soft dough forms. Don't overmix.
- Roll the dough out on a lightly floured surface to about 1/8-inch thickness. Use a 1 1/2-inch cookie cutter or a knife to cut out circles.
- Gently drop the dumplings into the simmering soup.
- Cover the pot and simmer for another 10-15 minutes, or until the dumplings are cooked through and float to the surface.
Serving Suggestions:
Serve the soup hot, garnished with a sprinkle of fresh parsley or chives, if desired. A squeeze of fresh lemon juice adds a lovely brightness. This easy recipe is perfect for a weeknight dinner, but also impressive enough for a casual gathering.
Cooking Tips:
- For extra flavor, you can sauté the green beans in a little butter before adding them to the broth.
- If you prefer a thicker soup, you can mix 1 tablespoon of cornstarch with 2 tablespoons of cold water and stir it into the soup during the last few minutes of cooking.
- Feel free to add other vegetables to the soup, such as carrots, potatoes, or celery.
- Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Variations:
- Spicy Green Bean Dumpling Soup: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of your favorite hot sauce to the soup for a spicy kick.
- Pork Green Bean Dumpling Soup: Add cooked ground pork to the soup along with the green beans for extra protein.
- Chicken Green Bean Dumpling Soup: Shredded cooked chicken adds a delicious protein boost to this already healthy meal.
Nutritional Information (per serving, approximate):
- Calories: Around 250-300
- Protein: 10-15g
- Fat: 5-8g
- Carbohydrates: 30-40g
This Green Bean Dumpling Soup is a delicious and healthy meal that's perfect for any occasion. It's easy to make, adaptable to your preferences, and guaranteed to become a family favorite. Enjoy!