Mouth-watering Vegetarian Chicken and Dumplings Recipe
As a vegan chef, I believe that creating delicious and comforting dishes should not come at the cost of animal welfare. That’s why I’m excited to share with you my vegetarian chicken and dumplings recipe that is both vegan-friendly and incredibly flavorful.
This recipe is made with plant-based ingredients such as tofu, mushrooms, and vegetable broth that bring the same rich and heartwarming tastes that a traditional chicken soup has. The homemade drop dumplings add an extra touch of comfort to this one-pot dish that can be enjoyed any time of the year.
Whether you’re a vegan looking for a new comfort food recipe to add to your arsenal or someone curious about plant-based cooking, this vegetarian chicken and dumplings recipe has something special in store for you. So let’s get started!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Are you looking for a comforting and hearty meal that’s also cruelty-free? Look no further than this Vegetarian Chicken and Dumplings recipe!
Not only is this recipe completely plant-based, it’s also incredibly versatile. You can easily make it gluten-free by using a gluten-free flour blend instead of all-purpose flour. And if you’re missing the taste and texture of chicken, don’t worry – this recipe uses vegan chicken dumplings made from tofu or soy curls, which give it the same savory flavor and meaty texture as traditional chicken.
But what really sets this recipe apart is its simplicity. Made in just one pot, it’s an easy and convenient option for busy weeknights when you don’t have a lot of time to spend in the kitchen. And with ingredients like kale, broccoli florets, zucchini, new potatoes, and mushrooms, it’s a healthy and wholesome meal that you can feel good about serving to your family.
Plus, who doesn’t love a good comfort food dish? This Vegetarian Chicken and Dumplings delivers all the cozy warmth and satisfying flavor of classic chicken soup with homemade drop dumplings, but without any of the guilt. So why not give it a try? Your taste buds – and your conscience – will thank you.
Ingredient List
Let’s take a closer look at the ingredients for this heartwarming vegetarian chicken and dumplings recipe. This comforting soup is made with delicious vegan chicken dumplings, fresh vegetables, and homemade drop dumplings. Here’s what you’ll need:
For the Vegetarian Chicken Dumplings
- 2 cups of unbleached all-purpose flour
- 1 tablespoon of baking powder
- 1 teaspoon of salt
- 1 cup of unsweetened plant milk (e.g. soy milk or almond milk)
- 2 tablespoons of olive oil
- 1/2 cup of diced onion
- 2 stalks of celery, diced
For the Soup Base
- 1 tablespoon of olive oil
- 1 large yellow onion, diced
- 3-4 cloves of garlic, minced
- 2 stalks of celery, diced
- 4 cups of vegetable broth or chicken-free broth
- 4 cups of water
- 1 teaspoon of dried basil leaves
- Salt to taste
For the Vegetables
Feel free to add more vegetables depending on your taste and preference.
– New potatoes, cut into small chunks
– Carrots, peeled and sliced
– Zucchini, quartered and sliced
– Mushrooms, sliced
– Broccoli florets
– Kale
Optional Ingredients for Variations
Here are some other ingredients that you can add to customize or boost the flavor of the recipe:
– Soy curls or plant-based chicken strips for extra protein
– Vegan butter for an added richness in the soup base
– Gluten-free flour if you want to make it gluten-free
The Recipe How-To
Now, let’s move to the most exciting part of this article: “The Recipe How-To.” This vegetarian chicken and dumplings soup recipe is a fabulous comfort food that will get you in the mood for fall. It is very easy and quick to prepare, as it is all made in one pot. You do not need any fancy equipment or advanced culinary skills; trust me, this recipe is perfect, even for beginners!
To begin with, gather your ingredients together. As listed under the ingredient list section, you will need a variety of vegetables such as broccoli florets, kale, zucchini, new potatoes, and carrots, plus some mushrooms if you prefer them. Make sure that you also have some vegan chicken dumplings, which can be found in most local grocery stores or online.
1. Start by Preparing Your Vegetables
Begin by washing your vegetables and cutting them into equal size chunks. Make sure to peel your potatoes and carrots before dicing them. Once done, set your vegetables aside.
2. Saute Your Onions and Garlic
Heat up olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add diced onions and celery and sauté for about 3 minutes or until they become tender. Then add minced garlic cloves, stir and cook for another minute until fragrant.
