Delicious Green Bean Dumpling Soup Recipe You’ll Love
Southern cuisine is not just food, it’s an experience. A meal that warms your soul and fills your belly with comfort and satisfaction. The Southern Green Bean Dumpling Soup is one such dish that embodies the essence of southern-style cooking. This soup will steal your heart and fill your taste buds with divine flavors.
When I first tasted this soup as a young chef, I was immediately transported back to my grandmother’s kitchen where she would serve up the most delicious homemade soups. This recipe holds a special place in my heart because it reminds me of the love that went into those meals.
The combination of fresh green beans, tender potatoes, and salty bacon make for a mouth-watering concoction that leaves you wanting more. The pillowy dumplings floating on top complement the savory broth perfectly to create an irresistible marriage of flavors.
Whether you’re a seasoned cook or new to the kitchen, this recipe is sure to impress. Join me in creating a pot of Southern Green Bean Dumpling Soup that will leave your loved ones speechless and satisfied by following the simple steps laid out in this article.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Picture this: a warm, hearty bowl of soup that fills your belly with the comforting flavors of southern cooking. That’s what you’ll get with my Southern Green Bean Dumpling Soup Recipe!
What sets this soup apart from other recipes is the perfect balance of protein-packed ingredients and fresh green vegetables. The combination of green beans and potatoes makes for a filling and nutrient-dense meal that will keep you fueled throughout the day.
But let’s talk about those dumplings! Made with flour, eggs, and heavy whipping cream, they are the epitome of comfort food. When added to the broth, they transform the soup into something truly special – a dish that is both delicious and satisfying.
And the secret ingredient? Bacon. Cut into small pieces and added to the soup, it gives a smoky flavor to complement the veggies and dumplings perfectly. But fear not my vegan friends, bacon can easily be replaced with vegan bacon or simply omitted.
This soup is everything we crave in a soulful southern dish – rich, creamy, and flavorful. And don’t get me started on how easy it is to make! Just follow my step-by-step instructions and you’ll have a pot of goodness ready in no time.
So why will you love this recipe? Because it’s a little taste of southern comfort that is sure to make your taste buds dance with joy.
Ingredient List
To make this Southern Green Bean Dumpling Soup, you will need a few key ingredients that make it unique and flavorful. Here are the ingredients required to prepare this recipe:
Soup
- Green beans (4 cups): You can use fresh or frozen green beans. If you’re using fresh green beans, make sure to snap off the ends and cut them into small pieces.
- Potatoes (2): For the soup base, use two medium-sized potatoes, sliced or diced.
- Bacon (6 slices): Cut the bacon into small pieces to add a smoky flavor to the soup.
- Chicken broth (4 cups): Use low-sodium chicken broth or make your own chicken stock.
- Bouillon cubes (2): Dissolve two bouillon cubes in water for added flavor and seasoning.
Dumplings
- Flour (1 cup): All-purpose flour is ideal for making dumplings.
- Eggs (2): To hold the ingredients together, beaten eggs are necessary.
- Heavy whipping cream (1/2 cup): Adds richness and creaminess to the dumplings.
- Salt and pepper: Required for seasoning.
All these ingredients together create a rich and flavorful soup made with a southern-style of cooking that is both hearty and soul-satisfying.
The Recipe How-To
Now that we have gone through the ingredients list, let’s get started with the recipe. Make sure you have all ingredients ready before starting.
Green Bean Dumplings
- Combine 1 cup flour, 1 large egg, and 2 tablespoons of heavy whipping cream in a mixing bowl.
- Stir until you have a smooth mixture.
- Shape the dough into small balls about the size of marbles.
- Boil salted water in a separate pot.
- Drop the dumplings in boiling water and cook for about 8-10 minutes, or until they float on top of the water.
The Soup
- Cut bacon into small pieces and fry until crisp in a large pot.
- Add 4 bouillon cubes, stirring until crumbled and mixed.
- Add 43 ounces of water (5 ½ cups) to the pot with bacon and bouillon mixture.
- Bring to a Boil, then reduce heat to low.
- Add potatoes cut into small pieces, green beans cut into small pieces, and 2 cups of chicken broth (use low sodium if possible).
- Simmer for about 15-20 minutes or until vegetables are tender.
