Hearty & Healthy Vegetable Dumpling Soup: A Vegan & Vegetarian Delight

There’s nothing quite like a warm, comforting bowl of soup, especially when it’s packed with vibrant vegetables and tender, homemade dumplings. Our Vegetable Dumpling Soup is a truly delightful meal that caters perfectly to vegans and vegetarians, offering a symphony of flavors and textures that will soothe your soul. Forget complicated recipes; this dish is incredibly simple to prepare, budget-friendly, and so satisfyingly filling, it will quickly earn a permanent spot in your recipe rotation. Even a novice cook can master this recipe with ease, proving that delicious, plant-based comfort food is accessible to everyone.

This recipe is designed with simplicity and flavor in mind. It proves that eating healthy, plant-based meals doesn’t have to be expensive or time-consuming. With basic pantry staples and fresh produce, you can create a wholesome dish that tastes like it took hours to make. It’s truly that straightforward! If my 14-year-old can whip up this delicious creation, then you absolutely can too.

Why You’ll Adore This Vegetable Dumpling Soup

Beyond its incredible taste and heartwarming appeal, this Vegetable Dumpling Soup offers a multitude of benefits that make it an ideal choice for any meal:

• Ultimate Comfort Food: There’s something inherently soothing about a warm bowl of soup, and this one takes comfort to the next level with its tender dumplings and savory broth.
• Packed with Nutrients: Loaded with a variety of fresh vegetables like carrots, celery, potatoes, and onions, this soup is a powerhouse of vitamins, minerals, and fiber.
• Perfect for Plant-Based Diets: Specifically crafted to be vegan and vegetarian-friendly, it’s a fantastic option for those seeking delicious meat-free meals without compromising on flavor or satisfaction.
• Budget-Friendly: Made with inexpensive ingredients, this soup is an economical way to feed yourself or your family a wholesome and satisfying meal.
• Easy to Make: With straightforward steps and common ingredients, this recipe is accessible even for beginner cooks. No complex techniques required!
• Customizable: Easily adapt the recipe to your taste preferences or whatever vegetables you have on hand. It’s incredibly versatile!

Looking for more delightful soup recipes? Don’t miss our popular Creamy Tomato Basil Soup for another comforting classic!

Key Ingredients and Flavor Profiles

The magic of this vegetable dumpling soup lies in its fresh, wholesome ingredients. Each component plays a crucial role in building the rich, savory depth that defines this dish. Understanding these elements will help you appreciate the simplicity and brilliance of this recipe, and even inspire you to experiment with your own variations.

For the Homemade Dumplings: Simple Goodness

The dumplings are the stars of this soup, offering a soft, pillowy texture that soaks up the flavorful broth. Making them from scratch is surprisingly easy and incredibly rewarding.

• All-Purpose Flour: The foundation of our dumplings. It provides structure and a wonderfully chewy texture when cooked. For a slightly different consistency, you could experiment with a mix of all-purpose and a small amount of semolina flour, though keep it simple for a first try!
• Salt: Essential for seasoning the dough itself, ensuring the dumplings aren’t bland.
• Water: The liquid that brings the dough together. The amount might vary slightly depending on your flour and humidity, so add it gradually until you achieve a firm, but pliable dough.
• Olive Oil: A touch of olive oil in the dough helps to make the dumplings tender and adds a subtle richness, preventing them from being tough.

Tip: The dumpling dough should be firm enough to hold its shape when dropped into the soup but still soft. If it’s too sticky, add a little more flour; if too dry, a tiny bit more water.

For the Flavorful Soup Base: A Medley of Vegetables and Herbs

The broth is where the vegetables truly shine, creating a savory foundation that perfectly complements the dumplings.