3: Cook the Vegetables
Add broccoli florets, kale leaves, sliced mushrooms, diced zucchini, potatoes, diced carrots, salt to taste (about 1-2tsp), basil leaves(optional) and cook for about 5 minutes while stirring to combine well.
4: Prepare the Dumplings
In a separate bowl mix together flour (you can use gluten-free if needed) , baking powder,salt (1 tsp), vegan butter (or oil), unsweetened plant milk of your choice until just combined.
Small balls out of dough should be shaped once done so that it can easily become Golden at the top after being dropped into boiling veggie broth
5: Pop in the Dumplings
Once the vegetable mixture is finished cooking for five minutes add vegetable broth aim for % cup of water then go ahead and plop heaped tablespoonfuls of dumpling mixture on top of vegetables whilst keeping them about one inch apart.
6: Steam
Lower heat to a medium low level then cover up pot tightly with moisture not able to escape from it . Leave covered simmering pot like this for about 15-20 minutes without taking off lid so that dumplings have enough time steam properly
7: Serve Hot!
After around fifteen minutes check whether your dumplings are cooked through by pricking them with toothpick or fork to see if they are light fluffy inside(outside should already show golden crust!). If you serve immediately after cooking dish will have optimum flavor but it can also be stored overnight refrigerated
Substitutions and Variations
One of the best things about cooking is the flexibility to customize recipes to suit personal preferences and dietary requirements. Here are a few substitutes and variations that can be used in this vegetarian chicken and dumplings recipe for a delicious twist:
– Gluten-free version: Simply swap out the unbleached purpose flour for gluten-free flour. Make sure that the baking powder used is also gluten-free. Additionally, double check that all of other ingredients are labeled as gluten-free.
– Vegan chicken: Using tofu, soy curls or mushrooms can provide a meaty texture to your vegan chicken dumplings, so you won’t miss chicken in this recipe.
– Vegetable dumplings: For those who don’t particularly enjoy dumplings made with flour, try using sliced zucchini or boiled broccoli florets to give it an extra punch of nutrition.
– Different vegetables: Another variation is to switch out some of the vegetables used in this recipe to make it your own. I recommend trying diced sweet potato, green beans, or sliced bell peppers.
– Change up the broth: If you want to enhance the richness of the broth, try using mushroom broth instead of vegetable broth. Or if you’re looking for a heartier taste use chicken style vegetable broth or try adding vegan butter.
These substitutions and variations certainly keep the dish interesting and they give you a lot of room for creativity in your own vegan kitchen. By switching up even one ingredient, you will transform this classic comfort food recipe into something uniquely yours.
Serving and Pairing
Picture this: You’re sitting down at your table, and the steam from the hearty bowl of Vegetarian Chicken and Dumplings Recipe made with fresh, nutrient-rich produce is wafting up to your nose. The veggie dumplings are nestled in a flavorful herb-based broth, and you can’t wait to dig in.
In terms of serving suggestions, there are plenty of fantastic options. You might choose to sprinkle some fresh basil leaves on top of your dumplings for an added burst of flavor, or pair it with a light salad made with kale and zucchini to complement the warmth of the soup. New potatoes could make an excellent side dish, as could steamed broccoli florets.
If you’re serving up this recipe as a meal on its own, then it has everything you need to fill you up and keep you satisfied. But if you want to add another layer of deliciousness, why not try pairing it with some crusty bread? That way, you can mop up all the broth that’s left over and enjoy every last bite.
This comforting vegan chicken soup is perfect for any occasion – whether it’s a cozy night in or a family dinner gathering. It’s also versatile enough to suit various dietary requirements — gluten-free or vegan-friendly — so nobody has to miss out on the fun. So go ahead, dish up and enjoy!
Make-Ahead, Storing and Reheating
One of the great things about this vegetarian chicken and dumplings recipe is that it can easily be made in advance and stored for later. In fact, I highly recommend making extra to have leftovers to enjoy throughout the week.
To make ahead, prepare the recipe as directed and allow it to cool completely. Then, transfer it into an airtight container and store it in the refrigerator for up to 3 days or in the freezer for up to 3 months.
When you’re ready to enjoy your pre-made meal, simply reheat it in a saucepan over medium heat until heated through. You may need to add a little extra vegetable broth or water, depending on how thick or thin you prefer your soup to be.
If you have leftover dumplings, store them separately from the soup in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, steam the dumplings on a stovetop steamer basket until heated through.
