Are you looking for a quick dinner idea that's both healthy and incredibly flavorful? Look no further! This liver dumpling soup recipe is a delicious and satisfying meal perfect for a cozy night in. It's surprisingly easy to make, even for beginner cooks, and offers a fantastic way to incorporate nutritious liver into your diet. This recipe is a testament to how simple homemade cooking can be, resulting in a delicious dish that rivals any restaurant's offering.
Ingredients:
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For the Liver Dumplings:
- 1/2 lb chicken liver, finely minced
- 1/4 cup finely chopped scallions
- 1 tablespoon soy sauce
- 1 teaspoon sesame oil
- 1/2 teaspoon ground ginger
- 1/4 teaspoon white pepper
- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/4 cup water
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For the Soup:
- 6 cups chicken broth
- 1 cup chopped bok choy
- 1/2 cup shredded carrots
- 1/4 cup chopped cilantro
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
Making the Liver Dumplings:
- In a large bowl, combine the minced chicken liver, scallions, soy sauce, sesame oil, ginger, and white pepper. Mix well.
- Gradually add the flour and water, mixing until a soft dough forms. Don't overmix; a slightly sticky dough is fine.
- Roll the dough into small balls (about 1 inch in diameter).
Making the Soup:
- Bring the chicken broth to a boil in a large pot.
- Add the carrots and bok choy. Simmer for about 5 minutes, or until the vegetables are tender-crisp.
- Gently drop the liver dumplings into the boiling soup.
- Reduce heat to a simmer and cook for about 8-10 minutes, or until the dumplings are cooked through.
- Stir in the cilantro. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
Serving Suggestions and Variations:
Serve the liver dumpling soup hot. You can garnish with extra cilantro or a drizzle of sesame oil for added flavor. For a heartier meal, serve with a side of steamed rice.
Feel free to experiment with different vegetables. Mushrooms, spinach, or snow peas would all be delicious additions. You can also substitute pork liver for chicken liver, adjusting seasonings to your preference. For a spicier kick, add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the dumplings or the soup.
Nutritional Information (per serving, approximate):
This recipe provides a good source of protein and iron, thanks to the chicken liver. The exact nutritional content will vary depending on the ingredients used.
Tips for Success:
- Don't overmix the dumpling dough. Overmixing can result in tough dumplings.
- Cook the dumplings gently. Boiling too vigorously can cause them to break apart.
- Adjust seasonings to your taste. Feel free to add more or less soy sauce, ginger, or pepper to suit your preferences.
This easy recipe is a fantastic addition to your collection of quick dinner ideas and healthy meals. The comforting flavors and ease of preparation make it a perfect choice for busy weeknights or a relaxed weekend lunch. Enjoy!