Cozy Coconut Curry Soup with Dumplings

Introduction

I recently made this Cozy Coconut Curry Soup with Dumplings for my family, and it was an instant hit! The creamy coconut broth combined with the warmth of curry spices created such a comforting dish, and the soft, fluffy dumplings added a perfect texture to every bite. My kids loved the sweetness of the sweet potatoes and the pop of color from the red bell peppers. This soup is the perfect antidote to a chilly evening, offering warmth, flavor, and a little bit of spice. It’s now a go-to recipe for when I want to make something hearty and satisfying for dinner.

Why You’ll Love This Cozy Coconut Curry Soup with Dumplings
This soup is more than just comforting; it’s packed with bold flavors and textures. The coconut milk brings a creamy richness to the broth, while the combination of red curry paste, turmeric, cumin, and paprika creates a deliciously warm and fragrant soup base. The sweet potatoes add a natural sweetness that pairs perfectly with the savory and spicy flavors. The addition of dumplings takes this dish to the next level, giving it an extra comforting element that will leave you satisfied and cozy. Perfect for chilly nights, this soup is both nourishing and filling, with a touch of spice that’s not overwhelming.

Ingredients

For the Soup:

• 1 tablespoon coconut oil (or vegetable oil)
• 1 medium onion, diced
• 3 garlic cloves, minced
• 1 tablespoon fresh ginger, grated
• 2 tablespoons red curry paste
• 1 teaspoon turmeric powder
• 1 teaspoon ground cumin
• 1/2 teaspoon paprika
• 4 cups vegetable or chicken broth
• 1 (14 oz) can coconut milk
• 1 medium sweet potato, peeled and diced
• 1 red bell pepper, thinly sliced
• 1 cup baby spinach (or kale)
• 2 tablespoons soy sauce or tamari
• 1 tablespoon lime juice
• Salt and pepper to taste

For the Dumplings:

• 1 cup all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon baking powder
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 2 tablespoons coconut oil or butter, melted
• 1/3 cup coconut milk (or regular milk)

Optional Toppings:

• Fresh cilantro, chopped
• Sliced green onions
• Red chili flakes for heat
• Lime wedges

Instructions

1. Prepare the Soup Base:
   In a large pot, heat the coconut oil over medium heat. Add the diced onion and sauté for about 3 minutes until softened.
   Stir in the minced garlic, grated ginger, red curry paste, turmeric, cumin, and paprika. Let the spices cook for about 1-2 minutes until fragrant.
   Pour in the vegetable or chicken broth and the coconut milk, stirring to combine.
   Add the diced sweet potato and bring the soup to a gentle simmer. Let it cook for 10 minutes or until the sweet potato is tender.
   Stir in the red bell pepper, baby spinach (or kale), soy sauce, and lime juice. Season with salt and pepper to taste, then remove from heat.
2. Make the Dumplings:
   In a medium-sized bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt.
   Add the melted coconut oil and coconut milk, stirring until a sticky dough forms.
3. Add Dumplings to the Soup:
   Using a spoon, drop small dollops of dumpling dough into the simmering soup. Be sure not to overcrowd the pot.
   Cover the pot and let the dumplings cook for 8-10 minutes, or until they are puffed up and cooked through.
4. Serve:
   Ladle the soup into bowls, making sure each bowl gets a few of the fluffy dumplings.
   Garnish with fresh cilantro, green onions, chili flakes for extra heat, and lime wedges for a zesty kick.

Nutrition Facts
Servings: 4 (approximately 1.5 cups per serving)

• Calories: 350
• Sugar: 12g
• Sodium: 800mg
• Fat: 23g
  • Saturated Fat: 13g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 8g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 36g
  • Fiber: 6g
• Protein: 6g
• Cholesterol: 10mg

Preparation Time

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 30 minutes
• Total Time: 40 minutes

How to Serve

• Ladle the soup into bowls, making sure each serving has some dumplings.
• Garnish with fresh cilantro, chopped green onions, and a sprinkle of red chili flakes for heat.
• Serve with lime wedges on the side for a citrusy kick.
• For extra protein, consider topping the soup with roasted chickpeas or a hard-boiled egg.
• Pair with crusty bread or a light salad for a complete meal.

Additional Tips

1. Customize the Vegetables: Feel free to swap the sweet potato and bell pepper for other vegetables such as carrots, zucchini, or peas.
2. Make it Vegan: Ensure that the dumplings are made with coconut oil and coconut milk to keep this recipe fully plant-based.
3. Adjust the Spice: If you prefer a milder version, reduce the amount of red curry paste, or omit the red chili flakes.
4. Store Leftovers: This soup keeps well in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Just reheat gently before serving.
5. Freeze for Later: You can freeze the soup (without the dumplings) for up to 3 months. Add the dumplings fresh when reheating.

FAQ Section

1. Can I use regular milk instead of coconut milk?
   Yes, you can substitute regular milk for coconut milk, but the soup will lose some of its creamy richness and flavor.
2. Can I add meat to this soup?
   Absolutely! You can add cooked chicken or shrimp for an extra protein boost. Just stir it in with the vegetables.
3. What if I don’t have red curry paste?
   If you don’t have red curry paste, you can use a combination of curry powder, chili paste, and a little bit of paprika to create a similar flavor profile.
4. Can I make the dumplings gluten-free?
   Yes, you can make the dumplings gluten-free by substituting the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend.
5. Is this soup spicy?
   The soup has a mild to moderate spice level, but you can adjust the spice by using less red curry paste and omitting the chili flakes.
6. How can I make the dumplings lighter?
   For lighter dumplings, use less coconut milk and consider adding a little extra baking powder.
7. Can I use kale instead of spinach?
   Yes, kale works great in this soup! Just be sure to remove the tough stems and chop it into smaller pieces.
8. How long do the dumplings need to cook?
   The dumplings need about 8-10 minutes to cook and puff up. If they’re still raw in the middle, let them cook for a few more minutes.
9. Can I make this soup ahead of time?
   Yes, this soup can be made ahead of time, but the dumplings are best added fresh when you’re ready to serve.
10. Can I skip the dumplings?
    If you prefer, you can skip the dumplings altogether and enjoy the soup as a simple coconut curry broth with vegetables.

This Cozy Coconut Curry Soup with Dumplings is perfect for any day when you need a comforting meal that fills you up and warms you from the inside out. It’s easy to make, customizable to your preferences, and absolutely delicious.

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