It’s important to note that because this recipe contains dumplings, they will absorb some of the liquid if stored together in the fridge or freezer. So, you may need to add more vegetable broth or water when reheating.
Overall, this vegetarian chicken and dumplings recipe is a great option for those looking for comforting and delicious meals that can be made ahead of time and enjoyed throughout the week.
Tips for Perfect Results
Making the perfect vegetarian chicken and dumplings recipe requires attention to detail and some expert tips. Here are some tricks to ensure your dish comes out delicious every time.
First, make sure you’re using fresh ingredients. When vegetables and herbs have lost their potency, your dish won’t taste as flavorful. Use fresh basil leaves and garlic to add a burst of flavor to the broth.
When making the dumplings, handle them gently. Over-mixing or kneading can result in tough dumplings. When dropping them into the simmering broth, use a spoon to gently scoop up a tablespoon sized portion and drop it carefully into the pot.
For added nutrition, add broccoli florets, kale, zucchini, new potatoes and carrots to the soup. These vegetables will lend additional texture and taste to the recipe.
If you want to make this dish gluten-free, switch out regular flour for gluten-free flour in the dumpling recipe. You can also use rice flour or almond flour if preferred.
Another tip is to use unsweetened plant milk instead of dairy milk. It’s a simple swap that helps make this dish vegan-friendly.
Lastly, simmer the soup slowly. Don’t rush the process by increasing heat or boiling too vigorously. The slow cooking method allows all of the flavors to blend together harmoniously.
With these tips in mind, you’re sure to create a knockout vegetarian chicken and dumplings recipe that will leave everyone satisfied and blissfully comforted.
Bottom Line
In conclusion, this vegetarian chicken and dumplings recipe is a perfect comfort food for vegans out there who want to have a taste of traditional chicken soup without the use of animal products. It’s easy to make, delicious, and perfect for colder days. With the right substitutions, you can make it gluten-free or adjust it according to your taste preference.
By substituting real chicken with vegan chicken, this recipe can provide the same amount of protein, nutrients and flavor as its meat-containing counterpart. In fact, you might be able to convince even non-vegans to try it and become converts.
Not only is this recipe environmentally friendly and ethical, but it’s also fulfilling and satisfying in a way that only comfort food can be. Furthermore, you don’t have to worry about missing out on flavor because the ingredients perfectly complement each other.
So what are you waiting for? Grab your apron, head to the kitchen and give this vegetarian chicken and dumplings recipe a try. Your tastebuds, ethics and environmental conscience will thank you for it!
Vegetarian Chicken and Dumplings Recipe
Ingredients
- 16 ounces tofu (I prefer 1 package of Veat Chik'n Nuggets, or chicken substitute of your choice)
- 8 ounces cream of mushroom soup (Imagine Foods makes a brand I like, or you can use cream of whatever-suits-you-best)
- 1 quart vegetable broth (or more) or 4 cups water, plus 2 cubes of boullion (or more)
- 3 mushrooms, quartered
- 2 carrots, chopped in chunks
- 5 new potatoes, quartered
- 1 zucchini, chopped in large pieces
- 4 leaves kale, shredded
- 2 cups broccoli florets
- garlic
- herbes de provence or Italian herb seasoning
- 2 dried red chilies, crushed
- salt and pepper
- dumplings
- 1 cup flour
- 2 teaspoons baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup basil leaves, shredded
- 1/2 cup cream of mushroom soup
- 1/4 cup water
Instructions
- Add broth and cream of mushroom soup (minus 1/2 cup reserved for the dumplings) to a large soup pot.
- Bring to a simmer, and add chik'n, potatoes and carrots. Simmer for 10 minutes or until potatoes are just tender.
- While simmering, put flour, baking powder and salt in a bowl.
- Add shredded basil leaves and soup to flour blend and mix well.
- If dough is too dry add up to 1/4 cup more water.
- Add broccoli, kale, and zucchini to soup pot. Stir well, then add dumplings by the spoonful. Cover and simmer for 15 minutes.
- Buen Provecho!
Add Your Own Notes
Nutrition
Recommended Recipes Just For You
Jolo is a talented chef and food blogger with a passion for vegan and Caribbean flavors. From savory vegetarian dishes to tropical smoothies, Jolo’s Kitchen has something for everyone. Whether you’re looking for meat-free meals or creative Caribbean recipes, Jolo’s Kitchen is the perfect place for you.