• Olive Oil: Used for sautéing the aromatics, it sets the stage for a rich flavor profile.
• Onion, diced: The backbone of many savory dishes, onions provide a sweet and pungent base flavor when sautéed until translucent.
• Carrots, sliced: Adding natural sweetness and a beautiful color, carrots become wonderfully tender in the soup. Slice them into consistent 1/2-inch pieces for even cooking.
• Celery, sliced with leaves: This is a secret weapon for flavor! Never discard celery leaves! They carry an intense celery flavor that adds incredible depth and freshness to the soup. Chop them along with the stalks for maximum impact.
• Bay Leaves: A classic aromatic that infuses the broth with a subtle, earthy, and slightly floral note. Remember to remove them before serving.
• Fresh Ground Black Pepper: Provides a gentle warmth and enhances all the other flavors.
• Garlic, minced: Adds an essential aromatic kick, deepening the savory notes of the soup.
• Dried Dill: Dill pairs wonderfully with vegetables like potatoes and carrots, adding a fresh, slightly tangy, and herbaceous aroma that is distinct and delicious in this soup.
• Vegetable Stock: The liquid base of our soup. Use a good quality vegetable stock for the best flavor. Low-sodium options allow you more control over the final seasoning.
• Potatoes, diced: Potatoes add heartiness and a creamy texture as they cook, making the soup wonderfully filling. Dice them into 1/2-inch pieces to ensure they cook through at the same rate as the carrots.
• Salt: Essential for seasoning the entire soup, adjusting to taste is key throughout the cooking process.
• Fresh Parsley, chopped: Added at the very end, fresh parsley brightens the soup with a pop of color and a fresh, herbaceous finish.

Step-by-Step Guide to Making Vegetable Dumpling Soup

Follow these detailed steps to create a hearty and comforting bowl of Vegetable Dumpling Soup that tastes just like grandma used to make, but entirely plant-based!

1. Prepare Your Dumpling Dough

1. In a medium bowl, combine the 5 heaping tablespoons of all-purpose flour with 1/2 teaspoon of salt.
2. Gradually add 1/2 cup of water, stirring continuously, until a shaggy dough forms.
3. Pour in 1 tablespoon of olive oil and continue to stir and knead briefly until the dough comes together into a cohesive, firm, yet pliable ball. It shouldn’t be too sticky or too dry.
4. Cover the bowl with a clean cloth or plastic wrap and set it aside while you prepare the soup. This resting period allows the gluten to relax, making the dumplings more tender.

2. Prep Your Vegetables

While your dumpling dough rests, take this time to chop all your vegetables. Uniformly sized pieces ensure even cooking.

• Dice your small onion.
• Slice your 3 large carrots into 1/2-inch thick pieces.
• Slice your 2 stalks of celery into 1/2-inch thick pieces, making sure to include the flavorful celery leaves!
• Mince your 2 cloves of garlic.
• Dice your 3 medium potatoes into 1/2-inch pieces.
• Chop 1/2 cup of fresh parsley.

3. Build the Flavor Base of Your Soup

1. Heat a large, heavy-bottomed pot or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. A heavy pot helps distribute heat evenly and prevents scorching.
2. Add 1 tablespoon of olive oil to the hot pot.
3. Once the oil is shimmering, add the diced onions. Sauté them for about 3-4 minutes, stirring occasionally, until they become translucent and fragrant. This step is crucial for developing a sweet base flavor.
4. Add the sliced carrots and celery (with leaves!) to the pot. Continue to sauté for another 5 minutes, allowing the vegetables to soften slightly and release their flavors.
5. Stir in the 2 bay leaves, 1/2 teaspoon of fresh ground black pepper, 2 minced garlic cloves, and 2 teaspoons of dried dill. Sauté for about 2 more minutes, stirring constantly, until the garlic is fragrant and the herbs are aromatic. Be careful not to burn the garlic.

4. Simmer the Soup

6. Pour in the 6 cups of vegetable stock and add 1-1 1/2 teaspoons of salt. Stir well to combine all ingredients.
7. Cover the pot with a lid and bring the soup to a rolling boil.
8. Once boiling, reduce the heat to a simmer and cook for approximately 10 minutes, or until the carrots are slightly tender but still have a bit of bite.
9. Add the diced potatoes to the pot. Cover again and continue to boil gently for about 10 minutes, or until the potatoes are fork-tender.

5. Add the Dumplings and Finish the Soup

10. Once the potatoes are cooked, it’s time for the dumplings! Carefully take small, teaspoon-sized portions of the dumpling dough and gently slide them into the boiling soup. Work in batches if necessary to avoid overcrowding, though they cook quickly.
11. Continue adding dumplings until all the dough is used. They will float to the top as they cook.
12. Once all the dumplings are added, cover the pot with a lid and let the soup simmer gently for another 8-10 minutes. This ensures the dumplings are cooked through and wonderfully fluffy.
13. Remove the bay leaves from the soup.
14. Stir in the 1/2 cup of chopped fresh parsley.
15. Taste the soup for seasoning. Add more salt and pepper if needed, adjusting to your preference.
16. Serve hot and savor every hearty, healthy, and flavorful spoonful!

