Chicken & Dumplings Soup: A Bowl of Comfort

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Prepare the Soup Base

• Heat olive oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat.
• Add the onion, carrots, and celery, cooking until softened (about 5 minutes).
• Stir in the garlic and cook for an additional 1-2 minutes until fragrant.

2. Simmer the Soup

• Pour in the chicken broth, then add the shredded chicken, thyme, bay leaf, and a pinch of salt and pepper.
• Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer and let it cook for 10 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.

3. Make the Dumpling Dough

• In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt.
• Stir in the melted butter and milk until the dough comes together. It should be slightly sticky but easy to handle.

4. Add the Dumplings

• Reduce the soup to a low simmer. Drop spoonfuls of the dumpling dough into the soup, spacing them evenly.
• Cover the pot and let the dumplings cook for 10-12 minutes, or until they are puffed up and cooked through.

5. Finish with Cream

• Stir in the heavy cream to give the soup a rich, velvety texture.
• Taste and adjust the seasoning with more salt and pepper if needed.

6. Serve and Enjoy

• Ladle the soup into bowls, making sure each serving gets a few dumplings. Garnish with fresh parsley for a pop of color if desired.

Tips for Perfect Chicken & Dumplings Soup

• Use Fresh Herbs: If you have fresh thyme or parsley on hand, it adds a vibrant flavor to the soup.
• Avoid Overcrowding Dumplings: Leave space between the dumplings so they can puff up properly.
• Thicker Soup: For a thicker consistency, mix 1 tablespoon of cornstarch with 2 tablespoons of water and stir it in before adding the cream.