Hearty Bean Soup with Fluffy Cornmeal Dumplings

Quick and Easy Bean Soup with Dumplings

Looking for a comforting, hearty meal that’s both easy to prepare and budget-friendly? This Quick and Easy Bean Soup with Dumplings recipe will warm your soul while keeping the kitchen time minimal. Loaded with protein-rich beans and vegetables, this flavorful soup comes together with simple pantry staples and is topped off with light, fluffy dumplings. Perfect for a cozy family dinner, this dish is ideal when you’re short on time but still want a home-cooked meal. Follow the step-by-step instructions below to make this delicious soup, and enjoy every bite!

Ingredients and Nutritional Information

Below is a breakdown of the ingredients you’ll need, along with the approximate nutritional content of the soup, which yields 2 quarts of soup.

Nutritional Information (per serving, yields approximately 4 servings):

Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Soup

1. Combine the Ingredients:
   • In a large saucepan, combine 3 cups of water, 1 can of kidney beans, 1 can of black beans, 1 can of Mexican-style diced tomatoes, 1 can of green chilies, 1 cup of frozen corn, 1 chopped onion, 1 chopped carrot, 3 beef bouillon cubes, 3 minced garlic cloves, 1 tablespoon chili powder, 1/2 teaspoon of salt, and 1/4 teaspoon of ground black pepper.
2. Bring to a Boil:
   • Over medium heat, stir all the ingredients together and bring the soup to a boil. Once boiling, reduce the heat and let the soup simmer for about 1 hour, or until the vegetables are tender. Stir occasionally to make sure all the flavors blend well.

Step 2: Prepare the Dumplings

3. Mix Dry Ingredients:

   • In a medium-sized bowl, whisk together 1/2 cup of all-purpose flour, 1/4 cup of yellow cornmeal, 1 tablespoon of baking powder, and 1/4 teaspoon of salt. This will be the dry base for your dumplings.

4. Prepare Wet Ingredients:

   • In a separate small bowl, combine 1 egg white, 1/2 cup of milk, and 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil. Stir well until the mixture is fully combined.

5. Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients:

   • Gradually add the wet ingredients into the dry mixture, stirring gently until a soft dough forms. Be careful not to overmix, as this could make the dumplings dense.

Step 3: Cook the Dumplings

6. Add Dumplings to the Soup:

   • Once the soup has simmered and the vegetables are tender, increase the heat slightly so that the soup is gently boiling. Using a spoon, drop the dumpling dough into the soup, creating 8 mounds. Each dumpling should sit atop the bubbling soup.

7. Simmer with the Dumplings:

   • After placing the dumplings in the soup, reduce the heat, cover the saucepan, and let the soup simmer for 15-20 minutes. During this time, the dumplings will steam in the soup and puff up. Resist the temptation to lift the lid while the dumplings are cooking, as this will ensure they cook properly and stay fluffy.

Step 4: Serve and Enjoy!

8. Serve Hot:
   • Once the dumplings are fully cooked, remove the soup from the heat and give it a final stir. Ladle the soup into bowls, ensuring each serving gets a dumpling or two. This dish is best served piping hot, with the warm, tender dumplings soaking up the flavorful broth.

For extra garnish, sprinkle a bit of fresh cilantro or a dollop of sour cream for added creaminess.

Cooking Tips:

• Spice Level: If you prefer a spicier soup, you can add more chili powder or even some cayenne pepper to taste.
• Beans and Vegetables: Feel free to use other types of beans like pinto or navy beans, or add in extra vegetables such as bell peppers or zucchini for more nutrition.
• Dumpling Texture: If you prefer a lighter texture, you can substitute half the all-purpose flour with whole wheat flour or gluten-free flour for a healthier twist.

This Quick and Easy Bean Soup with Dumplings recipe is not only filling but also customizable, allowing you to adjust ingredients based on your pantry or preferences. Enjoy this wholesome meal with family or friends, and savor the combination of rich beans and light, fluffy dumplings!