Ingredients:
For the Dumplings:
– 1 cup all-purpose flour (unbleached or gluten-free alternative)
– 1 tsp baking powder
– ¾ tsp sea salt
– 2 tbsp canned coconut milk (or melted vegan butter/neutral oil)
– ⅓ – ½ cup warm water
For the Soup:
– 1 medium sweet or yellow onion, diced
– 3 ribs celery, sliced thinly
– 3 medium carrots, sliced thinly
– 3-4 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 cup white or crimini mushrooms, chopped
– 1 cup baby spinach or other greens
– 1 can butter beans (or 1 ½ cups beans of choice)
– 4 cups vegetable broth + 2 cups water
– 1 tsp dried Italian herb blend
– ½ tsp smoked paprika
– ¼ – ⅓ cup canned coconut milk for creaminess (optional)
Instructions:
Make the dumpling dough: In a medium-sized bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, and salt. Create a well in the center, add coconut milk (or vegan butter/oil) and warm water. Mix until a sticky dough forms. Adjust with more warm water or flour if needed. Once formed, cover the bowl with a kitchen towel and set aside.
Saute the vegetables: Heat a large pot over medium-high heat. Saute onions, carrots, and celery with a few tablespoons of water (or oil, if preferred) for 3-4 minutes until the onions are translucent. Add garlic and sauté for one minute. Stir in the spices and cook for one additional minute.
Add soup base: Incorporate mushrooms, broth, water, and butter beans. Bring the mixture to a boil.
Add dumplings: Using a small spoon, drop dumpling dough into the boiling soup. Each should be approximately 2-2.5 teaspoons, as they will puff up. Let them cook uncovered for about 10-12 minutes, or until they are light and fluffy inside. Test one to confirm.
Finalize the soup: Stir in spinach and coconut milk until spinach wilts and the soup becomes creamy. Remove the pot from heat.
Tips:
If using harder vegetables like potatoes, chop them into small pieces or simmer longer before adding dumplings. To store the soup and dumplings, separate the dumplings from the broth to maintain their texture.
This soup is cozy, creamy, and quick to make, perfect as a comforting meal. Enjoy!