Bringing it all Together
- Once your veggies are cooked through, add your green bean dumplings to the pot with soup.
- Let them boil together for a few minutes until heated through.
- Finish by adding salt and pepper to taste.
- Optionally, serve with fresh bread or cornbread.
Enjoy your delicious Southern green bean dumpling soup!
Substitutions and Variations
When it comes to making substitutions or variations for the Southern Green Bean Dumpling Soup recipe, there are numerous options available. For those who follow a vegetarian or vegan diet, simply leave out the bacon and chicken broth and use vegetable bouillon cubes instead for a delicious meat-free option. Alternatively, you can replace the bacon with crumbled tofu or tempeh for added protein.
If you prefer a creamier soup, swap heavy whipping cream for evaporated milk or Greek yogurt. You can also add a can of cream of chicken or mushroom soup for added richness.
For those watching their sodium intake, low-sodium chicken broth or bouillon cubes can be used in place of regular. To further reduce the sodium content, use fresh green beans and potatoes instead of canned.
Another great variation is to add ham hock or diced ham to the soup for a heartier flavor. This variation is popular in soul food cuisine and provides an added smoky flavor that pairs well with the green beans and dumplings.
If you’re short on time and don’t have hours to devote to cooking this soup on the stovetop, consider using a slow cooker instead. Simply brown the bacon and sauté the onions before adding all of the ingredients (except the flour and eggs) to the slow cooker. Cook on low for 6-8 hours and then thicken the soup with flour and egg-based dumplings just before serving.
Regardless of which variation or substitution you choose, this Southern Green Bean Dumpling Soup recipe is sure to please. So go ahead, get creative in your kitchen and enjoy this soul-warming dish in true Southern style!
Serving and Pairing
Now that your Southern green bean dumpling soup is hot and ready, it’s time to get your serving game on! This delightful soup is best served piping hot, just like in the good old days when it was freshly cooked over a wood stove. But before we delve into the serving tips, let’s first explore how to pair this scrumptious soup with its perfect co-stars.
This hearty and satisfying soup pairs exceptionally well with freshly baked cornbread, a staple of southern cuisine that provides a good crunchy contrast to the soup’s velvety texture. You can also serve it alongside some light and buttery biscuits, which will soak up the broth beautifully. If you’re in the mood for something more substantial, try serving the soup with some smoked ham hock or turkey neck, which will add an infusion of rich flavor to the dish.
Now that we’ve got our sides sorted, let’s talk about presentation. One easy way to elevate any dish’s presentation is by using attractive serving bowls. For this soup, I would recommend a deep bowl with a neutral or earth-toned color. It’ll complement your golden-green dumpling soup nicely while creating a cozy atmosphere.
To add some rustic charm, try serving this soup in individual enamelware mugs or small cast-iron skillets. They’re perfect if you’re having guests over and want to serve the soup as a starter or appetizer during dinner.
Lastly, add some fresh herbs like parsley or chives on top for an eye-catching garnish that brings out the green flavors of the soup. And voila! You’ve got yourself a stunning meal that’ll delight your guests and warm their bellies.
In conclusion, you can’t go wrong with these pairing options when it comes to Southern green bean dumpling soup. Be creative and have fun experimenting with different sides to suit your taste buds. This recipe is wholly flexible and can be tailor-fit to meet your preferences. So, whether you’re a vegan or a meat lover, Southern green bean dumpling soup will not disappoint.
Make-Ahead, Storing and Reheating
One of the best things about Southern Green Bean Dumpling Soup is that it can be made ahead of time and stored for later. This soup tastes even better after sitting in the fridge overnight, as it allows all the flavors to fully meld together.
To make this soup ahead of time, simply prepare the recipe as directed and let it cool to room temperature. Once cooled, spoon the soup into an airtight container and place it in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
When you’re ready to serve it, simply reheat the soup on low heat over the stovetop while stirring occasionally until thoroughly heated. If you find that your soup has thickened during storage, add a little bit of chicken broth or water to achieve your desired consistency.
If you have leftovers, refrigerate them in an airtight container for up to 4 days or freeze them for up to 3 months. When reheating frozen soup, allow it to thaw completely in the refrigerator overnight before reheating on low heat over the stovetop.
