Savory Clear Chicken Soup with Herb-Infused Crackerball Dumplings
This delightful Clear Chicken Soup with Herb-Infused Crackerball Dumplings brings warmth and comfort to your table. A delicate broth crafted from clear chicken stock serves as the perfect base for fluffy dumplings made with soda cracker crumbs, butter, and a hint of onion. Infused with fresh parsley and a touch of celery salt, each dumpling is a savory treat. This dish is not only quick to prepare but also encapsulates the essence of home-cooked goodness, ideal for a cozy family meal or a light lunch. Serve it warm and enjoy every spoonful of this heartwarming soup.
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
10
Ingredients
Ingredients
Egg
1 (beaten lightly)
Butter
2 tablespoons (melted)
Fine soda cracker crumbs
6 tablespoons (measured)
Milk
1 tablespoon (measured)
Fresh parsley
1 teaspoon (finely minced)
Onion
1/2 teaspoon (finely minced)
Celery salt
1/4 teaspoon (measured)
Black pepper
1 dash (measured)
Clear chicken stock
2 quarts (homemade is best)
Thyme
to taste (for garnish)
Instructions
1
In a small bowl, lightly beat the egg. Gradually mix in the melted butter until well combined.
2
Add the fine soda cracker crumbs, milk, minced parsley, minced onion, celery salt, and black pepper. Stir until all ingredients are evenly incorporated.
3
Shape the mixture into small balls about the size of walnuts and place them on a plate.
4
Allow the dumplings to sit for 30 minutes to enable them to swell and absorb moisture.
5
In a large saucepan, bring the clear chicken stock to a gentle simmer over medium heat.
6
Carefully drop the dough balls into the simmering broth, making sure they are evenly spaced.
7
Cover the saucepan and let the dumplings cook undisturbed for 10 minutes. Avoid lifting the lid during this time to ensure they steam properly.
8
Once cooked, ladle the soup into bowls, allowing 2-3 dumplings per serving.
9
Garnish with fresh thyme before serving to enhance the aroma and flavor.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Savory Clear Chicken Soup with Herb-Infused Crackerball Dumplings?
This is a heartwarming soup consisting of a delicate clear chicken broth and fluffy dumplings made from cracker crumbs and herbs.
What are the main ingredients for the dumplings?
The dumplings are made from egg, melted butter, fine soda cracker crumbs, milk, minced parsley, onion, celery salt, and black pepper.
How should I prepare the egg for this recipe?
The egg should be lightly beaten in a small bowl before being gradually mixed with melted butter.
Can I use any type of cracker crumbs?
The recipe specifically calls for fine soda cracker crumbs to achieve the desired fluffy texture.
What size should the crackerball dumplings be?
The mixture should be shaped into small balls roughly the size of walnuts.
Why is there a 30-minute resting period for the dumplings?
Resting the dough for 30 minutes allows the cracker crumbs to swell and absorb moisture, ensuring the dumplings hold their shape.
How long do the dumplings need to cook in the broth?
The dumplings should cook undisturbed in the simmering broth for exactly 10 minutes.
Is it okay to peek at the dumplings while they are simmering?
No, you must avoid lifting the lid during the cooking time to ensure the dumplings steam properly.
What type of chicken stock is recommended?
While any clear chicken stock works, homemade clear stock is suggested for the best flavor results.
How many dumplings are typically served per bowl?
It is recommended to allow 2 to 3 dumplings for each serving bowl.
What is the best way to garnish this chicken soup?
Garnish the soup with fresh thyme just before serving to enhance its aroma and flavor profile.
Does the dumpling recipe include onion?
Yes, the dumplings contain half a teaspoon of finely minced onion for added savory depth.
How is the butter incorporated into the dumpling mixture?
The butter should be melted and then gradually stirred into the beaten egg until well combined.
What seasonings are used to flavor the dumplings?
The dumplings are seasoned with celery salt, a dash of black pepper, and finely minced fresh parsley.
What heat setting should be used for the broth?
The clear chicken stock should be brought to a gentle simmer over medium heat before adding the dough balls.
Is this recipe considered a quick meal?
Yes, it is described as a quick-to-prepare dish that encapsulates the essence of home-cooked goodness.
Are fresh herbs necessary for this recipe?
The recipe uses fresh parsley in the dumplings and fresh thyme for garnish to provide an herb-infused flavor.
How much chicken stock is required for this soup?
You will need 2 quarts of clear chicken stock to serve as the base for the soup.
What is the expected texture of the crackerball dumplings?
The crackerball dumplings are designed to be fluffy, soft, and savory.
How much milk is used in the dumpling dough?
The recipe requires 1 tablespoon of milk to help moisten the cracker crumb mixture.
Are the dumplings boiled or steamed in the soup?
They are dropped into simmering broth and then steamed by covering the saucepan with a lid.
What is the purpose of celery salt in the dumplings?
Celery salt is used to add a unique savory flavor that complements the chicken broth.
Should the onion be cooked before adding it to the dough?
No, the onion should be finely minced and added directly to the mixture without pre-cooking.
What role does the egg play in the dumplings?
The egg acts as a binder, ensuring that the cracker crumbs and other ingredients stay together in ball form.
Why is a clear stock preferred over a cloudy one?
A clear stock provides a delicate and refined presentation that emphasizes the herb-infused dumplings.
How much parsley is used in the dumpling mixture?
The recipe calls for 1 teaspoon of finely minced fresh parsley.
How many total ingredients are needed for this recipe?
There are 10 distinct ingredients required to make this soup and its dumplings.
Can the dumpling mixture be cooked immediately?
No, it is important to let the mixture sit for 30 minutes so the dumplings can swell before cooking.
Is this soup a good option for a light lunch?
Yes, it is an ideal choice for either a light lunch or a cozy family meal.
What is the first step in the instructions?
The process begins by lightly beating an egg in a small bowl and mixing in melted butter.