Hearty Bulgarian Tomato & Couscous Dumpling Soup
This Hearty Bulgarian Tomato & Couscous Dumpling Soup is a delightful blend of fresh garden tomatoes, aromatic herbs, and fluffy dumplings that float atop a rich and flavorful broth. Inspired by traditional Bulgarian cuisine, this soup is perfect for a cozy family meal or as a warming dish to share with friends. The combination of sautéed onions and garlic creates a robust base, while the addition of your choice of vegetable stock or tomato juice offers a comforting depth of flavor. The couscous dumplings bring a unique texture and nourishment, making each bowl a fulfilling experience. Serve with a sprinkle of fresh parsley and a dash of sharp cheddar for an irresistible finish.
N/A
Servings
240
Calories
19
Ingredients
Ingredients
onion
1 large (diced)
garlic cloves
4 (minced)
olive oil
3 tablespoons (none)
fresh tomatoes
6 cups (chopped)
hot chili powder
2-3 teaspoons (none)
flour
2 tablespoons (none)
salt
1 teaspoon (none)
ground black pepper
1/2 teaspoon (none)
vegetable stock or tomato juice
4 cups (none)
butter
2 tablespoons (at room temperature)
eggs
2 (separated)
couscous
1/4 cup (none)
boiling water
1/4 cup (none)
flour
3/4 cup (none)
salt
1/4 teaspoon (none)
fresh dill weed
2 teaspoons (none)
milk or vegetable stock
1/3 cup (none)
chopped fresh parsley
to taste (none)
grated sharp cheddar cheese
to taste (none)
Instructions
1
In a large, wide pot, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the diced onions and minced garlic, sautéing them together until the onions have softened and become translucent, about 5-7 minutes.
2
Add the chopped fresh tomatoes to the pot and cook, stirring occasionally, until the tomatoes break down and the mixture thickens, approximately 10-15 minutes.
3
Incorporate the hot chili powder, flour, salt, and ground black pepper into the pot, stirring thoroughly to combine and cook for an additional minute.
4
Gradually pour the vegetable stock or tomato juice into the pot while whisking continuously to ensure the flour completely dissolves, avoiding any lumps.
5
Once the soup base is well combined, use an immersion blender or transfer the soup to a blender in batches, blending until smooth yet still slightly chunky. Return the blended soup to the pot.
6
Bring the blended soup to a rolling boil, then lower the heat and let it simmer gently for 20 to 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.
7
While the soup simmers, prepare the dumpling mixture. Beat the butter with the egg yolks in a mixing bowl until creamy and well combined.
8
In a small bowl, place the couscous and pour the boiling water over it. Cover with a lid or plate and let it steam for 5 minutes until fully absorbed.
9
To the creamed butter and egg yolk mixture, add the steamed couscous, flour, salt, dill, and your choice of milk or vegetable stock. Mix until fully combined to form a batter.
10
In a separate bowl, beat the egg whites until stiff peaks form. Gently fold the egg whites into the couscous mixture until well blended. Be careful not to deflate the egg whites too much.
11
Once the soup has finished simmering, drop spoonfuls of the dumpling batter into the hot soup. Cover and cook the dumplings for about 15 minutes, or until they rise to the surface and are fully cooked.
12
To check if the dumplings are cooked, remove one and cut it in half. If it’s cooked through, the soup is ready to serve.
13
Ladle the soup into bowls, garnishing generously with chopped fresh parsley and a sprinkle of grated sharp cheddar cheese. Enjoy!
Nutrition Information
9g
Fat
35g
Carbs
8g
Protein
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Hearty Bulgarian Tomato & Couscous Dumpling Soup?
It is a flavorful soup featuring fresh tomatoes, aromatic herbs, and light couscous dumplings, inspired by traditional Bulgarian cuisine.
How many tomatoes do I need for this recipe?
The recipe calls for 6 cups of chopped fresh garden tomatoes.
Can I use tomato juice instead of vegetable stock?
Yes, you can use 4 cups of either vegetable stock or tomato juice for the soup base.
How long should I sauté the onions and garlic?
The onions and garlic should be sautéed in olive oil for about 5-7 minutes until softened and translucent.
What spices are used to flavor the soup base?
The soup is seasoned with hot chili powder, salt, and ground black pepper.
How do I achieve a smooth consistency for the soup?
Use an immersion blender or a standard blender to blend the tomato mixture until it is smooth but still slightly chunky.
How long does the soup need to simmer before adding dumplings?
After blending, let the soup simmer gently for 20 to 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.
How is the couscous prepared for the dumplings?
Pour 1/4 cup of boiling water over 1/4 cup of couscous and let it steam covered for 5 minutes until the water is absorbed.
Why do the eggs need to be separated for the dumplings?
The yolks are mixed with butter for creaminess, while the whites are beaten to stiff peaks and folded in to make the dumplings light and fluffy.
What herb is used inside the dumpling batter?
Two teaspoons of fresh dill weed are added to the dumpling mixture for aromatic flavor.
How much flour is required for the dumplings?
The dumpling batter requires 3/4 cup of flour.
What liquid is used in the dumpling batter?
You can use 1/3 cup of either milk or additional vegetable stock.
How do I cook the dumplings in the soup?
Drop spoonfuls of the batter into the hot soup, cover the pot, and cook for approximately 15 minutes.
How can I tell if the dumplings are fully cooked?
Remove one dumpling and cut it in half; if it is cooked through and has risen to the surface, the soup is ready.
What are the recommended garnishes for this soup?
Serve the soup with a generous sprinkle of fresh parsley and grated sharp cheddar cheese.
Is this recipe vegetarian?
Yes, this recipe is vegetarian as it uses vegetable stock and plant-based or dairy ingredients.
How many calories are in a serving of this soup?
There are approximately 240 calories per serving.
What is the fat content per serving?
Each serving contains about 9 grams of fat.
How much protein is in this dish?
This soup provides 8 grams of protein per serving.
How many carbohydrates are in a serving?
There are 35 grams of carbohydrates per serving.
What type of oil is used for the base?
The recipe uses 3 tablespoons of olive oil.
How many garlic cloves are needed?
You will need 4 minced garlic cloves.
What is the purpose of the flour in the soup base?
Two tablespoons of flour are added to help thicken the tomato broth.
How much butter is used for the dumplings?
The recipe calls for 2 tablespoons of butter at room temperature.
What kind of chili powder should I use?
The recipe specifically suggests 2-3 teaspoons of hot chili powder for a robust flavor.
Is the soup blended completely smooth?
The instructions recommend blending until smooth yet still slightly chunky for texture.
What size onion is required?
The recipe calls for one large diced onion.
Can I use dried parsley instead of fresh?
While fresh parsley is recommended for garnishing, dried parsley can be used as a substitute if necessary.
How many ingredients are in this recipe in total?
There are 19 separate ingredients used in this recipe.
What are the key tags for this recipe?
Tags include Bulgarian cuisine, comfort food, tomato soup, and dumplings.