Easy Tamale Soup With Tamale Dumplings Recipe: Cozy Comfort

Comfort meets creativity in this hearty tamale soup that reimagines traditional flavors with unexpected twists.

Steaming bowls promise pure satisfaction for hungry souls seeking warmth and depth.

Mexican culinary traditions inspire each carefully crafted spoonful of this innovative dish.

Tender corn-wrapped dumplings float like delicate clouds amid a rich, spicy broth.

Layers of complex seasonings dance across your palate with remarkable harmony.

Familiar ingredients combine in surprising ways that challenge conventional soup expectations.

Dive into this soul-warming recipe and experience a delightful culinary adventure that will make your taste buds sing.

Why Tamale Soup with Dumplings Stands Out

• Culinary Adventure: Dive into a unique soup experience that blends traditional tamale flavors with a comforting, hearty dish.
• Quick and Satisfying Meal: Prepare a complete dinner with protein-packed ingredients that come together in less than an hour, perfect for busy families.
• Customizable Comfort: Easily adjust spice levels and add your favorite toppings like sour cream, cilantro, or avocado to make this recipe your own personal masterpiece.
• Kid-Friendly Twist: Transform the classic soup into a playful meal with bite-sized tamale dumplings that kids will love picking up and munching on.

What You Need for Tamale Soup with Dumplings

• Black Beans: Hearty legumes that add protein and texture to the soup.
• Corn: Sweet kernels that provide a fresh and juicy element.
• Diced Tomatoes: Tangy and rich base that helps create a robust soup flavor.
• Chicken Broth: Flavorful liquid that forms the foundation of the soup.

• Onion, Bell Peppers, Garlic: Aromatic vegetables that build a deep and complex flavor profile for the soup.

• Chili Powder, Cumin, Smoked Paprika, Oregano: Warm and bold spices that give the soup a distinctive southwestern character.
• Salt, Pepper: Essential seasonings that enhance and balance the overall taste.

• Masa Harina: Traditional corn flour that creates an authentic tamale texture.
• Baking Powder: Leavening agent that helps the dumplings become light and fluffy.

• Broth, Melted Butter: Ingredients that help bind the dumpling dough and add richness.

• Shredded Cheese: Provides extra flavor and creaminess to the dumplings.

Cooking Steps for Tamale Soup with Dumplings

Step 1: Awaken the Flavors

• Diced onion
• Minced garlic
• Chopped bell peppers

Sizzle and dance these ingredients for 4-5 minutes until they soften and release their delightful aroma.

Step 2: Create the Soup Symphony

• Diced tomatoes with juices
• Black beans
• Corn kernels
• Chicken broth
• Chili powder
• Cumin
• Smoked paprika
• Oregano
• Salt
• Pepper

Stir everything together and let the mixture shimmy to a gentle simmer. Allow the soup to bubble and blend flavors for 15 minutes.

Step 3: Craft Magical Dumpling Dough

• Masa harina
• Baking powder
• Salt

Pour in broth and melted butter, mixing until a soft, pillowy dough emerges.

For an extra flavor punch, fold in shredded cheese.

Step 4: Shape Dumpling Treasures

Gently roll the dough into small, adorable balls about the size of a walnut.

Place these delicate dumplings on a plate, ready to dive into the soup.

Step 5: Unite Soup and Dumplings

Carefully drop the dumplings into the simmering soup.

Let them cook for 10-12 minutes until they’re tender and have soaked up the rich, spicy flavors.

Step 6: Serve and Celebrate

Ladle the steaming soup into bowls, ensuring each serving gets a handful of those dreamy dumplings.

Garnish with fresh cilantro or a sprinkle of extra cheese if desired.

Top Tips for Tamale Soup with Dumplings

• Drop the tamale dumplings gently into the simmering soup to prevent breaking them apart during cooking.
• Keep the soup at a low simmer when adding dumplings to ensure they cook evenly and maintain their delicate texture.
• Swap chicken broth with vegetable broth for a vegetarian version that maintains the rich, hearty flavor profile.
• Enhance the protein content by adding shredded chicken or ground turkey directly into the soup base before adding dumplings.
• Store leftover soup in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days, reheating slowly to preserve the dumplings' soft consistency.

Creative Twists on Tamale Soup with Dumplings

• Vegetarian Fiesta Soup: Replace chicken broth with vegetable broth and add extra beans like pinto or kidney beans for protein. Swap masa harina dumplings with cornmeal-based dumplings for a different texture.
• Spicy Southwest Variation: Increase chili powder and add diced jalapeños or chipotle peppers for a hotter kick. Include chorizo or spicy sausage for meat lovers who want intense flavor.
• Gluten-Free Comfort Bowl: Use certified gluten-free masa harina and verify all ingredients are gluten-free. Substitute butter with olive oil or plant-based butter for those with dietary restrictions.
• Lean Protein Power Soup: Incorporate shredded chicken or ground turkey instead of traditional beans. Add quinoa to the dumplings for extra protein and nutritional value.