Southern Green Bean Dumpling Soup is perfect for meal prepping and makes wonderful leftovers too!
Tips for Perfect Results
To achieve perfect results with this Southern Green Bean Dumpling Soup recipe, I have compiled some helpful tips that will take your cooking to the next level.
1. Bacon is key: When it comes to Southern-style cuisine, bacon can do no wrong. In this recipe, I highly recommend using fresh bacon cut into small pieces. Not only does it add a delicious flavor, but it also helps create a base for the soup.
2. Use chicken broth: To add depth and richness to the soup, use chicken broth instead of plain water. This simple substitution will make a noticeable difference in the overall flavor of the dish.
3. Don’t skimp on the green beans: The star of this dish is, of course, the green beans. Be sure to use fresh green beans if possible and don’t be afraid to add more than what is called for in the recipe.
4. Use low-sodium ingredients: With ingredients like bouillon cubes and cream-based soups, it’s easy for sodium levels to skyrocket. To avoid an overly salty dish, choose low-sodium options.
5. Adjust seasoning as needed: Don’t be afraid to taste and adjust seasoning as needed throughout the cooking process. Adding a pinch of pepper or a dash of salt can make all the difference in creating a perfectly balanced soup.
By following these simple tips, you’re sure to impress your guests with a delicious and authentic Southern Green Bean Dumpling Soup that tastes just like it was cooked by grandma herself.
FAQ
Before we conclude this recipe article, let’s address some commonly asked questions regarding this southern-style green bean dumpling soup recipe. I understand that sometimes things can get confusing or unclear when it comes to cooking, so let me do my best to clear up any doubts you may have about this delicious soup. Let’s dive into the FAQ section!
How to get the soup in the dumpling?
To infuse dumplings with soup, one must prepare aspic or a meat broth that has solidified. This can be achieved by making chicken broth or pork broth and chilling it until it becomes gelatinous.
What is in dumplings?
When it comes to dumplings, there are a few ways on how to make them. Typically, flour or meal is combined with egg and cooked in water or gravy stock until they become a spongey texture. To add more flavor, ingredients like herbs, onions, grated cheese, or chopped meat can be mixed in with the dough before cooking.
Bottom Line
the article:
In conclusion, this Southern Green Bean Dumpling Soup recipe is a must-try for any home cook who wants to bring some soulful comfort food to their dinner table. With its rich flavors and textures that are unique to Southern style cuisine, this soup is sure to warm your soul and satisfy your taste buds. The combination of tender green beans and perfectly cooked potato dumplings in a savory chicken broth base will make this dish a favorite among your family and friends.
Not only is this recipe easy to follow, but it’s also versatile enough to be adapted to different preferences and dietary needs. You can use vegan or bacon soup instead of the chicken broth or replace the ham hock with bouillon cubes for a lower sodium option. You can even experiment with adding other vegetables like carrots or celery for extra depth of flavor.
Whether you’re in the mood for a cozy meal at home or want to impress your guests with a hearty and delicious soup, this Southern Green Bean Dumpling Soup recipe has got you covered. So why not give it a try? Follow the instructions, use quality ingredients, and trust your intuition. You won’t regret it!
Southern Green Bean Dumpling Soup Recipe
Ingredients
Soup
- 1 (15 ounce) can potatoes, diced
- 1 (15 ounce) can green beans, French cut
- 6 1/2 cups water
- 6 1/2 bouillon cubes
- 1 strip bacon, raw, diced
- 1/2 white onion, sliced
- 1 pint heavy whipping cream
- pepper, to taste
Dumplings
- 3 eggs
- 1 1/2 cups flour
Thickening (Roue)
- 1 1/2-2 tablespoons flour
- 2 tablespoons Crisco (solid)
Instructions
- In large pot/kettle mix water and bouillon cubes; add potatoes and green beans (draining is an option); bring to boil.
- For dumplings:.
- Mix together flour (1 1/2 cup) and eggs - adding enough water to make the dough sticky. Add dough to boiling water 1/2 T at a time (will float to top when done; reduce heat.
- For roue:.
- Brown flour (1 1/2 - 2 T) and Criso in small cast iron skillet; gradually add to liquid stirring until soup thickens to desired consistency.
- To complete:.
- Add whipping cream and pepper to taste; simmer until serve.