Winter Broth With Dumplings the Way My Nana Makes
Cook Time: 1 hour
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
Description:
This heartwarming Winter Broth With Dumplings is a cherished family recipe, passed down from my nana. It’s a comforting dish that not only warms the soul but also nourishes the body. The beauty of this recipe lies in its flexibility—you can use whatever vegetables you have on hand, making it a delightful dish for experimentation. While it’s traditionally served with crusty buttered bread, you can also enjoy it as a standalone soup by blending some or all of the broth for a thicker texture. Feel free to adjust the liquid content to your liking and explore different combinations of herbs and vegetables.

Recipe Category: One Dish Meal
Keywords: Lunch/Snacks, Vegetable, Vegan, Winter, Christmas, Weeknight, Stove Top, < 4 Hours, Inexpensive
Ingredients:
Quantity | Ingredient |
---|---|
1 | Butter |
2 | Leeks |
3 | Carrots |
1/2 | Cabbage |
1 | Swede |
2 | Turnip |
2 | Tomatoes |
2 | Celery |
2 | Bay leaves |
1 | Thyme |
1 | Oregano |
– | Salt |
– | Pepper |
3 | Vegetable bouillon cubes |
2 | Boiling water |
1/4 | Dried red lentils |
6 | Barley |
3 | Plain flour |
1 | Vegetable suet |
– | Salt |
– | Cold water |
Nutritional Information (Per Serving):
- Calories: 531.5
- Fat Content: 25.9g
- Saturated Fat Content: 6g
- Cholesterol Content: 0mg
- Sodium Content: 137.5mg
- Carbohydrate Content: 66.1g
- Fiber Content: 11.9g
- Sugar Content: 13.2g
- Protein Content: 11.7g
Recipe Instructions:
- In a very large pan, heat the oil or butter very gently.
- Over a low flame, add the leeks, turnip, carrots, and celery, tossing them around to coat in oil, then cover with a lid.
- Shake the pan at regular intervals, allowing the vegetables to ‘sweat’ for about 10 minutes.
- Now add the remaining vegetables, dissolve the stock cubes in water and add this, along with the herbs, a touch of salt, and pepper (adjust seasoning later). Bring to a boil, replace the lid, and simmer for at least an hour to develop the flavors of the vegetables.
- Add the barley or lentils after about 20 minutes of cooking time.
- Meanwhile, prepare the dumpling mix by combining the dry ingredients and mixing to a soft but not sticky dough with cold water.
- Divide the dough into small pieces about the size of golf balls and drop them one by one into the simmering soup.
- Replace the lid and cook for 15-20 minutes until the dumplings puff up and become light and fluffy.
- Serve piping hot with plenty of crusty bread and butter on the side for dipping and savoring the rich flavors of the broth.
Enjoy the warmth and comfort of this cherished family recipe, perfect for cold winter nights or any time you need a nourishing meal! 🍲🥖