For another delicious plant-based option, be sure to try our Vegetarian Hot and Sour Soup!

Tips for a Perfect Vegetable Dumpling Soup

• Don’t Overwork the Dumpling Dough: Knead just enough to bring it together. Over-kneading can result in tough dumplings.
• Consistent Veggie Cuts: Cut your vegetables into roughly uniform sizes. This ensures they cook evenly and you don’t end up with some crunchy and some mushy pieces.
• Taste and Adjust: Always taste your soup before serving. Broths can vary in saltiness, and your personal preference for seasoning is key.
• Keep it Simmering, Not Boiling: Once the dumplings are added, a gentle simmer is best. A vigorous boil can break them apart.
• Don’t Rush the Sauté: Allowing onions, carrots, and celery to properly soften and brown slightly builds foundational flavor for the entire soup.
• Fresh Herbs Make a Difference: While dried dill is fantastic, don’t skimp on the fresh parsley at the end. It adds a bright, fresh finish that elevates the whole dish.

Variations and Customizations for Your Soup

This Vegetable Dumpling Soup recipe is wonderfully versatile, allowing you to tailor it to your personal taste, dietary needs, or whatever ingredients you have on hand. Here are some ideas to inspire your culinary creativity:

• Add More Greens: Stir in a handful of fresh spinach, kale, or Swiss chard during the last few minutes of cooking for an extra boost of nutrients and color.
• Legumes for Protein: For an even heartier soup, consider adding a can of drained and rinsed cannellini beans, chickpeas, or kidney beans along with the potatoes. Lentils (red or green) can also be added earlier in the cooking process to cook through with the vegetables.
• Mushroom Magic: Sauté sliced mushrooms (cremini, button, or even shiitake for an umami punch) with the onions for an earthy depth of flavor.
• Spice it Up: A pinch of red pepper flakes added with the garlic can introduce a subtle warmth, or for more heat, a dash of your favorite hot sauce at serving.
• Different Herbs: If dill isn’t your favorite, or you want to experiment, try adding dried thyme or a touch of dried rosemary (use sparingly as it’s strong). Fresh thyme or marjoram could also be lovely garnishes.
• Gluten-Free Option: For gluten-free dumplings, use a good quality gluten-free all-purpose flour blend (ensure it contains xanthan gum or add a small amount if not). Alternatively, you could skip the homemade dumplings and add cooked gluten-free pasta or rice for a different texture.
• Thicker Broth: If you prefer a slightly thicker soup, you can remove a cup of the cooked potatoes, mash them, and stir them back into the soup before adding the dumplings. The starch will naturally thicken the broth.
• Sweet Potato Swap: Replace some or all of the white potatoes with diced sweet potatoes for a touch of sweetness and a different nutritional profile.

Serving Suggestions

This vegetable dumpling soup is a complete meal in itself, but it pairs beautifully with a few simple accompaniments:

• Crusty Bread: A warm, crusty loaf of bread or some rustic rolls are perfect for soaking up every last drop of the delicious broth.
• Side Salad: A light, fresh green salad with a vinaigrette dressing provides a refreshing contrast to the hearty soup.
• Herbed Croutons: Homemade croutons, seasoned with garlic and herbs, can add an extra layer of crunch and flavor.

Storage and Reheating

This soup makes excellent leftovers, often tasting even better the next day as the flavors meld further. However, the dumplings can absorb more liquid and become softer over time.

• Storage: Allow the soup to cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container. Store in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
• Freezing: This soup freezes well! For best results, consider freezing the soup base separately from the dumplings, or add fresh dumplings when reheating from frozen. If freezing with dumplings, know that their texture might change slightly upon thawing and reheating. Store in freezer-safe containers for up to 2-3 months.
• Reheating: Gently reheat on the stovetop over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally, until warmed through. If the soup has thickened too much, you can add a splash of vegetable stock or water to reach your desired consistency.

Vegetable Dumpling Soup Recipe

Vegetable Dumpling Soup Recipe

This soup is packed with flavor! It screams vegetarian comfort food!