What Goes Well with Tamale Soup and Dumplings

• Spice Up with Mexican Lager: Crisp Mexican beers like Modelo Especial or Dos Equis perfectly complement the soup's rich, spicy flavors, cutting through the hearty broth with refreshing lightness.
• Zest with Citrus Margarita: A classic lime margarita balances the soup's warmth, offering a tangy counterpoint that highlights the smoky spices and enhances the overall dining experience.
• Pair with Creamy Avocado Salad: A fresh avocado salad with cilantro and lime creates a cool, creamy side that contrasts the soup's robust textures and adds a bright, clean element to the meal.

Best Way to Store Tamale Soup with Dumplings

• Transfer leftover soup to an airtight container, seal tightly, and store in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Keep dumplings separate from the liquid to prevent them from becoming soggy.
• Pour cooled soup into freezer-safe containers, leaving some space for expansion. Freeze dumplings separately in a single layer, then transfer to a freezer bag. Store for up to 2-3 months for best quality.
• Gently warm refrigerated soup in a pot over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally. Add a splash of chicken broth if the soup seems too thick. Microwave in short intervals, stirring between each to ensure even heating.

FAQs

• What is masa harina, and can I substitute it?

Masa harina is a special corn flour used in Mexican cooking. You can substitute with cornmeal, but the texture will be slightly different. For best results, try to find masa harina in Latin grocery stores or the international aisle.

• How do I know the dumplings are fully cooked?

The dumplings will float to the top of the soup and look slightly puffy when they’re done. They typically take about 10-12 minutes to cook through completely. Cut one in half to check for a consistent, cooked texture.

• Is this soup spicy?

The soup has a mild to moderate spice level from chili powder and spices. If you want more heat, add a diced jalapeño during vegetable sautéing or include some hot sauce when serving.

Tamale Soup With Tamale Dumplings Recipe

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4.7 from 19 reviews

• Total Time: 50 minutes
• Yield: 6 1x

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Description

Comforting Mexican tamale soup elevates classic flavors with delightful tamale dumplings swirling in rich, spicy broth. Hearty ingredients and authentic techniques promise a soul-warming meal that connects you to traditional culinary warmth.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Protein and Meat:

• 4 cups chicken broth or vegetable broth

Vegetables and Produce:

• 1 medium onion, diced
• 3 garlic cloves, minced
• 1 red bell pepper, diced
• 1 green bell pepper, diced
• 1 cup frozen corn
• Optional: fresh cilantro
• Optional: diced avocado

Pantry and Canned Goods:

• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 can (15 ounces or 425 grams) diced tomatoes, with juices
• 1 can (15 ounces or 425 grams) black beans, drained and rinsed
• 1 teaspoon chili powder
• 1 teaspoon ground cumin
• 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
• 1/2 teaspoon oregano
• Salt and pepper to taste

Tamale Dumpling Ingredients:

• 1 cup masa harina
• 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1/3 cup chicken or vegetable broth
• 2 tablespoons melted butter or oil
• Optional: 1/4 cup shredded cheese (cheddar or monterey jack)

Garnish:

• Optional: crumbled queso fresco
• Optional: lime wedges

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Instructions

1. Transform a heavy-bottomed pot into a flavor stage by heating olive oil over medium heat. Introduce diced onion, minced garlic, and colorful bell peppers, allowing them to dance and soften for 4-5 minutes, releasing their aromatic essence.
2. Craft the soup’s foundation by cascading diced tomatoes, black beans, and golden corn into the vegetable-laden pot. Pour in chicken broth and sprinkle chili powder, cumin, smoked paprika, oregano, salt, and pepper. Stir the ingredients into a harmonious blend and let the mixture gently simmer for 15 minutes, allowing flavors to intertwine.
3. While the soup gently bubbles, create the tamale dumpling mixture. In a mixing bowl, combine masa harina, baking powder, and salt. Stream in broth and melted butter, whisking until a cohesive, soft dough emerges. Optional: fold shredded cheese into the dough for an extra flavor dimension.
4. Sculpt the dumplings by rolling the dough into small, uniform spheres approximately one inch in diameter. Arrange the delicate dumplings on a clean plate, ready for their culinary journey.
5. Gently nestle the dumplings into the simmering soup, allowing them to cook for 10-12 minutes. The dumplings will expand and absorb the soup’s rich flavors while maintaining a tender texture.
6. Once dumplings are fully cooked and soup has thickened slightly, remove from heat. Let the soup rest for 2-3 minutes to settle and concentrate its flavors before serving.

Notes

• Adjust the chili powder and spices to control the soup’s spiciness, catering to different heat preferences and taste buds.
• Swap chicken broth for vegetable broth and add shredded rotisserie chicken, tofu, or plant-based protein to make the soup more substantial and adaptable to various dietary needs.
• Ensure dumplings are bite-sized and uniform to guarantee even cooking and a consistent texture throughout the soup.
• Experiment with different cheese varieties like pepper jack, cheddar, or queso fresco to add unique flavor profiles and regional twists to the dumpling mixture.

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 30 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner, Appetizer
• Method: Simmering
• Cuisine: Mexican

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 6
• Calories: 198 kcal
• Sugar: 3 g
• Sodium: 370 mg
• Fat: 8 g
• Saturated Fat: 2 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 6 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 27 g
• Fiber: 6 g
• Protein: 7 g
• Cholesterol: 12 mg