Average Rating: 4.84 from 6 votes

Course: Soup

Cuisine: American

Prep Time: 15 minutes

Cook Time: 30 minutes

Total Time: 45 minutes

Servings: 4

Calories: 213 kcal

Author: Leigh Harris

Ingredients

For the dumplings:

• 5 heaping tablespoons all-purpose flour
• 1/2 tsp salt
• 1/2 cup water
• 1 tablespoon olive oil

For the Soup:

• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 small onion, diced
• 3 large carrots, sliced into 1/2 inch pieces
• 2 stalks with leaves celery, sliced into 1/2 inch pieces
• 2 bay leaves
• 1/2 teaspoon fresh ground black pepper
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 teaspoons dried dill
• 6 cups vegetable stock
• 3 medium potatoes, diced into 1/2 inch pieces
• 1-1 1/2 teaspoons salt
• 1/2 cup fresh parsley, chopped

Instructions

1. Prepare the dumpling dough by combining the flour with salt, add water and stir. Add oil and stir again. Set aside until the soup is ready.
2. Heat a thick-bottomed pot (or Dutch oven).
3. Add oil and chopped onions. Saute for about 2-3 minutes.
4. Add carrots and celery, and saute for about 5 minutes.
5. Add bay leaves, black pepper, garlic and dried dill. Stir and saute for about 2 minutes.
6. Add the vegetable stock and salt, cover and bring to a boil, cook until the carrots are slightly tender about 10 minutes.
7. Add the potatoes, cover and cook until fork-tender, about 10 minutes.
8. Add the dumplings a teaspoon at a time by carefully sliding them into the boiling soup. Continue, until you finish the dough. When all the dumplings are added, cover the pot with a lid and boil gently for 8-10 minutes.
9. Add the chopped parsley, taste for salt and pepper.
10. Serve and enjoy!

Nutrition Information (per serving)

• Calories: 213 kcal
• Carbohydrates: 34g
• Protein: 5g
• Fat: 7g
• Saturated Fat: 1g
• Sodium: 2634mg
• Potassium: 916mg
• Fiber: 6g
• Sugar: 6g
• Vitamin A: 10433 IU
• Vitamin C: 33mg
• Calcium: 92mg
• Iron: 6mg

Recipe inspired by Vegansandra.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) About Vegetable Dumpling Soup

Can I make this soup gluten-free?

Yes, you can! For the dumplings, use a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend (one that includes xanthan gum works best for structure). Alternatively, you can omit the dumplings and add cooked gluten-free pasta or rice directly to the soup for a similar hearty texture.

Can I use pre-made dumplings?

Absolutely! While homemade dumplings are a treat, using store-bought vegan dumplings (often found in the freezer aisle of Asian markets or specialty grocery stores) can significantly cut down on prep time. Follow the package instructions for cooking, usually adding them towards the end of the soup’s cooking time.

What if I don’t have fresh dill?

If fresh dill isn’t available, dried dill is a good substitute, as used in this recipe. If you don’t have dried dill either, you can try substituting with other herbs like dried thyme, dried parsley, or a touch of dried marjoram, keeping in mind the flavor profile will shift slightly.

My soup is too thick/thin. How can I fix it?

If your soup is too thick, simply add more vegetable stock or water until you reach your desired consistency. If it’s too thin, you can simmer it uncovered for a bit longer to reduce the liquid, or for a quicker fix, mash a scoop of cooked potatoes and stir them back into the soup to naturally thicken it.

Can I add other vegetables?

Definitely! This soup is very forgiving and adaptable. Feel free to add other quick-cooking vegetables like chopped bell peppers, green beans, peas, corn, or even mushrooms. Add them during the last 10-15 minutes of simmering to ensure they cook through without becoming mushy.

Conclusion: Your Next Favorite Plant-Based Comfort Meal Awaits!

We hope this comprehensive guide inspires you to whip up a batch of this incredibly satisfying Vegetable Dumpling Soup. It’s more than just a meal; it’s an experience of wholesome, plant-based comfort that nourishes both body and soul. With its rich flavors, tender vegetables, and fluffy homemade dumplings, it truly is a dish that screams ‘cozy.’ Whether you’re a seasoned vegan chef or simply looking for a delicious and easy weeknight dinner, this recipe is designed for success.

So, gather your ingredients, follow our steps, and prepare to delight your taste buds. Don’t forget to customize it to your liking and share your creations with us! Happy cooking!